Michael Turner is keen to hear from members of the Christchurch Cerebral Palsy group, who are interested in a trip to Hanmer Hot pools, at the end of September or early October. Plans are well advanced, with the use of a big wheelchair van already available. Michael needs some feedback from members on whether to make it a day trip or an overnight stay.

It’s really an inexpensive and worthwhile trip,” said Michael. “The van is free - but petrol donations would be appreciated. Entry to the pools is $12 per person but if you have a KiwiAble card it's only $8 and your carer or support person would get in free. The pools have chair lifts so they are wheelchair accessible. There is a cafe at the pools and a variety of cafes and restaurants throughout the township and if we decide to stay the night there is plenty of accessible accommodation.

” The Abilities Lodge and Self Contained Units are priced at $12 and $15 per person per night.

The lodge is a 27 bed, 31 berth self contained building, designed for people with disabilities. It has five bedrooms, its own kitchen/dining area and a separate lounge with a log burner. The kitchen is equipped with pots, pans, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery for 31 people. Attached to the Abilities Lodge are two new self contained units for the disabled, with a queen bed in each unit. These units are self standing, but can be added to the lodge bedrooms with connecting doors.

The Ensor Lodge has many accessible accommodation options including the Sequoia wing which is a 40 bed accommodation building with ten separate cabins. Two cabins have a double bed and one set of bunks and are wheelchair accessible. The other eight cabins have two sets of bunks.

There is a wheelchair accessible shower and toilet attached to the building. The Larch wing has six cabins. One has a double bed and one set of bunks. The other five have two sets of bunks. The Mountain Beech wing has eight family cabins. Six of these cabins have a double bed and two sets of bunks, the other two have a double bed and one set of bunks.

“All these cabins are wheelchair accessible and have a wheelchair accessible shower/toilet attached to the building. Another option is the old, “single men’s” cabin, which contain two single beds each, said Michael. So here is a great opportunity to soak up the hot pools and leave the winter blues behind. Contact Michael ASAP Email Michael bexleymt@yahoo.co.nz or phone 03 3885299)