Top 5 Hot Springs that Offer Stunning Views in New Zealand

① Popular Travel Destinations in New Zealand

New Zealand is a country known for its well-developed hot spring culture. New Zealand has been home to hot springs for generations, and they can be found all around the country. The Onsen Hot Pools in New Zealand’s South Island are among the most popular hot springs among tourists.

This place allows you to enjoy hot springs while overlooking the majestic nature of New Zealand. Its location on a cliff overlooking the Shotover River Canyons captures a panoramic view. When you visit this natural relaxation spot at night, you may take in the starry sky and experience the hot springs in a new atmosphere.

It is equipped with retractable windows, allowing you to use the outdoor hot spring indoors. Each tub can accommodate up to four adults, and the fee ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 won (approximately $34 to $68).

It is a 10-minute drive from Queenstown and operates a free shuttle bus. It is an excellent place to visit without hassle as it is close to the city. To visit the Onsen Hot Pools, you must make a reservation through the website a few months in advance.

② The Hot Spring City “Rotorua”

Rotorua, a city in the North Island of New Zealand, is famous for its hot springs. Rotorua is the largest lake in New Zealand. A volcanic explosion formed it, and its long history of hot spring culture began in the 1880s. The city is known for its well-developed sulfur hot springs powered by geothermal energy and offers various hot springs to enjoy.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is located in Rotorua’s downtown.

This 5-star luxury spa and wellness center on the largest scale in the southern hemisphere opened last year near the lake. With well-equipped facilities, it won three awards from the 2023 New Zealand Designer Institute Awards. It is a cozy place to relax with a sophisticated design.

There are various hot spring baths, saunas, mud spas, and private geothermal baths.

Another significant advantage is enjoying a hot spring while admiring the river view.

The Polynesian Spa is one of the most popular hot springs in New Zealand. It has been a hot spring site since 1878, using natural geothermal mineral water.

It has 28 mineral-based hot springs provided by Priest and Rachel Springs. You can enjoy the famous sulfur hot spring, which is one of the top 10 spas in the world. The Polynesian Spa is a hot spring spot located in a scenic area. You can enjoy the spa with a view of the sea and natural hot springs while enjoying the view of Lake Rotorua.

Lakeview Private Pool and Skyview Private Pool are two places to spend private time. There is also a family pool for families.

③ Hot Spring Spots Located in the South Island

Hanmer Springs, located in Christchurch, is another famous hot spring. It is a natural hot spring that locals love. This place is also suitable for families since it is a facility that all age groups can use. It has 22 pools where you can enjoy the hot spring blended with nature.

You can also use the sauna facilities along with the hot spring. It has a cascade pool with a natural garden, an aqua therapy pool where you can get a massage, and a sulfur pool to enjoy a sulfur hot spring. It is also great to enjoy the water in the five waterfall-style pools.

It recently opened a water slide, making it a more enjoyable hot spring.

The Tekapo Springs Hot Pools is a hot spring on the South Island with a view of Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb Range. Especially if you visit in the winter, you can enjoy a hot spring while enjoying the view of the snow-covered mountains. When visited in snowy weather, it presents an even more impressive sight.
It is designed with several themes, and its hot spring water is around 36-40 degrees Celsius (97-104 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing for a warm use.

Tekapo Springs is a great place to relax with the fantastic scenery and has an indoor spa facility. The hot spring pools have a layout of three levels, and each main pool is designed after the shape of the Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo lakes. Enjoying a nighttime hot spring will allow you to view numerous stars.

The operating hours of Tekapo Springs are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The usage costs about $27.