New Zealand is known for its adventure travel experiences, but once your adventures are done, unwind by relaxing in one of New Zealand’s many hot pools – whether free options such as Hot Water Beach in Coromandel or luxurious resorts with multiple offerings.
Here’s our guide for enjoying New Zealand‘s natural hot pools (known as waiariki). Soak and unwind in these rejuvenating hot springs.
1. Relax in the Water
New Zealand’s hot pools offer an ideal way to unwind while taking in stunning scenery. Ranging from natural geothermal hot pools in breathtaking natural environments, to hot tubs with stunning mountain views – there is sure to be one just right for you. So come discover where your ideal hot pool awaits – in New Zealand and elsewhere around the globe!
Experience an unforgettable trip at Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa, which offers an immersive Japanese onsen experience. Relax in your own private hot pool (for up to five people), choose from indoor/outdoor pools that complement nature, or indulge yourself with massages and luxurious treatments at their day spa – you won’t leave disappointed.
Kerosene Creek Hot Springs are another incredible spot for relaxing, and are New Zealand’s only natural thermal hot spring where bathing besides a waterfall is free to experience. Truly unique!
DeBretts Hot Springs in Taupo provides another excellent family-friendly destination with its huge hot pool park of natural and artificial pools, perfect for relaxing after an adventuresome hike or other activity. This family-friendly experience makes an excellent place for rejuvenation after participating in physical pursuits like mountain climbing.
2. Soak in the Sun
New Zealand is a hotbed of geothermal activity, yet its natural pools and thermal springs don’t just consist of boiling mudpots and geysering geysers. Instead, you can find numerous spots offering soothing mineral waters ranging from commercially operated spots to free spots surrounded by cascading waterfalls and native bush.
Though you could easily visit hot pools on your own, a guided tour may make the experience even more relaxing and hassle-free. Consider a tour from Christchurch to He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools where you’ll spend several hours lounging in natural thermal pools while taking in breathtaking Glacier Country scenery.
An additional option would be a visit to Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa near Queenstown. This high-end day spa features 14 cedar-lined tubs that can seat four and feature cinematic views of Shotover River below – day or night, you’ll soak while admiring red Shotover Jet boats pass by, while nights bring twinkling stars.
Make the most of your experience at Maruia Hot Springs by staying on-site in one of their lodge rooms, glamping pods or campsites which offer access to hot pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as daily guided yoga and meditation classes. Or book in for sunrise or sunset soaks accompanied by mocktails and guided mindfulness sessions before enjoying dinner at their restaurant!
3. Relax in a Hot Tub
New Zealand’s geothermal hot springs are world renowned for their soothing waters and spectacular views, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe to soak their muscles after thrilling adventures such as jumping off bungy platforms or hiking up its mountains peaks. Take time out from all that physical exertion by relaxing your body with soothing hydrotherapy in one of its geothermal hot tubs!
New Zealand offers many unique places for relaxation and rejuvenation, from lakes filled with artificial lakes to private outdoor hot tubs tucked among native ferns – everything from free experiences at parks or beaches, to more extravagant resort experiences.
Are you in search of an unforgettable hot tub experience with beautiful views in Queenstown’s adventure capital? Visit Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa, offering various soaking packages such as their Day Retreat package that provides access to their complex of onsen hot pools and thermal facilities.
Hanmer Springs may be more commercial than other options, but it remains an excellent destination for families traveling with young children. There are a range of more relaxing experiences at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Area including mud pools, natural mineral pools and thermal streams to discover. Or head out on Tokaanu Thermal Walk for some breathtaking scenery without all of the crowds!
4. Take a Massage
Hot springs have long been recognized for their healing powers, and New Zealand is no exception. While well known for thrilling adventure activities like skydiving and bungee jumping, New Zealand also boasts relaxing hot pools which can help soothe sore muscles after hiking or jet boating trips.
New Zealand is an active geothermal region, home to boiling mud pits and spurting geysers as well as natural hot springs and pools that offer soothing warmth ranging from full-scale commercial operations with poolside bars and hydroslides, to free spots nestled among cascading waterfalls or native bush.
Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa offer stunning mountain peaks as a backdrop. Mangatutu Hot Springs near Taupo offer another thermal soaker option; here, private mineral pools sit alongside public ones to offer a unique mix of thermal water combined with sea water for relaxation.
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools on Great Barrier Island can be difficult to access; they’re situated near Lewis Pass and make for the ideal way to take in New Zealand’s breathtaking mountain landscapes. Book a 90-minute massage while there and really unwind!