Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire, it's no wonder we have an affinity with hot water. Lucky then that we have an almost endless supply of spots across the country to immerse ourselves in a warming soak, be it in a man-made hot pool or natural hot spring.
Here's where to find the absolute best hot pools New Zealand has to offer, by location.
Jump to:
- Best Hot Pools Near Auckland
- Best Hot Pools Near Rotorua
- Best Hot Pools Near Taupo
- Best Hot Pools Near Canterbury
- Best Hot Pools Near The West Coast
- Best Hot Pools Near Otago
Best Hot Pools In The North Island
Best Hot Pools Near Auckland
The Tepid Baths
100 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD | $
Built over 100 years ago and refurbished in 2012, ‘The Teps’ is the most historic hot pool in Tāmaki Makaurau. Despite its name, it has two pools, a hot pool, a steam room and a sauna. Plus, a water wheelchair is available for those with accessibility needs.
Parakai Springs
150 Parkhurst Road, Parakai, Auckland | $$
Parakai Springs is a stalwart of the Auckland hot pool scene, and is now the only spot in Tāmaki where you can follow a calming dip with a zoom down a hydroslide (RIP Waiwera). This, in combination with it's humongous, gently sloping open-air heated swimming pool, makes it an especially perfect spot for families (though Mum and Dad might like to know there are also private spas and an adults-only pool onsite).
Kaitoke Hot Springs
Great Barrier Island | Free
Right off the shore of Auckland, Kaitoke Hot Springs on Great Barrier Island is simply a ferry away. Begin at Kaitoke Hot Springs Track, where you’ll wander through beautifully lush New Zealand bush along the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp, and cross the Kaitoke Stream. Dammed at a fork in the Kaitoke Creek, among low-hanging trees and smooth rock clusters, you’ll find a series of shallow hot pools awaiting your visit.
Hot Water Beach
Pye Place, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel | Free
In true Kiwi spirit, you can bring a shovel and dig up your own natural hot pool. Scour the stretch of Hot Water Beach for the best ocean-side spot and dig away to your heart’s content—now that’s what we call #DIY. Best visited two hours either side of low tide, locals recommend an early get-up to witness a serene Coro sunrise, while also beating the oncoming crowd. This spot may be a little off-the-beaten-track for some, but we reckon that's a small price to pay for one of the best natural hot pools New Zealand has to offer.
Best Hot Pools Near Rotorua
The Polynesian Spa
1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua | $$$
Image credit: Polynesian Spa | Supplied
Rotorua is truly a geothermal wonderland, and The Polynesian Spa is just another reason why. One of the best hot pools in New Zealand, if you're wanting to elevate your hot pool experience a visit to this spa is a must. With two hot springs feeding a mind-boggling 28 mineral pools, all you'll be required to do is sit back, relax and let the calming waters soothe your soul.
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Fernland Spa
250 Cambridge Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga | $$
Splash around in the main thermal pool or pop into a private open roof ‘bubbly pool’ for pure indulgence. Want to make a week of it? You can—Fernland Spa has camping and other accommodation on-site, plus massages, a gentle water exercise class on Wednesdays and easy access to walking and cycling trails.
Manupirua Springs Hot Pools
Manupirua Bay, Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua | $$
Eight mineral hot pools perch on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, accessible only by sea or air. Legend has it the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools were made warm by two sisters, Kuwaiti and Haungaroa, who were on a quest to save their brother from freezing to death on Mt Tongariro. Once you’re ready for a refresh you can take a slide—no joke—into the refreshing waters of Lake Rotoiti.
The Lost Spring
121A Cook Drive, Whitianga | $$$
Image credit: The Lost Spring | Supplied
For a whimsical hot water experience, head to The Lost Spring and soak in mineral waters—that reach up to 41 degrees in some pools—from a 16,000-year-old spring located 667 metres below ground. Complete with a tree-top day spa, restaurant, poolside service, a crystal cave and native bush surrounds this is one magical place.
Te Aroha Mineral Spas
5B Boundary Street, Te Aroha | $$
Te Aroha’s silky mineral water has been celebrated for its healing properties since the 1800s. Located at the foot of Mount Te Aroha you’ll relax in a private wooden tub, adjusting the temperature to your liking. Pair with a massage or beauty treatment for ultimate relaxation or, if you’re in the mood for romance, you can upgrade to a candlelit spa complete with NZ-made chocolates and a teddy or rose. Definitely one of the best hot pools in New Zealand.
