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 geothermal ground meaning the thermal baths and hot springs of New Zealand 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 accessible throughout your vacation within the country.
Disclaimer
While Blueprint Travelers spent about three months traveling around the country, we were not able to go to every spa and hot bath on this list. However, extensive research was done to produce this list and we have indicated the ones that were unable to visit.
Tekapo Springs
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 the facility hosts 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
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 as well as options for cold plunge and steam room experiences.
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.
Family friendly pools and water park
This spa has both thermal pools to relax in and a water park, making it the perfect combination for families looking to spend time in one of the hot springs of New Zealand. There are also private pools and saunas so you can really find something for everyone. This is perfect for larger groups or families looking for a day to enjoy the beautiful New Zealand water. You can purchase a day pass to the pools here.
Spa Thermal Park at the Otumuheke Stream
Free hot spring area for anyone
Right outside of Taupo’s town center is the Spa Thermal Park that includes a place where natural hot geothermal water mixes with the cold river water to create comfortable pools. Confident swimmers enjoy taking a cold plunge in the river water before returning to the warmer rock pools. You can leave your things on the built up boardwalk area along the river while you enjoy one of the free hot springs of New Zealand.
The best way to get around to explore the different thermal baths and hot springs of New Zealand is by renting a car.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
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.
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
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. Be careful as the water can be very hot and it is best to ask other bathers which areas to avoid. While the beach itself is free, you do have to pay for parking at the nearby carpark.
The Lost Spring
Geothermal pools for 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