New Zealand’s Most Relaxing Hot Springs
The land of the hobbits, New Zealand is known for jagged beaches, fields of sheep and a great vanlife vacation, but its also a great place to get hot in their geothermal springs.
In New Zealand, Māori have used hot springs for healing since 1300 AD. Arthur Stanley Wohlmann, New Zealand's first official Government Balneologist, recommended spa treatments such as mineral water treatment.
Poised directly atop the volatile and mineral-rich Pacific Ring of Fire, the North and South Islands are threaded with subterranean rivers of boiling water, delivering pure, therapeutic geothermal energy directly to the surface.
Hanmer Hot Springs
Hanmer Springs is a charming alpine village renowned for its natural thermal pools, nestled amidst a stunning mountain landscape. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering both a world-class thermal experience and a gateway to outdoor activities.
Stay nearby at th cute chalets at Bella Vista Motel Hanmer Springs where you can unwind in the garden or get active on the outdoor tennis court.
Hanmer hot springs boasts a staggering 22 thermal pools, fed by geothermal water that has been rising from deep beneath the mountains for centuries. The experience here caters to every possible taste, from the lively family fun zones with hydroslides and a lazy river, to serene, adult-only sanctuaries.
What truly sets Hanmer apart is the diversity of its water offerings. You can find yourself drifting in a calm, rock-lined thermal pool one minute, and enjoying the contrast of a sulphur pool the next. The private thermal pools are a highlight for those seeking intimacy, providing a secluded 30-minute soak that feels worlds away from the main complex. The temperature range is extensive, with pools starting at a comfortable 28°C and ascending to a deeply therapeutic 42°C.
Hanmer Hot Springs was awarded the coveted Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award for their sustainable tourism practices. The spring's biggest power consumption is from pumping water. Hanmer Hot Springs worked to convert the waste methane gas that comes to the surface with pumped water into electricity, saving on power costs and preventing methane release into the atmosphere. The turbine saves 100,000 cubic metres of methane from being released into the atmosphere a year, the equivalent of 1,385 tons of carbon dioxide. This is enough to power about 900 households a year or drive a gasoline car about 7 million miles. The resort also uses discharged thermal water to heat buildings, further reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Water Quality: 5 stars. The water is pristine, sourced from underground aquifers, and continuously filtered. There's a faint, natural mineral scent, but it's not overpowering.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. Located in the heart of Hanmer Springs village, it's easily accessible by paved roads with ample parking.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars. While popular, the facility is extensive, with numerous pools of varying sizes, including private pools and adults-only areas, making it possible to find quiet spots.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. A wide range of pools from cooler plunge pools to intensely hot rock pools, catering to all preferences.
Health Benefits: 4 stars. The mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties, particularly for muscle relaxation and skin conditions.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. The village offers a full range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, shops, and various adventure activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, and hiking.
Maruia Hot Springs
Nestled deep within the Southern Alps, Maruia Hot Springs offers a truly immersive natural experience. It's about disconnecting from the outside world and embracing the tranquility of the wilderness. \
The best part is you can stay at their hotel and never leave your relaxing experience. If you prefer something more budget friendly or rugged, you can camp or stay in their glamping pods. The 5 heated pods look out to spectacular river and mountain views.
Maruia is a true retreat. The waters here are characterized as a pure, chemical-free sulphur spring, rising from deep beneath the earth at temperatures between 54°C and 60°C before being cooled to a perfect soaking range of 37°C to 42°C.
High in mineral content, our water comes straight from the earth’s core directly below New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Maruia Hot Springs is a sulphur spring with a pH of 7.3. The water is rich in minerals, including calcium, boron, magnesium, and potassium.
A unique feature of the Maruia water is the presence of a harmless, medicinally beneficial substance often seen in the pools, which they refer to as "black algae" or Yu no Hana ("the flower of Hot Springs") in Japan. Scientifically shown to have similar properties to the superfood spirulina, guests are encouraged to rub it on their skin for its anti-inflammatory and revitalizing benefits.
The range of experiences is designed for wellness: indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a cold plunge pool for invigorating contrast bathing, a steam room, a dry sauna, and daily wellness activities led by resident sauna masters. The property also features a high-quality on-site restaurant and renovated accommodation, making it a self-contained haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. The sheer remoteness guarantees peace and an unmatched opportunity to soak under the stars.
Maruia Hot Springs was granted New Zealand Tourism’s Qualmark Gold Award. The electricity used to power saunas, heating and buildings at Maruia Hot Springs is produced on-site by their own hydro-electric generator. Maruia Hot Springs produces more energy than it is able to consume, thus is a 100% sustainable property. Even better, you can totally escape as they limit phone and internet access.
Water Quality: 3 stars. Pure, natural, and chemical-free, with a beneficial mineral composition (sulphur, calcium, magnesium). However, the natural sulphur odor and presence of 'black algae' lead to a visible color change in the water (from clear to milky grey/jet black), which may not meet the 5-star 'crystal clear' visual standard.
Ease of Access: 3 stars. Located deep within the Lewis Pass National Reserve, requiring a substantial drive (two hours from Christchurch, one hour from Hanmer Springs) on a highway through mountainous terrain.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars. Its remote location, vast natural setting, and offering of multiple pools, saunas, and relaxation areas ensures maximum solitude. Pools are even open all night for guests.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. Multiple pools with varying, comfortable temperatures from 37°C to 42°C, complemented by a cold plunge pool for therapeutic contrast bathing.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. Documented therapeutic benefits from the rich mineral and sulphur content, actively promoted for pain relief and circulation. The presence of beneficial 'black algae' solidifies this high score.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars. A self-contained wellness destination with a restaurant, accommodation, day spa, and extensive saunas/wellness facilities all on-site, though remote from external town amenities.