Opal Hot Springs
257 Okauia Springs Road, Okauia | $
Another Waikato gem is Matamata’s Opal Hot Springs. This place includes a holiday park if you want to stay the night. To reap the benefits of a mineral spring you’ll need to head to their Ramaroa pool—a private outdoor mineral pool by the river which is surrounded by native ferns and bamboo. Bliss.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua | $$
Image credit: Secret Spot Hot Tubs | Website
Maybe you’ve just done your dash on a mountain bike track or you’re in the mood for some R 'n’ R. Whatever the reason, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is the place for you (AND one of the most 'grammable on this list). Unwind among the tree ferns, soaking in your very own red cedar hot tub, craft bevvy of choice in hand. Wishing you’d brought your togs? They’ve got you—Secret Spot offers towel and swimwear hire. Choice.
Hell’s Gate
351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua | $$$
Enriched mud and mineral waters bring heaven to Hell’s Gate. Marvel at the dramatic landscape—with its erupting waters, land coral and active mud volcano—then take part in an ancient, healing beauty ritual. You’ll bathe in geothermal mud then soak in the sulphur mineral spas, finishing off with a refresh in the plunge pool. Bliss.
Kerosene Creek And Mud Pool
Kerosene Creek, Old Waiotapu Road, Rotorua | Free
Perhaps one of the most popular hot pools in the North Island, Kerosene Creek is well worth the mission (read: adventure) to get there. Enjoy a thermal swim that will ease away your aches and pains, while totally immersed in the surroundings of Mother Nature–a truly zen experience. This naturally formed hot pool sits next to a waterfall of cascading thermal water, also featuring a corrugated iron changing shed—a little piece of good ol’ Kiwiana.
Kawhia Springs
3331 Te Puia Road, Kawhia | Free
One of Hamilton and Waikato’s acclaimed hidden gems, Kawhia Springs offers the likes of Hot Water Beach, where low tide welcomes you to clamber over sand dunes, find a spot on the beach, and start digging your very own natural hot pool—with magnificent views to match. Rich in Maori heritage and an untouched essence of nature—the tranquil beachside town, home of Kawhia Springs, offers the ultimate getaway for visitors and locals alike.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs And Spa
1047 Whakaue Street, Rotorua | $$$
TLC is the name of the game at Wai Ariki, where deeply restorative, mineral-rich waters await. Owned and curated by local iwi with a passion for Maori culture, healing traditions and warm hospitality, this spot offers a number of thermal experiences (as well as wider spa offerings) that will give rest to the weary, including private bathing overlooking Lake Rotorua. Whoever said heaven is a place on earth, had clearly spent some time here.
Best Hot Pools Near Taupo
Otumuheke Stream
Taupō | Free
Treat yourself to a gentle (free) massage under the waterfall, or soak in the geothermal hot spring as you watch the crystal-clear waters of the mighty Waikato River race you by. Located amidst the wonders of Taupō’s Spa Park, Otumuheke Stream is an easy 25-minute walk from Taupō town centre. Keep an eye out for steam near the shore to find a lesser-known hot spring nestled midway along the waterfront, where you may find spots of warm water to bathe in.
Mangatutu Hot Springs
Makahu Road, Puketitiri | Free
Just a 90-minute drive from Napier township is Kaweka Forest Park. Follow the track down the cliff and you’ll find the Mangatutu Hot Springs—man-made tiered hot pools fed by thermal springs overlooking the river-a perfect spot for a soak. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a deer (making the trek to get there even more worthwhile).
Wairakei Terraces
671 Wairakei Drive, Wairakei, Taupō | $
The mud and silica waters found in the Wairakei Terraces have been used for healing purposes by Maori since their discovery hundreds of years ago. The minerals in the pools encourage relaxation and rejuvenation, with some people believing the minerals are particularly healing for people with skin diseases and arthritic and rheumatic ailments. Wairakei Terraces has striking blue therapeutic pools to rest and recover in, as well as self-guided tours around the hissing geysers. There is a human-made geyser, fed by superheated fluids from depths of more than one-and-a-half kilometres with pressures of 250 thousand pounds per square inch. Watch as the water flows into the sparkling blue pools before cascading over the terraces, depositing silica to form phenomenal terraces.
