The best onsens, thermal pools and hot springs in New Zealand

Nature and wellness are hot on everyone’s travel list these days, and what better place to turn up the heat than New Zealand.

Whether you’re slipping into lakeside luxury at Taupo, enjoying a mountain-side soak in Queenstown, or simply getting back-to-basics with some mineral-rich mud bathing in Rotorua – from the North Island to the South, these are the best New Zealand onsens, thermal pools, and hot springs.

North Island

Hell’s Gate, Rotorua

Soothe your muscles in a traditional geothermal mud bath. (Credit: Graeme Murray / Tourism New Zealand)

For an authentic New Zealand hot springs and wellness experience, you can’t go past Hell’s Gate in Rotorua. Utilised for centuries by Maori warriors as a place to heal battle wounds, the active geothermal reserve and mud spa is steeped in history and myth. The good news is mere mortals like us can also access its mineral-rich waters, with a soak in the sulphur pools and mud baths said to aid everything from circulation to skin conditions. Packages start from $90 for adults.

Address: 351 State Hwy, 30 Tikitere, Rotorua

Polynesia Spa, Rotorua

The adults-only priest pools at Polynesia Spa in Rotorua.

 Also in Rotorua, Polynesia Spa is New Zealand’s first geothermal bathing facility, with the spa’s 28 hot pools sourcing water from two natural springs. With its range of day spa treatments and bathing options, and with its prime location overlooking Lake Rotorua, Polynesia Spa is perfect for visitors seeking a conveniently close nature and wellness experience. Pool access starts from $32.95 for adults.

Address: 1000 Hinemoa St, Rotorua  

Wairakei Terraces, Taupo

Wairakei Terraces is an adults-only thermal health spa set amongst natural bushland. (Credit: Getty/agcreations)

Formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption, Lake Taupo is home to a multitude of geothermal wonders including geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. It’s also where you’ll find Wairakei Terraces – an adults-only thermal health spa set amongst natural bushland. While $27 gets you a swim admission in up to four differently heated pools, you can add on a relaxing terrace walk for $15 or a treatment from the onsite spa.

Address: 671 Wairakei Drive, Wairakei, Taupō

Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Dig your own personal thermal spa in the sand. (Credit: Miles Holden / Tourism New Zealand)

Wellness is for everyone and the great thing about New Zealand is there’s an option for every budget, with some experiences having no price tag at all. Get back to basics by digging your own spa pool at Hot Water Beach, on the Coromandel Peninsula. To access naturally heated mineral water from beneath the exposed sandbar, visit the beach’s southern end at low tide, and don’t forget your shovel.

Address: Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula

Ngawha Springs, Northland

Near Kaikohe, in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Ngawha Springs is managed by the Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust. An iconic and culturally significant place for the Ngapuhi iwi people, each of the 16 geothermal pools located here contain their own characteristics and healing properties. As an ancient Maori site, a visit to Ngawha Springs is also a chance to learn the area’s history and mythology.

Address: 303 Ngawha Springs Rd, Ngawha

South Island

Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown

Arguably one of the best views in the world.

Perched over the Shotover River, this luxurious day spa in Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s best for good reason. Not only does Onsen Hot Pools offer bathers exclusive alpine views during the day, but their cedar-lined hot tubs now come with retractable roofs, meaning evening sessions can be spent soaking under the stars.

Another new addition is the Tri-Bathe experience, combining steam showers, hydrotherapy hot pools, and cold plunging. Add on refreshments and onsite spa treatments for optimum indulgence. 60-minute sessions start at $117 for 1 bather.

Address: 162 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point, Queenstown

The Bathhouse, Queenstown

Opening in December last year, The Bathhouse Queenstown might be the ski town’s most recent wellness addition but its inspiration stems from an age-old tradition, having been modelled on the classic bathhouses of Europe. Complete with Finnish saunas, hot and cold pools, infrared rooms, and treatments, the relaxing new addition on Brecon Street in the centre of town is perfect for those wishing to unwind after a day on the slopes. 60-minute sessions start at $99.

Address: 35 Brecon St, Queenstown

Hot Tubs Omarama

Soak in pure mountain water. (Credit: Miles Holden / Tourism New Zealand)

This scenic sanctuary in the countryside of northern Otago is the perfect place to relax by soaking in the beauty of the Waitaki District’s snow-capped peaks. Whether you want a solo session or group experience, day or night, Hot Tubs Omarama’s sauna facilities and sustainable hot tubs, made from locally sourced wood and filled with pure mountain water, will have you feeling revitalised and relaxed. 90-minute sessions in private tubs for 1-8 people start from $100 for 1 adult.

Address: 29 Omarama Avenue

Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Springs at sunrise. (Credit: Miles Holden / Tourism New Zealand)

In the heart of the South Island, Lake Tekapo is the setting for this day spa, cafe and wellness park that includes a series of hot pools sourcing pure water from deep underground, plus cooler pools, sauna, and steam rooms. As a family friendly complex, Tekapo Springs also has mini golf, snow tubing and ice skating in winter.

Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo Springs offers New Zealand’s only guided hot pools and star gazing experience. Hot Pools all day passes start at $42 for adults, and $112 for families.

Address: 300 Lakeside Drive, Tekapo