15 Best New Zealand Hot Springs: Where We Soak and Relax

Soaking in one of the many New Zealand hot springs is one of our favourite ways to unwind and relax. When there is a spa attached, it’s even better.

There are many around the country, ranging from luxurious spa experiences to rugged backcountry adventures. Some carry a hefty entry price; others are free. You need to know where to look.

That’s where this page can help.

We love the natural hot springs in New Zealand so much that we tend to seek them out when we travel, and in fact, we visited several more on our last road trip.

What are New Zealand Hot Springs?

New Zealand’s hot springs encompass thermal pools, spas, and geothermal reserves. Back in the country’s early days, they were used for cooking in addition to bathing.

The waters are thought to have natural healing properties, and most are surrounded by stunning scenery.

Imagine soaking in a pool of warm healing water with the therapeutic benefits that leave your skin feeling soft, rejuvenate your mind, and reduce your stress level. That’s my experience every time.

We have our favourites, and we list them below.

Map of our favourite New Zealand hot springs

A few tips for visiting natural hot springs in New Zealand

1. Our swim bag lives in the car, complete with togs (swimsuits), towels, and jandals (sandals), so we are ready to go.
2. We also like to keep older togs around as some of the natural hot springs in New Zealand have higher amounts of sulfur, and it’s challenging to get the smell out of clothing. The secret is vinegar and time.
3. Always check the water temperature before entering, as natural hot springs can be extremely hot.
4. Never put your head under the water as there can be harmful bacteria.

Rotorua hot springs

As part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Rotorua has more natural New Zealand hot springs than anywhere else in the country.

The water in this active geothermal region comes from deep underground, where it is heated by magma and geothermal activity. The hot water then rises to the surface, creating the natural hot springs that are abundant in Rotorua.

Visiting hot pools is one of our favourite things to do in Rotorua. And while we haven’t visited them all yet, we are pretty happy with our choices. Our top list of Rotorua hot springs, based on our personal experience or our friends’ reports, is just below.

We love them all for different reasons, as they range from luxury to free and everything in between, but we have two overall favourites at the top of this list.

• Polynesian Spa
• Waikite Thermal Pools
• Kerosene Creek
• Secret Spot
• Wai Ariki Hot Springs*
• Hell’s Gate*

*We do not have first-hand experience at these two locations.

Polynesian Spa, Rotorua

Probably the most famous thermal pools in Rotorua, it’s also the first to offer a geothermal bathing experience. It often finds itself listed among the world’s top spas.

The complex includes 28 hot mineral pools from two natural springs. One is more acidic to relieve muscle pain, while the other is more alkaline to nourish the skin. They are well sign-posted. Plus, there are cooler pools, family pools, several private pools, and a day spa.

We have been here multiple times and had completely different experiences depending on our chosen package. The first time was over 20 years ago. Our girls were young, and we included the family pools.

More recently, it was just Jeff and I, and we soaked our cares away in the Pavillion Pools overlooking the lake. These are adults only, and the experience was serene and peaceful.

Reserve your often discounted entry:

• Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa (children are allowed)
• Pavilion Pools (adults only – this is what we just did and loved it.)

Waikite Thermal Pools, Rotorua

A local favourite, the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools complex includes six public pools ranging in temperature from 32c – 40c (90f – 104f) and private pools. While we soaked in the warm healing waters of each of them, my personal favourite was an infinity pool that overlooks the steaming valley.

Regardless of which pool, the soak was relaxing, the steam-filled view dreamlike, and the mineral water left my skin soft and smooth.

There’s a fascinating and colourful eco-trail starting near the entrance that took us under 10 minutes to walk to a spring with the largest discharge of boiling water in the country (discharging at a rate of between 40 – 50 litres per second at a temperature of 98°c). Get an entry ticket to Waikite Thermal Pools here.

Kerosene Creek (free), Rotorua

The warm waters of Kerosene Creek are one of the best free things to do in Rotorua. The picturesque forest setting adds to the fun. It’s a relaxing stop between Rotorua and Taupo.

Be sure to bring togs, a towel, and if you have tender feet like me, shoes to wear right up to the edge. Also, remember that there are no facilities at this natural hot spring waterfall, which not only means no toilets but also nowhere to change after your soak.

Secret Spot, Rotorua

I think it got its name because the cedar tubs have an isolated-in-the-forest feel, like a secret spot. In addition to the hot pools, there are cool plunge pools and foot hot tubs to soak our feet while we have an after-spa cafe drink.

As the tubs are private (holding up to 6 people each), they have a time limit of 45 minutes in the hot tub. Reserve your session in Secret Spot here.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, Rotorua

This is the newest spa in the area, and according to my friends who have been to it, it’s pure luxury, possibly the best of the North Island hot springs. It opened in June 2023, and we haven’t visited yet.

However, my friend in Rotorua loves it and says the 2-hour “Restorative Journey” (standard session) is pure paradise, with a price tag to match. It boasts mineral pools, saunas, mud spas, and plunge pools. Reserve your Wai Ariki Restorative Journey here.

Hell’s Gate, Rotorua

For something a bit fun and different, Hell’s Gate is famous for its mud spa. We haven’t given this one a go yet, as we didn’t have the proper things to wear. From what I understand from others, this is usually something you no longer want.

