New Zealand has a rep for bringing the very best adrenaline-filled activities to the table - skydiving, heli hikes, jet boat rides, scenic flights and even the latest Hydro Attack Shark Boat Ride! But what’s there to do when you want to take a little breather after all that blood-pumping adventure?
There is one clear winner for the most relaxing winter activity in New Zealand - hot pools! New Zealand is literally a hotbed for geothermal action, and there are endless hot pools and hot springs resorts to pick from. Lucky you for, we’ve done the groundwork and have put together the 11 best hot pools that are all super accessible, and have also included each of their locations and entry fees!
- Hanmer Spring, Christchurch
- Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown
- Tekapo Springs, Tekapo
- Hot Tubs Omarama, Central South Island
- Maruia Hot Springs, Lewis Pass
- Polynesian Spa, Rotorua
- Hells Gate Mud Bath & Spa, Rotorua
- Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
- Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
- The Lost Spring, Whitianga, Coromandel
- Secret Spot Hot Tubs, Rotorua
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South Island
1. Hanmer Spring, Christchurch
From over six types of pools ranging from Aqua Therapy which shoots out jets of water for the perfect back massage, to the surrounding snow-capped mountains and redwood trees- you’ll be sure to feel one with nature and have a relaxing time at Hanmer Springs!
This is also a great option for families as they offer Aqua Play Pools with fountains and water slides to keep the kids busy.
- Getting There - 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs (90 min drive from Christchurch)
- Entry Fee - From $29.55
- Highlight - Enjoy single entry access or return multiple times in a day with the flexible return entry ticket with Klook
2. Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown
One of the pools with the most stunning views - Onsen Hot Pools is THE place to take a break from the Queenstown crowds and an absolute must-do. Boasting a range of idyllic cedar-lined hot pools overlooking the Shotover River, and a newly expanded day spa facility with exclusive use hot tubs, the relaxation and pampering on offer here is second to none in the region, as endorsed by recent win in the 2019 World Luxury Spa Awards.
- Getting There - 160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown (10 min drive from Queenstown)
- Entry Fee - From $78
- Highlight - Don’t even stress about transport - Klook has got you covered with a complimentary shuttle service. Opt for the evening soak to get the best sunset views!
3. Tekapo Springs, Tekapo
Set amongst a stunning environment right by the vibrant blue Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs is a slice of alpine heaven! Pick and choose from the three main pools or you could also look to do something a bit more exciting like ice skating, snow tubing or extend your stay and enjoy a sky full of stars at night!
- Getting There - 6 Lake Side Drive, Lake Tekapo (4 min drive from Tekapo)
- Entry Fee - From $15
- Highlight - Treat yourself to a spa treatment while you’re there!
4. Hot Tubs Omarama, Central South Island
If your legs are just a tad bit sore after all that hiking, or you just want to cosy up next to your significant other - you can bet that these private wood-fired hot tubs at Hot Tubs Omarama would be just the thing that you never knew you needed! Choose between a 90-minute soak in a tub or a two-hour session in a ‘wellness pod’, which includes a sauna.
- Getting There - 29 Omarama Ave (1 hour drive from Tekapo)
- Entry Fee - From $65
- Highlight - You can adjust the temperature of your private tub to your liking!
5. Maruia Hot Springs, Lewis Pass
The full day retreat at Maruia Hot Springs includes full access to all the natural mineral pools as well as the spa facilities - indoor hot pool, saunas, cold plunge, steam room and relaxation lounges! Plus, they run a selection of daily yoga and wellness classes. If you feel like a little adventure after, there are also various hiking trails surrounding the area.
- Getting There - State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, Maruia Springs (2.5 hour drive from Christchurch)
- Entry Fee - From $45
- Highlight - They offer a unique daily ‘signature sauna infusion’ guided by the resident sauna master that introduces the benefits of hot & cold contrast bathing finished with a homemade face mask- an experience not to be missed!
