New Zealand is a wonderland of natural landmarks, with no shortage of thermal hot springs. Experience the health benefits of soaking in these all-natural mineral pools filled with hot water from deep within the earth. There are resorts located across the country, many with overnight accommodations.
12 Best Hot Springs in New Zealand
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List of Thermal Springs in NZL
Thanks to its diverse countryside, New Zealand offers an array of thermal pools to choose from. There are many lux resorts with a full menu of services. Soak in a mineral hot springs before enjoying an hour-long shiatsu massage. Then spend the night there, as many have hotels attached, and camping nearby or even on-site.
Map of Thermal Springs in NZL
Guide to New Zealand’s Natural Thermal Springs
New Zealand is awash with steamy hot springs, so much so that counting them is nearly impossible. Those that are mapped number in the several dozens, though that doesn’t take into account how many thermal springs lie on privately owned land. There’s a reason for all this hot water.
New Zealand sits atop a fault line, a place where under the earth’s surface two tectonic plates come into contact. This leads to volcanic activity and bubbling, natural, thermal bathing pools. There are many top hot springs spread around the country, between the North and South Islands.
North Island
Thermal Springs are clustered all over New Zealand’s North Island. At Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs the bathing park stays open, rain or shine. In fact, many bathers say the cooling rain on the upper body while the lower half is submerged in the fevered water is quite enjoyable.
Otumuheke Stream at Spa Thermal Park in Taupo has the benefit of a refreshing, swift-running stream nearby the hot springs, letting bathers cool down after gleaning the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs there. Ice cream and coffee carts are on-site for peckish visitors.
Also on North Island is:
- Palm Spring Geothermal Pools Complex
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
- Tokaanu Thermal Pools
- Miranda Hot Springs
- Morere Hot Springs
- Butcher’s Hot Pool
- Parakai Springs
- The Lost Spring
- Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
- Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
- Oropi Hot Pools and Cafe
- Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and Mineral Pools
- Manupirua Hot Pools
- Ngawha Springs
- Kerosene Creek
- Mount Hot Pools, Polynesian Spa
- Mangatutu Hot Springs
- Hot Tubs Omarama
- *Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave – *prohibited due to acidity
- Hot Pools Taupo
- Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
- Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park
- Waitangi Soda Springs
- Waiotapu Mud Pool (no swimming)
- Welcome Bay Hot Pools & Campground
- Kuirau Thermal Park
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Frying Pan Lake—can’t swim in)
At this last location, bathers can soak in the earth’s largest uncultivated hot spring. All of these incredible aquatic experiences make easy stopping points while going from the northernmost tip to the southernmost tip of North Island. Driving straight through takes the average traveler about 13 hours.
South Island
South Island, New Zealand has fewer hot springs than North Island, although there is still plenty to see for thermal springs tourists. At Maruia Hot Springs up to five people in a group can book the private baths at once. The experience includes a robe and towel from the mountain resort.
If you’re looking for an experience fit for the whole family, you’ll find just that at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Aside from the mineral baths, Hanmer Springs features a water slide and lazy river for the younger generations “taking the waters.”
Tekapo Springs, toward the center of South Island, has cool springs, warm springs, and hot springs.
On South Island, you’ll also find Amethyst Hot Springs, naturally rock-lined pools that recede when the land dries out and return with rain and a higher water table.
Soaking in New Zealand’s Mineral Waters
New Zealand has something for every kind of mineral water seeker. The Maori people practiced hot springs soaking to ease their aches and pains in the steam for thousands of years. When European settlers arrived, they too found the therapeutic relaxation that makes thermal springs bathing truly special.
Both North Island and South Island are adventurous lands for those seeking to experience healing water. This island nation has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to hot springs.
Learn more about visiting New Zealand on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.