However, the complex includes several hot pools, mud baths and sulphur pools. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the area, which includes geothermal activity and Maori cultural experiences. Reserve your park entry with mud bath and spa or mud bath and spa only

More North Island hot springs

Rotorua doesn’t have it all. There are plenty of North Island hot springs. Our favourites include:

Morere Hot Springs, Morere

Located in Hawkes Bay, this North Island hot spring is surrounded by 364 hectares of nikau palms and other native bush. The pools are fed by natural geothermal springs, and like the natural mineral spas we have visited, the water is said to have therapeutic properties.

There are several pools to choose from, ranging from hot to cool, and we also enjoyed a short bush walk around the area. We like to bring jandals when we visit here.

Parakai Springs, Auckland

This is where Auckland goes for some family-friendly hot springs fun. Honestly, we haven’t been for years, and it’s time to go again.

Rather than another photo of us soaking in a tub, I thought this overview does a better job of showing the fun, especially the big water slide. The water is heated naturally by geothermal activity, and there are also several spa pools to choose from. Reserve your often-discounted entry to Parakai Springs here.

Hot Water Beach (free), Coromandel Peninsula

Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach was our opportunity to dig our own thermal pool. It’s one of the unique things to do in NZ that you don’t want to miss.

We arrived, spade in hand, unsure exactly what to find. Following the instructions we were given, we headed to the area with people on a mostly empty beach and started digging. Soon, our spot filled from the natural geothermal spring that runs under the sand.

The only thing we didn’t have was a bucket for ocean water to cool off.

Should you be one of the first to arrive, note that the hot spots are inland from the huge boulders in the water.

Tips before you visit Hot Water Beach:

• Bring a spade for digging and a bucket to get water to cool off. Learn from our mistake, the bucket is useful.
• Be sure to check the tides before you go and arrive within 2 hours on either side of the low tide.
• Swim where it’s allowed and with caution, as there are rip currents. On the day we were there, we watched an adult get rescued by surf lifesaving.

The Lost Spring, Whitianga, Coromandel

Also tucked away in the Coromandel Peninsula, The Lost Spring is a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out. The complex includes a range of hot pools, including a cave pool surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

The water is rich in silica, which is said to be good for the skin. There’s also a day spa, restaurant, and bar on site. We loved it so much that we wrote about it here: Whitianga Hot Pools – Why we love the mineral-rich water at Lost Spring

Kawhia Hot Water Beach (Te Puia Hot Spring), south of Raglan

Like a mini version of Hot Water Beach, you will want to bring a shovel to dig your own private hot pool in the sand at Kawhia Hot Water Beach. It’s located on the west coast, south of Raglan.

The water is heated by geothermal activity under the sand. The beach is also worth exploring, with its unique black sand and stunning views.

Tip: The water gets very hot, up to 45ºC, and the springs are only accessible two hours on either side of low tide

South Island hot springs

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, including several geothermal hot springs that are worth a visit. Of the South Island hot springs, we have only been to Hanmer Springs, despite the other three listed here being equally loved.

Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa

We spent the better part of a day at the Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa. It’s the thing to do when visiting this alpine region.

Perfect for families or adults, it has it all. We spent most of our time soaking in the adults-only thermal pools, the private pools, and the private sauna, and relaxing with one of the best massages I have ever had in the spa.

However, there is plenty more to do here, like the two giant hydro slides, cold swimming pools, family pools, specialty pools, and floating down the lazy river (this was my other favourite thing to do here).

Hanmer Springs has won several awards, including a 2020 World Luxury Spa Award for hot springs. Relax at the hot pools in Hanmer Springs, and best of all, you can often get a discount entry here.

Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo

Surrounded by stunning mountain views, Tekapo Springs is in the Mackenzie Basin in the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo.

Located in the heart of the international dark sky reserve, it is an excellent spot for stargazing. So, after a long day of hiking, skiing, or sightseeing, there is no better way to unwind than by soaking in one of their five outdoor hot pools under the stars.

In addition to the hot pools, Tekapo Springs also offers a cooler freshwater pool, multiple hydroslides, and an ice skating rink during the winter months. There is also a day spa on-site that offers a range of massages, facials, and body treatments.  Check for discounts on an all-day pass for the hot pools.

Onsen Hot Pools and Retreat, Queenstown

A relaxing and rejuvenating soak in the luxurious Onsen hot pools with spectacular outdoor views overlooking the Shotover River Canyon is a must-do for every Instagrammer visiting Queenstown.

We’ve been told it’s really fun during winter in Queenstown, as the cooler outdoor temperatures complement the experience. Soak in a private cedar hot tub that is filled with natural spring water, which comes from a geothermal bore on site.

Note that the Onsen pools generally need to be booked well in advance. Reserve your Onsen hot pool here.

Omarama Hot Tubs, Omarama

Another unique option, Omarama Hot Tubs are perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for a bit of relaxation. The complex includes several private hot tubs, which are heated by natural geothermal activity. The tubs are set in a stunning mountain backdrop, and visitors can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.

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Which are your favourite New Zealand hot springs?