New Zealand is a land of natural wonders, from majestic mountains and glaciers to stunning beaches and lakes. But one of the most unique and relaxing attractions of this country is its abundance of hot springs and spas. Whether you are looking for a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters, a pampering massage or facial, or a holistic healing experience, you will find it in New Zealand. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Rotorua
Rotorua is the geothermal capital of New Zealand, and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves hot springs. The city is located on the edge of a volcanic caldera, and is surrounded by bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colourful sinter terraces. Rotorua is home to many hot spring resorts, where you can enjoy a variety of pools, spas, and treatments. Some of the most popular ones are Polynesian Spa, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa.
Polynesian Spa is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring resorts in New Zealand, and has been voted as one of the top 10 spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. The resort offers 28 mineral pools, ranging from alkaline to acidic, and from hot to cold. You can also indulge in a range of spa therapies, such as massages, facials, body wraps, and reflexology. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a family-friendly resort that features six public pools, a private spa pool, and a splash pool for children. The water is sourced from the Te Manaroa Spring, which is the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa is a unique attraction that combines natural beauty and cultural history. You can explore the geothermal park, which has the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only geothermal mud baths in New Zealand. You can also experience a traditional Maori massage, or a mud facial, using the mineral-rich mud from the park.
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is a charming alpine village in the Canterbury region, about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The village is famous for its thermal pools and spa, which is the main attraction for visitors. The thermal pools and spa complex has 15 outdoor pools, including sulphur pools, rock pools, and aqua therapy pools. You can also enjoy a range of spa treatments, such as massages, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and beauty services. The thermal pools and spa are open all year round, and are especially popular in winter, when you can soak in the warm water while admiring the snow-capped mountains.
Hanmer Springs is not only a place for relaxation, but also for adventure. The village offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, golfing, and fishing. You can also try some adrenaline-pumping activities, such as bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting, and quad biking. Hanmer Springs is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, or a longer holiday, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: nature and nurture.
Taupo
Taupo is a scenic town on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The lake is actually a crater of a dormant volcano, and is filled with crystal-clear water that reflects the surrounding mountains. Taupo is a great base for exploring the nearby attractions, such as the Tongariro National Park, the Huka Falls, and the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. But Taupo also has its own hot springs and spas, where you can relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
One of the most popular hot spring resorts in Taupo is Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa, which is located in a geothermal valley. The resort has three terraced pools, which are fed by natural hot springs, and have different temperatures and mineral compositions. You can also enjoy a range of spa treatments, such as massages, body scrubs, and facials, using natural products. Another option is Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, which has two large outdoor mineral pools, and 12 private indoor pools. The resort also has a spa facility, where you can choose from a variety of services, such as hot stone therapy, reflexology, and manicures. Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort also has a water park, which is fun for the whole family.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is a stunning coastal region in the North Island, known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and laid-back vibe. The peninsula is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the natural beauty and the relaxed lifestyle. The Coromandel Peninsula also has some of the most unique and amazing hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can experience the magic of nature in a different way.
One of the most famous hot springs in the Coromandel Peninsula is Hot Water Beach, which is a beach where you can dig your own hot pool. The beach has two underground hot springs, which seep through the sand at low tide. You can bring a shovel, or rent one from a nearby shop, and dig a hole in the sand, which will fill up with hot water. You can then sit in your own personal spa, and enjoy the view of the ocean. Another option is The Lost Spring, which is a geothermal resort in the town of Whitianga. The resort has a series of pools, which are filled with mineral water from a 16,000-year-old spring. The pools are surrounded by tropical plants, waterfalls, and rock formations, creating a serene and exotic atmosphere. You can also pamper yourself with a range of spa treatments, such as massages, body wraps, and pedicures, using organic and natural products.
Marlborough
Marlborough is a region in the South Island, famous for its wine industry. The region produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, as well as other varieties of wine, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Marlborough is a paradise for wine lovers, who can visit the many wineries and vineyards, and taste the different wines and local cuisine. But Marlborough is not only about wine, it also has some of the best hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can relax and rejuvenate your senses.
