Natural hot springs, geothermal pools and solar-heated rainwater – New Zealand’s decadently rich array of hot pools offers everything from luxe and exquisitely curated to those harnessing the power of Mother Nature.
With winter dips adding an extra frisson of enjoyment, we’ve put together a list of our favourites from around the country, as part of our regular Great 8 series.
North Island
Wai Ariki Hot Springs (Rotorua)
Elevating luxury hot pool experiences to a new level, Wai Ariki offers a bespoke restorative journey like no other. It’s definitely not the least expensive hot pool option, but it’s certainly one to remember and cherish. Make your way at your own leisure through waterfall showers, fire and ice caves, lake view pools, a herbal pool, ice plunge pool, geothermal mud lounge and steam room. It’s the ultimate menu of hot and cold delights. Private geothermal pools can be booked and it’s also well worth considering a bespoke treatment in the Spa Sanctuary (we recommend the Āhuru Mōwai + Mirimiri Wai Ariki signature massage and bathing).
Te Waiariki Ngawha Hot Springs (Kaikohe, Northland)
A true culturally immersive experience, this special location continues to embrace the healing properties of the local hot spring water, enjoyed by generations of local iwi. With 16 individual mineral baths to wander between, each boasts its own natural temperature (and colour depending on the presence of minerals), allowing you to embrace the naturally restorative earth minerals. Choose from a balmy 19° to sizzing 45° and opt for the temperatures you personally prefer. Open from Wednesday-Sunday for five two-hour sessions daily (between 7am-9pm), booking ahead is highly recommended.
The Lost Spring (Whitianga)
Carefully sculpted geothermal pools surrounded by native bush, with poolside food and drinks service – what’s not to love!? Featuring a swim-in crystal cave, lush plantings and natural spring water with temperatures ranging from 32°-41°, this is an absolute treasure trove experience, just minutes from Whitianga town. The geothermal pools are open Thursday-Sunday from 9.30am-9pm and there’s also a Day Spa and restaurant (with lagoon views) onsite if you fancy booking in for a more extreme day (or two) of pampering.
Te Aroha Mineral Spas
Renowned since the 1800s for its natural mineral water and healing properties, the historic Te Aroha Mineral Spas continues that tradition today. Overlooking the picturesque Edwardian Domain, visitors can choose from small private rooms with wooden tubs, or a stainless-steel spa option, each with its own changing area. Nestled at the base of Mount Te Aroha, it’s the perfect recovery from a walk up to Whakapipi Lookout, with views of Hauraki Plains. Book ahead to enjoy the massage menu, which includes traditional Swedish massage and Indian head massage.
South Island
Hamner Springs
Relax in the silky-smooth sulphur pools and natural rock pools of New Zealand’s largest thermal reserve and water park. Hanmer Springs is also arguably one of the country’s best-known and most iconic hot pool attractions and for good reason. Quiet private pools can be enjoyed at leisure, ideal for loosening up tired muscles and invigorating skin, along with sauna suites (enhanced with eucalyptus oil) and steam suites. There’s a seemingly endless array of choices with a total of 22 pools, each with its own unique offering. Geothermally heated pools range from a relaxing 32°C up to 42°C and for those who really feel the chill, you’ll appreciate the new underfloor heating in the main changing rooms!
Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Soak and stargaze in tandem at New Zealand’s only guided hot pool and stargazing experience. Enjoy being guided around the magnificent Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve while relaxing on a floating hammock, all in an alpine environment 720 metres above sea level. A truly unique experience well worth the effort, Tekapo Springs pristine setting includes three hot pools (one adults only), a deep pool and a kid’s aqua play area with interactive features. Each pool has benched seating around it so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. The hottest pool, Tekapo, is an adults-only space. If you like to mix adrenaline and relaxation, there’s also mini golf, an ice-skating rink and a snow tube park to add into the mix!
Onsen Hot Pools (Queenstown)
Embrace potentially the most extreme tranquillity on offer, with panoramic alpine views and cedar-lined hot pools overlooking the Shotover River. The Onsen complex is the perfect marriage of Japanese bathing traditions and spectacular New Zealand scenery. Alongside the luxury day spa treatments available are 14 cedar-lined hot pools (each can comfortably accommodate up for four adults), as well as private oval tubs for those who prefer a bespoke soak and spa experience. Trained therapists on are hand to personalise your soak with bath scents or salts for those opting for a treatment experience.
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa (Canterbury)
It’s hard to decide where to award the gold star first – to the spectacular Southern Alps landscape, magical solar warmed pools, poolside bar and floating hampers, or the 38°C adult-exclusive Tranquillity Pools. Then there’s the lazy river, cave and observation pools. Heated using solar energy and filled with pristine water from the Rakaia River, it’s an environmentally conscious choice for those looking to relax in nature’s embrace. Float away in bliss in this award-winning and beautifully crafted environment. Bookings are recommended.
