The idea of submerging into natural hot springs inspires thoughts of instant relief from pain, stress, anxiety and just about anything else you can think of that ails you. The second thought after the ultimate renewal offered by natural hot springs is probably, New Zealand.
New Zealand is an absolute (excuse the pun) reservoir of hot pools. Sitting on a geothermal fault line causes a lot of geothermal activity across the Country creating hot pools in the North and South Islands. You’ll find hot pools from Auckland to Christchurch and plenty in between. New Zealand has a great mix of free thermal hot pools as well as some paid resorts. From digging your own hot pool on the beach to kicking back in spa resort, once you land on your favourite grab a holiday house or bach as the kiwi’s call them Search and Stay and make your way through this list of 10 of New Zealand’s best hot springs and pools.
POLYNESIAN SPA – ROTORUA
The Polynesian Spa in Rotorua is one of the finest in the country and is recognized as one of the top 10 spas in the world. Rotorua is widely known as New Zealand’s geothermal capital, book a holiday house in Rotorua on Search and Stay and experience wellness sourced from Rotorua’s very own geothermal backyard. Renowned for its healing waters and decadent spa therapies discover why people have flocked to these waters since the 1800s. Waters from two natural springs are fed into the 28 mineral pools at Polynesian Spa. The slightly acidic Priest Spring relieves tired muscles, aches, and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish the skin.
KEROSENE CREEK – ROTORUA
As New Zealand’s geothermal capital, it’s perhaps no surprise that there are hot springs aplenty. If you are on a budget and don’t want to splash out for the world-class treatment at Polynesian Spa, you can always take a trip down to Kerosene Creek. Located out near Wai-O-Tapu, Kerosene Creek is definitely a great option if you prefer something a bit more ‘au naturel’. The geothermally heated creek features a really cool two metre high waterfall which is great for bathers to sit under.
PARAKAI HOT SPRINGS – AUCKLAND
If you book holiday accommodation in Auckland on Search and Stay, just over 90 minutes north is the Parakai Springs resort. With two large main pools, an indoor pool heated to 40°C and an outdoor pool heated to 32°C with a gently-sloping beach area for young children there are also two thrilling hydro slides and a beauty spa. Although great for the fam, there are private spas and an exclusive adults-only rock pool, if you want to leave the kids with someone at your Search and Stay Auckland holiday house. There are BBQ and picnic areas as well as a café and dining area. Auckland is not traditionally known for hot pools Auckland so here’s the insider tip!
HOT WATER BEACH – COROMANDEL
Hot Water Beach is one experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list and perhaps one of New Zealand’s most famous hot springs. Located in The Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach is an amazing and free experience. Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Dig your own spa pool in the sand and relax in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime! Find the right spot on the beach at low tide grab a spade and get digging. The water from the natural hot springs that runs from a rocky outcrop out to sea can get pretty hot but you can always use the seawater to cool things down.
KAWHIA SPRINGS – WAITOMO
Another one of New Zealand’s awesome free hot springs, Kawhia Springs is a great alternative if you can’t make it over to the Coromandel. The Kawhia Springs is another hot water beach, located just outside of Waitomo. Waves at the high tide are strong and soften as the tide lows, this is You need to be here at low tide to get access to the water stream. Bring a spade and dig yourself a warm bath. You really should visit the magical Waitomo Glowworm caves first and then head to Kawhia to enjoy the hot water beach.
HANMER SPRINGS – CANTERBURY
One of our favourite hot springs is located down in Canterbury in the beautiful town of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer Springs is an hour and a half north of Christchurch, nestled in the Southern Alps. Amid the stunning backdrop of the snowcapped peaks. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa The best place to indulge, with a range of 22 outdoor thermal pools including the new cascades, relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles - at a range of temperatures. Make your way around the variety of hot pools of varying temperatures, the aqua therapy areas or really treat yourself with a luxury spa package.
SPA THERMAL PARK – TAUPO
Another one of New Zealand’s amazing free hot springs, the Spa Thermal Park in Taupo Warm geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River creating a hot spot where bathers can relax in healing mineral water.
Located near the Taupo bungy site, the spa is a popular spot where the free pools feature mini waterfalls fabulous for the full-body submersion experience. For those brave enough, dip a toe in the crystal-clear and freezing waters of the Waikato River.
WELCOME FLAT HOT POOLS – WEST COAST
If the 7 hour tricky and sometimes dangerous hike doesn’t dissuade you Welcome Flat Hot Pools are well worth the visit. Located on the Copland River near the Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island, these four pools of varying temperatures dug from a mud fan offer one of the best views in the country. The Welcome Flat Hot Pools are settled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks and native forest. In November you can sit in the pools and watch avalanches cascading down the opposite face.
GLACIER HOT POOLS – FRANZ JOSEF
If on the West Coast and the trek to the Welcome Flat Pools isn’t of interest then head to Franz Josef. In Franz Josef, is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village, you’ll find the aptly named Glacier Hot Pools. Nestled in lush rainforest, the Glacier Hot Pools are a great way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring up high on the Franz Josef Glacier. With three main hot pools as well as a selection of private pools, there are plenty of options to kick back and relax and rejuvenate aching muscles.
TEKAPO SPRINGS – TEKAPO
If you are into stargazing, then Tekapo Springs is probably the best place in New Zealand to sit back and plot the night skies. In the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the clear skies found in this part of the world are like nothing else in New Zealand. Very limited light pollution means the views of the night sky seem to stretch as far as the eye can see above the beautiful Lake Tekapo. The magical experience of sitting back in the warming waters of the Tekapo Springs under the stunning night sky is exceptional. There is also an ice rink during the winter months for a bit of extra fun.
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