One of the most luxurious hot spring resorts in Marlborough is Marlborough Vintners Hotel, which is a boutique hotel and spa in the heart of the wine region. The hotel has 16 spacious and elegant suites, each with a private spa bath, where you can soak in the mineral water and enjoy the views of the vineyards. You can also book a spa treatment, such as a massage, a facial, or a body scrub, using natural and organic products. Another option is Pelorus Eco Adventures, which is an eco-friendly and adventure-based resort in the Pelorus River. The resort offers a range of activities, such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. You can also relax in the natural hot pools, which are located in a secluded and scenic spot along the river. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch, or a barbecue dinner, using fresh and local ingredients.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, and a destination that offers something for everyone. The town is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range. Queenstown is famous for its thrilling activities, such as bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing. But Queenstown is also a place for relaxation and wellness, as it has some of the best hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can soothe your muscles and calm your nerves.
One of the most popular hot spring resorts in Queenstown is Onsen Hot Pools, which is a Japanese-style spa that offers private and romantic hot pools. The pools are located on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Shotover River and the mountains. The pools are heated to your preferred temperature, and have retractable roofs and windows, so you can enjoy the views and the stars. You can also add a massage, a facial, or a snack platter, to make your experience more special. Another option is Nugget Point Hotel, which is a boutique hotel and spa that offers stunning views of the Coronet Peak and the Shotover River. The hotel has a spa facility, which features a Roman-style bath, a sauna, a steam room, and a saltwater pool. You can also choose from a range of spa treatments, such as massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy, using natural and organic products.
Tekapo
Tekapo is a small town in the Mackenzie District, in the South Island. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo, which is one of the most beautiful and iconic lakes in New Zealand. The lake is known for its turquoise colour, which is caused by the glacial flour from the surrounding mountains. The lake is also part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, which means that it has minimal light pollution and offers spectacular views of the stars and the Milky Way.
Tekapo has two hot spring resorts, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery and the clear night sky. One of them is Tekapo Springs, which has five outdoor pools, each with a different temperature and theme. The pools are landscaped with rocks and plants, and have underwater lights and music. You can also book a spa treatment, such as a massage, a facial, or a body polish, using natural and organic products. Another option is Alpine Springs Motel, which has 10 self-contained units, each with a private hot tub. The units are spacious and comfortable, and have views of the lake and the mountains. You can also access the shared sauna, barbecue area, and laundry facilities.
Waiwera
Waiwera is a seaside town in the Auckland region, about 40 minutes drive from the city centre. The town is famous for its hot springs, which have been attracting visitors since the 19th century. The hot springs are rich in minerals, such as silica, magnesium, and calcium, and have therapeutic benefits for the skin, muscles, and joints. Waiwera has one of the best hot spring resorts in New Zealand, where you can enjoy the natural and man-made pools and spas.
Waiwera Thermal Resort and Spa is a family-friendly resort that has 26 pools, including indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and hydroslides. The resort also has a spa facility, where you can choose from a range of spa treatments, such as massages, facials, body wraps, and waxing, using natural and organic products. Waiwera Thermal Resort and Spa also has a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, and a shop, where you can buy souvenirs and swimwear.
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most spectacular and accessible glaciers in New Zealand, located in the West Coast region of the South Island. The glacier is about 12 kilometres long, and descends from the Southern Alps to the rainforest. The glacier is a dynamic and ever-changing natural wonder, which moves and melts at different rates. Franz Josef Glacier is a popular tourist attraction, where you can explore the ice formations, crevasses, and caves, by taking a guided walk, a helicopter flight, or a heli-hike.
Franz Josef Glacier also has some of the best hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. One of them is Glacier Hot Pools, which is a tranquil and secluded oasis in the rainforest. The resort has three public pools, and three private pools, which are heated by the natural geothermal energy. You can also enjoy a range of spa treatments, such as massages, reflexology, and reiki, using natural and organic products. Another option is Rainforest Retreat, which is a luxury resort that offers accommodation, dining, and spa services. The resort has a range of rooms, suites, and villas, some of which have private hot tubs. The resort also has a spa facility, where you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, such as hot stone therapy, aromatherapy, and body scrubs, using natural and organic products.
New Zealand is a country that offers many attractions and activities for travellers, from stunning landscapes and wildlife to vibrant cities and culture. But one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to experience New Zealand is to visit its hot springs and spas, where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters, pamper yourself with spa treatments, and enjoy the views and the atmosphere. In this blog post, we have explored some of the best hot springs and spas in New Zealand, where you can relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo retreat, you will find a hot spring and spa that suits your needs and preferences in New Zealand.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog post, and that you have learned something new and interesting about New Zealand and its hot springs and spas. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. And if you are planning to visit New Zealand, or have already visited, we would love to hear about your experiences and recommendations. Thank you for reading, and happy travels! 😊