New Zealand · SPA & HOT SPRINGS
Geothermal water sits close to the surface across the central North Island and in Hanmer. The 15 below compare public pools, private tubs and mud baths on price, temperature and how long you get.
At Hell’s Gate, about 15 minutes from Rotorua, you walk a marked geothermal route with a map or join an English-speaking guide such as Liam, Tee, Zia, or Ngati. Then comes a 20-minute mud bath, sulfur spa, cool plunge pool, and optional Māori carving.
“We loved it. It’s something you can’t experience anywhere else.”
At Secret Spot Hot Tubs near Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest, you get a private 45-minute soak in a cedar tub beside the Puarenga Stream. The water comes from an aquifer spring, not a geothermal source. Order drinks from the café for tub-side delivery, try the cold plunge tubs, and hire towels, swimwear, or robes if needed.
“Staff were polite and very helpful. Very beautiful and peaceful facility, clean changing rooms and tidy”
At Hells Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you cover yourself in warm geothermal mud for 20 minutes, rinse off, then soak in sulphur pools. The complimentary cool plunge is a welcome finish. Bring swimwear and a towel, or rent both on site. An English-speaking host, changing rooms, showers, and wheelchair access make this easy to manage.
“The experience was a gift from a lovely daughter in law and was all that one could wish for, Lovely helpful staff and the mud? Well, it was warm and the only surprise was it was not the chocolate colour I was expecting but grey!”
At Secret Spot Hot Tubs in Rotorua, you get 45 minutes in a private cedar tub for up to six people. Forest, stream sounds, native birds, cold plunge pools, hot showers, lockers, and tub-side drink service are all part of the setup. Bring swimwear, a towel, and ID. Arrive 15 minutes early.
“Fantastic activity to do whilst in Rotorua. My partner and I loved the relaxation. And the cold plunge was an added bonus! Would LOVE this even more if the sessions were 1 hr long rather than just 45 mins :)”
At Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa, soak in four shallow Rachel Spring alkaline pools and one Priest Spring acidic pool beside Lake Rotorua. You also get a cold plunge, heated recliners, indoor lounge, towels, lockers, toiletries, and hairdryers. The setting suits families and couples, though children must stay with an adult.
“Not crowded. Variety of pools to choose from. Clean washrooms. Cold plunge was a good conclusion.”
Spend a full day at Polynesian Spa’s Pavilion Pools in Rotorua, reserved for visitors aged 12 and over. Move between acidic Priest Spring pools, alkaline Rachel Spring pools, a deep exercise pool, and a foot reflexology walk. Towel, swimsuit, and locker hire are available, but not included.
“Really relaxing and not busy at all. Stayed a couple of hours.”
Spend up to four hours at Rotorua’s family-friendly Deluxe Lake Spa, using five mineral pools, a cold plunge, heated recliners, premium changing rooms, and an indoor lounge. Water temperatures run from 36°C to 41°C, with lake views from the outdoor pools. Swimwear hire is available onsite.
“Our tour guide, Linda, was great - was on time, informative and fun. Both the Wai-o-tapu and Waimangu Valley were incredible! Best tour in Rotorua!”
Spend the day at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa with access to 22 outdoor pools, four waterslides, a lap pool, kids’ area, and family activity pool. Move between hot mineral pools, aquatherapy features, and cooler water attractions at your own pace. Bring food or buy lunch on site, and use the mobile ticket for flexible entry.
“First time to Hanmer Springs. I had the most wonderful time at the hot pools, trying out the different pools. Bought a whole day pass so that I could come back in the early evening.”
Spend two quiet hours in Ōpuke’s adults-only Tranquility Pools near Methven. Your $40 entry includes a robe, towel, solar-powered heated pools, Southern Alps views, and swim-up bar access. You can also use the family-friendly Discovery Pools, except during 7 and 8pm sessions. Bring swimwear and approved photo ID.
“Adults only area is excellent, food was great and facilities nice and clean. Would recommend”
Spend the day at Tekapo Springs, soaking in three hot pools 720 metres above sea level. You get views over Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb range, plus cooler pools and an aqua play area. The $23 pass allows multiple entries from opening to closing, making it easy to return after exploring the Mackenzie Region.
“it was OK. Couldn't physically sit and really see Lake Tekapo, but it was sort of visible.I was looking forward to a bit more of a relaxing bit of downtime after a long drive, but just a wee bit frustrated at the kids using as a swimming pool. had to retreat to the hotter pool, which was OK for a while, but needed to go into cooler pills, which were busier and noisier.”
Spend a full day at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, about 90 minutes from Christchurch. Your ticket covers the thermal pools, rock and sulphur pools, activity pool, lap pool, lazy river, and water slides. Choose one entry or return the same day. Bring a towel, and note that spa treatments cost extra.
From Rotorua, you’ll kayak Lake Rotoiti with an experienced guide such as Justin or Ricky, stop at lakeside hot pools, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, then paddle into boat-only caves to see glowworms and freshwater crayfish. No kayaking experience is needed, but plan for several hours on the water and bring swimwear and a towel.
“Our tour was changed to morning due to not enough people. We had a great time kayaking across the lake beautiful weather. Spent an hours soaking in the hot springs, so relaxing. Our guide Justin was so helpful and gave a great commentary on our tour. Thank you Justin.”
Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 11 to Whakarewarewa Māori Village for geothermal wonders, local culture, songs, dance, and a haka. Afterward, relax at Polynesian Spa beside Lake Rotorua. Guides such as Huzefa, Matt, Brendan, and JJ are praised for local insight, rest stops, and flexible help.
“Huzefa and John are really professionnal and interesting. Everything was perfect”
At Wai Ariki on Lake Rotorua, you’ll follow a two-hour Māori wellness journey inspired by Ngāti Whakaue traditions. Expect blessings, waterfall showers, saunas, hot and cold pools, hydrotherapy, geothermal mud, and steam, with robes and towels supplied. Bring swimwear and flip-flops. The experience is for ages 16 and older.
“A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for creating such a wonderful atmosphere, with special appreciation to Athena, who consistently goes the extra mile to make every guest’s experience exceptional. Definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting Rotorua”
This 12-hour small-group trip takes you from Auckland to Whakarewarewa Māori Village for local stories, geothermal sights, and a haka, then to Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa. Hotel pickup, water, WiFi, and admission are included. Guides such as John Paynter, JJ, and Huzefa have been praised for their care and local insight.
“Huzedefa was great! He made it his priority to make sure everyone had a great time! I wasn’t impressed with the Māori village. Just looked like a rundown small town but the geothermal pools were cool! Interesting to see how they used the Read more”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
