Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has reopened after being closed for over two months.

General manager Graeme Abbot says it is a great feeling to be able to fill the pools with happy locals and domestic tourists again.

 “It’s been very surreal having the complex completely empty these last two months. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get things ready in time for the opening and so there is certainly a sense of relief that we’ve got here.”

 Maintenance teams had measured every one of the complex’s 22 pools, to calculate the total number of people that would be able to enjoy a ‘socially distant soak’.

 In addition, the complex has new signage guiding social distancing and a new entry process, to ensure the safety of all customers.

 Graeme says Queen’s Birthday is going to be a very busy one for the team – and the village – with the pools fully booked.

 “While this is great news, our visitor numbers for the long weekend will be down by 50% on the same time last year. It also means that many people have missed out on the opportunity to visit our place. It’s really tough having to turn customers away and we’re sorry that we have to limit numbers because of guidelines.”

 “I do really want to thank everyone for their patience as we navigate new and unfamiliar territory,” says Graeme.