Top 5 Hot Springs in New Zealand
New Zealand has a great mix of free thermal hot pools as well as some great paid resorts. From digging your own hot pool on the beach to kicking back in the luxury of world-leading spa resorts, here is a run-down of 5 of New Zealand’s best hot springs and pools.
1. Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is an NZ Must Do and one of its most dramatic places. From the sound of its surging waves to the fierce bite of hot sand underneath your bare feet at low tide, Hot Water Beach presents a landscape and an atmosphere like nowhere else.
Popular for a patch of thermal water bubbling just beneath the surface of the sand at low tide, Hot Water Beach has achieved cult-like status as a worldwide wonder right here on The Coromandel. Visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach two hours either side of low tide. The lure of hot water brings people in buses, campervans, tour groups, and rental vehicles. They pull into the recently expanded carparks with a mixture of excitement, fascination, and anticipation on their faces.
At high tide, the beach appears much as you might expect - dramatic rolling surf, craggy rock-edged coastline, vast horizon with the shadowy glimpse of islands in the distance. At low-tide, the scene is spectacularly altered. Every day, without exception for weather, holiday, season or circumstance, you will find a community of people gathered within a 20-metre radius. They will be industriously digging a small pool or soaking in the rewarding results of theirs or someone else’s earlier efforts. The water is hot - up to 64 degrees celsius.
Source — Thecoromandel.com
2. Omarama Hot Tubs
This is one for nature lovers. The tubs are outside with a view to a lake backed by a beautiful mountain range.
Again this is a very private option as each hot tub is located down a separate walkway and with no chance of seeing any of the other tubs.
Nude bathing is allowed if you are so inclined. The sessions are slightly longer than at Onsen Hot Pools and we spent a happy hour and a half watching the black swans and ducks glide around the lake.
The only sounds are that of nature and it is a really peaceful spot.
Source — Walkmyworld.com
3. Wai-O-Tapu
Visit one of the most unique regions in New Zealand, the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, with a short but fantastic morning tour from Rotorua!
After picking you up from your accommodation in Rotorua we'll head out to these amazing natural wonders, traveling along the Thermal Highway. Before reaching the park we'll stop promptly at 10:15am to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt!
From here we'll enter into the park where you'll be free to explore on your own for up to 2 hours! Discover the steaming hot springs and mud pools as you wander through the park!
At 12:30pm we'll head to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley! This region is a must for any visitor to Rotorua. Formed after the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, this volcanic region is home to multiple crater lakes such as the pale Inferno Crater Lake and the Frying Pan Lake - the largest hot springs in the world - as well as unique plant life and the Marble and Warbrcik Terraces.
Source — Tours4fun.com
4. Rotorua
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Source — Newzealand.com
5. Hanmer Springs
Situated only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch or Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs is unique in New Zealand. A blend of geothermal activity and spa facilities in an alpine setting.
Enjoy thermal mineral, sulphur, and freshwater pools, or indulge in the private thermal pools and Scandinavian sauna and steam rooms.
And for the children, there is a delightfully themed shallow pool and a challenging HydroSlide. Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is the winner of the Visitor Attractions Award in the 2004 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Source — Tourism.net.nz
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