New Zealand’s North Island and South Island are very different due to their ecological diversity. (You can read more about the differences here.) One thing that the two islands do have in common is access to thermal baths, hot pools, and hot springs. With all the hiking that you can do in the South Island, it is a great relief to hop into a hot pool after multiple days of hiking. This water is typically heated mountain and glacier water. Part of the North Island is on top of volcanic and geothermal ground and the hot springs and thermal baths here are often fed from these naturally warm mineral waters. Either way, if you want to experience the hot springs of New Zealand, you will find them throughout your vacation within the country.
Disclaimer
While Blueprint Travelers spent about three months traveling around the country, they were not able to go to every spa and hot bath on this list. However, extensive research was done to produce this list and they have indicated the ones that were unable to visit.
Tekapo Springs
Lake Tekapo
Great if it’s raining in Tekapo
This hot spring is located within Tekapo and has a beautiful view of the lake. It’s the perfect place to relax after days of hiking or on a rainy day. And they host a star gazing experience in the evenings where you can lay in the hot pools while learning about the night sky (although we recommend the experience with the Dark Sky Project.)
Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa
Queenstown
Leans luxury with spa offerings
This spa has a number of private hot pools that you can reserve for a period of time while looking over the river and mountain. The experience includes a drink and dessert all while enjoying the warm water and the beautiful view. The spa also has massage and facial treatments and options for cold plunge and steam room experiences.
Not Yet Visited by Blueprint Travelers
Omarama Hot Tubs
Between Queenstown and Christchurch
Perfect combination of nature and luxury
This spa has a number of private wood fired hot tubs located in isolated nature with beautiful views. The tubs are located throughout the property to account for privacy and give each tub a view of the mountains. You can also reserve access to a sauna. It’s a truly peaceful retreat.
Not Yet Visited by Blueprint Travelers
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
Outside of Christchurch
Family friendly pools and water park
This spa has bot thermal pools to relax in and a water park, making it the perfect combination for families. There are also private pools and saunas so you can really find something for anyone. This is perfect for larger groups or families looking for a day to enjoy the beautiful New Zealand water.
Spa Thermal Park at the Otumuheke Stream
TAupo
Free hot spring area for anyone
Right outside of Taupo is this park that includes a place where natural hot geothermal water mixes with the cold river water to create comfortable pools. You can leave your things on the built up boardwalk area along the river.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
TAupo
An adults-only mineral rich experience
This Māori-owned spa and thermal bath is located on geothermal land and utilizes the mineral rich water below to feed into four pools of varying temperatures. Beyond the pools, the location also has spa services and a geothermal walk that shows you some different features that are located around the hot pools.
Not Yet Visited by Blueprint Travelers
Various Thermal Pools and Spas in Rotorua
Rotorua
A number of options to choose from
Because of Rotorua’s location on geothermal ground, there are many different thermal spas and hot pools that utilize the water and heat that naturally is produced here. The experiences range from accessing natural hot pools around Rotorua to luxury spa services with private pools.
The Hot Water Beach
Hahei (Coromandel Peninsula)
A fun and free experience
On the Coromandel Peninsula, you can find the Hot Water Beach near Hahei. Here, during low tide, you can dig wide holes in the sand, let them get filled up with the hot thermal water that comes from the ground, and soak in your own personal hot tub. While the beach itself is free, you do have to pay for parking at the provided lot.
The Lost Spring
Coromandel Peninsula
Geothermal pools within a tropical vacation
This private hot spring and spa is perfect for relaxing in the numerous hot pools and grottos. You can also order food and drinks to be consumed poolside or book a massage or other spa service. Most packages give you 2 hours to spend in the pools and you can add on food or additional services.
Bonus Hot Spring:
You can read about a bonus free hot spring in this personal blog post about the Blueprint Travelers experience in New Zealand