Mangatainoka Hot Springs
Hawke's Bay | Free
Just 100m up the road and a four-hour tramp from Mangatutu are the Mangatainoka Hot Springs—two small fibreglass baths surrounded by decking. These hot pools may be a quaint pair, but come nightfall it’s a great spot for star-gazing and spotting glow worms.
Best Hot Pools In The South Island
Best Hot Pools Near Canterbury
Hot Tubs Omarama
29 Omarama Avenue Main, Twizel Highway, Omarama
Image credit: Hot Tubs Omarama | Supplied
Slip into a blissfully hot—or cool in summer—tub at Hot Tubs Omarama and prepare to be swept away by the pure beauty of the upper Waitaki/Mackenzie Country scenery before you. Filled with pure mountain water just for you—and with no chemicals added—relax in the knowledge that even after you've finished bathing, the water you have used will be funnelled away to further irrigate the land. Now that's sustainability at its finest. Linger awhile in the region with these rad accommodation options.
He Puna Taimoana
195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch | $
Sitting on the edge of New Brighton Bridge He Puna Taimoana is a 2020-new set of hot saltwater pools, complete with a 2m deep plunge pool, steam room, sauna, cafe and heated changing rooms. That’s right: heated. The luxury.
Tekapo Springs
300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo | $$$
Image credit: Tekapo Springs | Website
Introducing one of the country's most stunning hot pool experiences, where you can soak in the stars from a floating hammock with the Tekapo Star Gazing guided tour. Combining floating front-row seats to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with a 37.5-degree hot pool this is an out-of-this-world experience. Fun fact: the mineral waters are drawn from an underground alpine spring two kilometres west of Tekapo, and heated using two sustainable heat transfer systems.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs| $$
With more than 15 outdoor pools, spas and waterslides on offer, Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's largest thermal hot pool. You'll find this picturesque spot just 90 minutes from Christchurch, tucked away in the South Island high country. Prepare to relax because the benefits of natural mineral waters and crisp Southern air are at your fingertips and a slew of spa treatments are available. However, if you're a big kid at heart, take to the waterslides and put your adrenaline to the test.
Maruia Hot Springs
1513 State Highway 7, Lewis Pass | $$$
Located amongst the scenic beauty of Lewis Pass National Park, this thermal eco-wellness spot is the ultimate South Island retreat. Immerse yourself in another world as you relax in nature’s very own sanctuary, with breathtaking views of the neighbouring Southern Alps and sounds of the nearby river passing. Maruia Hot Springs is truly an embodiment of mind, body and soul, as you find yourself placed at ease by the gentle thermal waters, soft steam and soothing aromas. What's best? You can extend the good vibes by booking into the accommodation on site, complete with restaurant and cafe.
Best Hot Pools Near The West Coast
Welcome Flat Hot Pools
Westland Tai Poutini National Park | Free
Accessed via an 18km tramping track, Welcome Flat Hot Pools are reserved for the most dedicated hot water aficionados. You may need to put in some serious steps to get here, but the snow-capped peaks and native forest surrounds mean you’re in for one helluva view once you’ve made it. Book into the nearby DOC hut or campsite to stay overnight, and always check the weather before heading off.
Waiho Hot Tubs
64 Cron Street, Central Village, Franz Josef | $$$
Wooed by the idea of a wood-fired hot tub? You’re in luck. Thanks to Waiho Hot Tubs you can book a private, wood-fired hot tub in a beautiful natural wilderness, living your good life in the smoky waters of the Waiho River. It's said the river was formed from frozen tears, cried by Hinehukatere when she witnessed her beloved fall to his death while mountain-climbing.
Best Hot Pools Near Otago
Onsen Hot Pools
160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown | $$$
Image credit: Onsen Hot Pools | Queenstown NZ
Allow us to introduce you to one of the most Instagram-worthy hot pools NZ has to offer. Overlooking the Shotover River alongside spectacular alpine views, Onsen Hot Pools is the perfect break from the action-packed thriller that is Queenstown. Incredibly beautiful, luxurious and romantic—enjoy a private cedar-lined hot pool, featuring retracting picture windows designed to transcend your setting from indoors to outdoors, at the touch of a single button. Most popular during the day and at sunset, Onsen Hot Pools also offer packages from the likes of aromatherapy burners to complimentary glasses of bubbly—adding a lil’ extra to an already promising experience. A definite front-runner for the best
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Main image credit: Waiho Hot Tubs | Tourism NZ
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