North Island
6. Polynesian Spa, Rotorua
The Polynesian Spa sits right at the top of our list for South Island hot pools, and rightly so as it is one of the best in the country and also located in Rotorua, New Zealand’s ‘hot spot’ for geothermal activity! You’ll have no trouble finding a bunch here- from private pools to natural hot springs.
They offer a total of 28 hot mineral baths with options to cater to any visitors, which include the deluxe Lake Spa, Adult Pools & Priest Spa, Private Pools and the Family Spa. It also has panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, need we say more?
- Getting There - 1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua (right by Rotorua)
- Entry Fee - From $17.85
- Highlight - Feeling a little peckish? We've got you covered with brekkie and also high tea combos at $50.70 on Klook
7. Hells Gate Mud Bath & Spa, Rotorua
For a truly unique experience, head on over to Hells Gate Mud Bath & Spa also in Rotorua to discover New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano! Relax in mud baths, sulphurous spas and then take a refreshing dip in the spring fed waterfall.
- Getting There - State Highway 30, Tikitere 3010 (20 min drive from Rotorua)
- Entry Fee - From $74.19
- Highlight - Did you know? Mud baths have been commended to be really good for your skin as they draw out impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis!
8. Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
Another one for the ‘unique hot pool’ books is the Hot Water Beach! You can literally dig out your own hot pool in the sand of this beach, right next to the Pacific Ocean. Kick back and relax as the naturally heated mineral water bubbles up and emerges through the golden sand - you’ll be able to check off ‘lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the sea!’
If you want a fuss-free day sorted for you - Klook offers a scenic day tour to the coastal town of Coromandel from Auckland and will include spending time at the Hot Water Beach, as well as an exploration into the native Kauri forest!
- Getting There - State Highway 30, Tikitere 3010 (20 min drive from Rotorua)
- Entry Fee - Free
- Highlight - Bring along a spade or shovel with you if you’d like to save some dough, or have the option to also hire one from local cafes along the beach
9. Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
If you’re on a budget and rather splash out on adventure activities, you should definitely check out Kerosene Creek - this geothermally heated creek features a gorgeous view of a small waterfall, and all without a fee!
- Getting There - Kerosene Creek, Old Waiotapu Road, Waiotapu 3073 (30 min drive from Rotorua)
- Entry Fee - Free
- Highlight - Get in early to get this tranquil spot to yourself before the crowds come in
10. The Lost Spring, Whitianga, Coromandel
The Lost Spring is a top spot if you’re looking for a quick escape from reality! Opt to relax in the geo-thermal pools, be pampered in the tree top day spa or dine in at the restaurant and watch all your stresses slip away by the end of the day.
- Getting There - The Lost Spring Whitianga, The Lost Spring, Whitianga, 121A Cook Drive (5 min drive from Whitianga Airport)
- Entry Fee - From $45
- Highlight - You can enjoy a cocktail while in the pool or lounge on one of the many lounge chairs while enjoying some food!
11. Secret Spot Hot Tubs, Rotorua
Enjoy an al fresco hot tub experience in the middle of the majestic Whakarewarewa forest in Rotorua at Secret Spot Hot Tubs! It is quite the place to share a a mystical experience and quiet drink with a small group, where you can soak in your very own cedar hot tub in spring water that's been cleaned, filtered and heated to a perfect 39.6 degree Celcius.
To paint a picture - the 12 tubs are secluded and set outside amongst the tree ferns, with optional umbrellas to shade from the sun or rain. At night, soak in a magical setting of lanterns amongst the beautifully lit surrounding native bush.
- Getting There - 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Waipa Valley, Rotorua (right by Rotorua)
- Entry Fee - From $38.49 for 1 Adult (up to 6 adults in 1 tub)
- Highlight - What goes well with a hot soak after a big day's adventure? A nice cold draft beer/ cider/ refreshing bevvy of your choice! Pick up your flax kete (basket) with craft beverages of your choice and enjoy it in the tub.
Looking for more ways to spend some 1:1 time with with your significant other?
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