Take a moment to escape, indulge and soak in the best hot pools in New Zealand. Both in the snow in winter, and on a warm evening in summer, a visit to one of the best hot springs is a must-do in New Zealand. We have tons of them and there’s a wonderful variety in this list. Check out the luxurious springs, the private hot tubs, and the natural thermal pools. Turn your phone off and soak for hours in these awe-inspiring New Zealand hot springs and pools.
1. Tekapo Springs
Hot Springs nestled in the pristine, mountainous environment of Lake Tekapo. The Tekapo Springs are the perfect all-day experience with three hot pools, steam and sauna rooms and a day spa. Looking to bring the whole family? No worries. There’s an aqua play area with a few cooler pools as well. What makes Tekapo Springs truly special is the lake, mountain and forest views. You’ll never want to leave. Check out their stargazing experience so you can soak and awe at the night sky all in one!
2. The Lost Spring
Talk about a natural oasis. The Lost Spring is tucked away in Whitianga, Coromandel. The Coromandel is already paradise, but The Lost Spring will transport you to the isolated island retreat of your dreams. These are geo-thermal pools with mineral water that’s 16,000 years old! It emerges from over 660 meters below ground to form the pure, devine springs that we know and love. Try one of their many cocktails or mocktails and a tasty platter poolside. Their spa treatments are also the perfect pre-soak experience. Plus, there’s a cave! Pure magic.
3. Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is the heart of Hanmer Springs. This resort town is just 90 minutes from Christchurch, and a great addition to your South Island adventure. With a variety of thermal, sulphur and rock pools, you’ll easily spend a full weekend enjoying Hanmer Springs. Gorgeous Redwood trees and a mountainous backdrop make these hot pools ultra special. Go for the mineral-filled hot pools, stay for the wild aquatic rides and slides!
4. Onsen Hot Pools
Cedar-lined hot tubs, private rooms and ridiculously beautiful views of the Shotover River Canyon; it’s easy to see why Onsen Hot Pools are one of the most popular must-do’s in Queenstown. Tucked away in Arthurs Point, just 10 minutes drive from Queenstown, these are some of New Zealand’s most scenic and special hot pools. Immerse yourself in the alpine scenery with the retractable roof, that you can control at the touch of a button! Whether you opt for a day or night time soak, this tranquil experience will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated.
Check out more on Queenstown in The 12 Most Instagrammable Spots in Queenstown.
5. Omarama Hot Tubs
Here is a beautiful hot tub experience in the South Island. Omamara is a small town just south of Twizel. It’s the perfect place to stop the clock, wind down and soak. Your tub has pure New Zealand Water, straight off the surrounding mountains and heated to perfection with locally sourced wood. The night sky is incredible in this neck of the woods, so a night time experience at Omarama Hot Pools is just as spectacular as a daytime soak.
6. Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
When travelling along the rugged West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, a stop in Franz Josef at the Glacier Hot Pools is a must. This tranquil haven is surrounded in rainforest, that the three main pools seamlessly sit within. These South Island hot pools feel like the ultimate West Coast experience. Private hot pools are an option here too.
Be sure to check the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools website for opening hours as they are temporarily closed for winter 2021.
7. Polynesian Spa
This list wouldn’t be complete without this one. Polynesian Spa in Rotorua takes geo-thermal hot springs in New Zealand to a whole other level. Only a 5-minute walk from central Rotorua, this is paradise right in the heart of this geothermal town. Their hot mineral waters are sourced from two natural springs, making the Polynesian Spa a very therapeutic, relaxing experience.
8. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Park those day-to-day pressures and treat yourself to an adventure in this thermal wonderland. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are as natural as it gets, with water straight from the Te Manaroa Spring. It’s not treated with chemicals and it’s never recycled back into the pools. A beautifully pure hot pools experience. Waikite Valley is also completely stunning. You’ll love overlooking a boiling stream and soaking amongst the native bush.
9. Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Rotorua is well-known for it’s hot pools, mud baths and natural hot springs. Secret Spot Hot Tubs are a fantastic way to tick hot pools in New Zealand off your list, with one hour sessions in a totally private setting. Plus, we love the name! These red cedar hot tubs lend a lovely woody fragrance to the experience, and their secluded ‘secret’ spots among the ferns make for a memorable soak. Secret Spot is only a short drive from the center of Rotorua, but you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across a remote gem.
10. Maruia Hot Springs
Looking for a luxury retreat? This one’s for you. Maruia Hot Springs is perfectly propped among the Southern Alps on the Lewis Pass in the South Island. This unique place reminds us of the restorative power of soaking in natural hot springs. Think secluded, serene and special. Their picturesque natural hot springs may have landed them on this list, but their day spa and retreat experiences are worth noting too.
Cover Image Credit: Omarama Hot Tubs
