The Government has opened its cheque book for Hanmer Springs.

Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced Government funding for the town of 3.1 million dollars for two projects.

$2.123 million will be given to the Hurunui District Council to construct a family friendly ‘Fly-Line’ tourist attraction on the popular Conical Hill at Hanmer Springs ($2 million infrastructure funding and $123,000 Provincial Growth Fund)

$977,000 will go to the Hurunui District Council to create a “world-class day spa and developments at the Thermal Pools.”

Fletcher Tabuteau says “the Fly-Line, is like a Flying-Fox without the risk, where riders will be able to glide through the forest, safely suspended in a comfortable seat under a supporting carriage that runs virtually silent on a stainless-steel track.”

“The relatively short construction time for the project means the Fly-Line can be up and running by the start of spring 2021, and it is expected that the Fly-Line will create up to 25 new jobs with $4 million of economic benefit generated to the region over the first five years of operation.”

“The PGF funded Thermal Pools and Spa expansion project involves investigating the construction of a luxury day spa on the site of the former Queen Mary Hospital and the provision of a new area of hot pools and a new hydro-slide.”

General manager Graeme Abbot says the Fly Line has the potential to become a must-do for Hanmer Springs visitors.

“This has been a dream of ours for some time and it’s great the government has decided it is a project worthy of their backing.”

The ride will take riders on an 850m-long gentle and quiet downhill ride through Conical Hill forest. Users will be strapped onto a suspended seat that peacefully glides down a stainless-steel.

“This will be a great asset for the Hanmer Springs village and help attract visitors to the entire Hurunui region.”

“We’ve seen how this operation has been received overseas and I am really looking forward to seeing how our community make it their own, in terms of the design and use.”

The ride will take nine minutes and is designed for children and anyone wanting to take in the sights – its top speed is the same as a fast walking pace but being 3-5metres above ground, the views are spectacular.

Graeme says the entire experience has been designed to have minimal impact on the natural environment.