NEW ZEALAND · HOT POOLS AND SPAS
Distances here run longer than the map suggests, so a day out has to be worth the petrol. Below: 15 hot pools & spas, what each costs and how long it takes door to door.
Relax in Rotorua’s 12+ Pavilion Pools, with seven mineral hot pools, lake views, reflexology stones, and a deep exercise pool.
“Just what the doctor ordered. Relaxing and soothing. Staff very friendly and helpful. Pools were amazing,showers were awesome. Definitely coming back when in town again.”
Review of Polynesian Spa Rotorua’s $47 Deluxe Lake Spa, with mineral pools, lake views, heated recliners, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The serenity and the luxurious feeling of the water are amazing”
Review of Polynesian Spa Rotorua’s Deluxe Lake Spa, with mineral pools, lake views, family access, pricing, facilities, and practical tips.
“Disappointed in this experience. We have visited the thermal pools in another location & enjoyed a lot more. The facilities at the Polynesian spa were very good though”
Soak in Rotorua’s acidic and alkaline hot pools, walk the reflexology path, and enjoy lake views at this calm adults-focused spa.
“If you want to spend the day lounging in a hot pool, stop in here. There were a number of pools and it definitely helped my aches and pains”
Review of Tekapo Springs hot pools, with lake views, three pools, practical tips, costs, facilities, and advice for families and couples.
“What a relaxing way to unwind when we arrived at Lake Tekapo! We couldn’t check in until 3pm so went for a swim instead. Beautiful location overlooking the lake with 3 pools to choose from. 1 x adults only pool available for those that want to relax. There is a skating rink available but no snow during our visit. Would be ideal in winter ❄️ All facilities provided- cafe, towel hire (extra cost) & showers! Lockers are available too for extra cost but lots of storage available outside when you swim in little hubs to store bags & towels. We only stayed for 2 hours & that was enough for…”
Soak beneath the stars at Lake Tekapo with telescope viewing, astronomy stories, hot pools, a floating hammock, and hot chocolate.
Review of Auckland’s Wai-O-Tapu and Polynesian Spa day tour, with geothermal wonders, Lake Rotorua soaking, costs, timing, and practical tips.
“Jason was a very experienced tour guide. That made things very easy for us. The Polynesian spa was very relaxing and the walk around Wai O Tapu was interesting. Overall a great experience.”
Review of Auckland’s 10-hour Coromandel tour, with Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, a small group van, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Van seats incredibly uncomfortable for long drive. Description should mention specifically that it’s a 3.5 mile walk and equivalent of 20 flights of stairs since older couple in our group struggled. Cathedral cove was stunning, and wish we knew to wear suits there to swim since you couldn’t really swim at hot water beach. Also missed the low tide to experience the hot tubs. Overall loved the scenery but not the greatest group experience”
Review the Auckland to Rotorua day tour, with Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonders, Polynesian Spa pools, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“We had an amazing day! The van was comfortable, clean, tidy, and we were offered granola bars, water, and umbrellas. We had just the right number of stops on the way to Rotorua. Matt was friendly and gave us an informative and funny tour, and ensured we never waited longer than necessary at any one point, seamlessly getting us to the right place at the right time, despite occasional road works and traffic. Wai-o-Tapu was otherworldly and stunningly beautiful, and Matt got us ahead of the crowds. We went for the spa afternoon activity and were impressed with the ‘deluxe’ package that was included with this day tour. This package…”
Review of Auckland’s Coromandel day trip, with Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, lunch, small-group transport, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“Such an amazing locations, had a great time on this trip and the guide Jamie was super helpful with everything!”
Review of Polynesian Spa Rotorua’s family pools, hydro slide, mineral hot pools, safety rules, costs, facilities, and practical tips.
“The family pools were so much fun, all my Grandchildren loved them and having a life guard on site was awesome 👌”
Review of Auckland’s Rotorua Te Puia and Polynesian Spa tour, with Māori culture, geysers, haka, thermal pools, costs, timing, and practical tips.
“Overall, a very fun day! Lots of driving but tour itself was fun. The spa was great! Rotorua a very unique and pretty place.”
Paddle Lake Rotoiti to boat-only hot pools, enjoy a Kiwi barbecue, watch the sunset, and see glow-worm caves on this Rotorua evening tour.
“This was our favorite activity of our whole trip! Thanks for being so fun and treating us so well!”
Review of Auckland’s Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach day tour, with timing, costs, walking demands, guide service, and practical booking advice.
“Sharma is the best! He watches for the tide and makes sure you maximize the optimal time at both Cathedral Cove and hot water beach.”
Soak in a private geothermal pool overlooking Lake Rotorua, with warm Rachel Spring waters, towels, changing room, and 45 minutes of calm.
“That was terrible! I bought 2 tickets but charged for 4. Wasted a lot of my time and only gave me a gift voucher instead of a refund!”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