Morere Springs
Unlike the typically sulphur-heavy thermal areas like Rotorua, Morere hot spring’s waters are ancient sea water that has percolated deep into the earth and been heated before rising to the surface. Known for its distinct therapeutic values, the mineral-rich salt water is piped into a series of public and private pools, all set within the lush, 364-hectare Morere Springs Scenic Reserve.
Nga Hua o Mōrere are a rare example of natural salt water hot springs. They produce 250,000 L per day of hot, mineral-rich sea water, which has long been sought after for its therapeutic and curative properties.
Mōrere Springs Scenic Reserve is on SH2, 40 km north-east of Wairoa, 52 km south of Gisborne and 15 km north of Nuhaka.
The atmosphere here is pure rainforest immersion. The pools are surrounded by dense native bush, including famous stands of Nikau Palms, providing a tranquil, secluded feel. Visitors often spend time on the network of walking tracks, ranging from short strolls to challenging hikes, before or after their soak. The complex provides a more rustic, nature-focused experience compared to the larger resorts, appealing to those who value the natural setting and the rare salt water composition above all else.
Water Quality: 4 stars. Rare natural salt water hot springs (ancient sea water), known for therapeutic value and piped directly into the pools.
Ease of Access: 4 stars. Located directly on State Highway 2 with clear signage and free parking, making road access simple.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars. Offers a mix of public and private pools for seclusion, but the limited opening hours (closed Tues/Wed) and local popularity mean crowds can be moderate.
Water Temperature: 4 stars. Offers a range of both hot and cold springs to ensure a comfortable and restorative experience.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. The unique, mineral-rich salt water composition from ancient sea water is internationally recognized for its therapeutic and healing properties.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars. Amenities are minimal, consisting primarily of the reserve, a kiosk, and a lodge nearby, making it primarily a back-to-nature experience.
Rachel and Priest Spring
Nestled amidst the geothermal wonderland of Sulphur Bay, Lake Rotorua, Polynesian Spa offers an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Drawing upon the healing powers of nature, this world-famous spa invites visitors to indulge in the renowned practice of mineral hot spring bathing. With its two geothermal hot springs, Rachel (alkaline) and Priest (acidic) there are a range of award-winning spa experiences.
Polynesian Spa’s 28 hot pools are fed by two natural springs, each with unique qualities.
The Priest Spring is named after Father Mahoney, a Catholic priest who, in 1878, found relief from his crippling arthritis after bathing in the waters. This slightly acidic spring is known for easing muscle tension, aches, and pains.
The Rachel Spring provides alkaline water, enriched with sodium silicate, which has a soothing and nourishing effect on the skin. Historically, it was believed that bathing in these waters could enhance and maintain youthful skin.
One prominent legend speaks of Ngātoroirangi, a tohunga (priest) who guided the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa. While exploring the central North Island, he ascended Mount Tongariro and was overcome by intense cold. He called upon his sisters in Hawaiki, who sent fire demons to his aid. As these entities traveled to reach him, they surfaced at various points, creating a trail of geothermal activity. This journey explains the presence of volcanic and thermal features in the region, with the Te Arawa tribe serving as their guardians.
Waikite Valley Hotpools
Waikite Valley Hotpools offers what many consider the quintessential New Zealand soaking experience: 100% pure, natural thermal water. The source of this remarkable purity is the Te Manaroa Spring, which is the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand.
The complex is built around the concept of continuous flow. The boiling water is cooled by cascading down natural-looking rock formations and into the pools, ensuring the water is constantly refreshed. Critically, the water here is untreated and unfiltered. It is full of minerals as nature intended, and, for the ultimate assurance of cleanliness, every single pool is drained, cleaned, and refilled every evening.
The six public pools vary in temperature from a cooler 30°C in "The Tubs" up to a revitalizing 41°C in "The Soak Pool." For the spa enthusiast seeking seclusion, there are private pools that allow you to adjust the temperature for a perfectly customized, secluded soak.
Adding to the authentic experience is the Eco Trail, a short, accessible walk that takes you right up to the spectacular, bubbling force of Te Manaroa Spring itself, allowing you to witness the journey of the water before it flows into your pool. This commitment to purity and nature elevates Waikite Valley into a class of its own.
Waikite Valley Hotpools is a special place to experience the natural, hot geothermal water of the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of 100% pure geothermal water in New Zealand. Waikite Valley Hot Pools is a partner to Conservation Credits. Conservation credits is a by business for business initiative to support ecologically significant conservation projects including work to protect the Aotearoa's tanga species.
Water Quality: 5 stars. 100% pure, untreated geothermal water from the largest single source, constantly flowing, and pools are emptied/refilled daily. Crystal clear and naturally pure.
Ease of Access: 4 stars. Well-signposted and on a paved rural road, but requires a roughly 30-minute drive from Rotorua and is slightly "off the beaten track."
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars. Offers multiple public pools (spreading crowds) and private thermal pools for couples/groups seeking complete seclusion.
Water Temperature: 5 Stars. Multiple pools with varying temperatures from 30°C to 41°C, plus private pools with individual controls.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. Raw, untreated water ensures maximum mineral goodness, with a "constant fresh flow of mineral goodness" from the earth’s largest single source.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars. Limited on-site amenities (snack cafe, basic campground). Necessities like full restaurants and lodging require a drive back to Rotorua.
