Visiting a hot pool in NZ is one of the best winter activities you can do. With many options around New Zealand, they are a perfect stop to add to your winter holiday. You’ll find hot pools from geothermal activity in the North Island, alpine hot pools and onsen in the South Island, and wild springs along the West Coast. Wherever your road trip heads next, this guide covers the thermal towns worth planning a stop around, from Rotorua's mineral springs to Queenstown's private tubs, so pack togs and a spare towel and get on the road.
Favourite North Island Hot Pools & Thermal Towns
Rotorua and Taupō are generally regarded as some of the best thermal towns for hot pools in New Zealand’s North Island, with a handful of free natural hot pools scattered along the roads between them. You can find mineral-rich water and stunning postcard views over crater lakes. Find out your favourite North Island hot pools to add to your itinerary.
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Secret Spot Hot Tubs are located in Whakarewarewa, about a 10-minute drive out of central Rotorua. These hot tubs let you sink into fresh spring water while you take in the Whakarewarewa forest for ultimate relaxation. Winter is the perfect time to visit these hot tubs for a private and cosy experience in the cooler months. You can enjoy 10% off entry to the Secret Spot Hot Tubs when you hire a rental car with Mode Rentals, making it the perfect stop for your road trip.
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa
This lakeside hot pool draws mineral water from the alkaline Rachel Spring and the acidic Priest Spring on the edge of Lake Rotorua. Pavilion access costs around $50 per adult and covers eight mineral basins with lake views, while private lake-view tubs are available for those wanting a quieter space. The Pavilion option is generally thought of as the highest value, since it covers more ground than the Deluxe area at a lower price. Entry runs from 9 am to 11 pm daily, though weekend afternoons fill fast in peak season. Bring a towel to save the rental fee at the counter.
Rotorua: Hell’s Gate
This reserve combines a geothermal walk with mud pools and sulphur springs on the edge of Tikitere. Entry to the mud bath and spa package costs around $85 per adult for an hour-long soak. Wearing older togs is recommended as the mud can sometimes mark the fabric. The site holds the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, plus a carving station where a Māori teacher guides visitors through shaping their own design.
Taupō: Wairakei Terraces
This geothermal complex recreates the pink and white terraces once found near Rotorua, with three basins built into artificial silica shelves. Entry runs about $27 per adult. Evening sessions let visitors enjoy the pools against the dark starry sky, and the top basin runs hottest for those wanting extra heat. Taupō sits close enough to make this a half-day stop on a wider road trip north or south.
Waiotapu: Kerosene Creek
This free swimming hole costs nothing beyond a short walk down a dirt track off Old Waiotapu Road. A small waterfall feeds natural pools that sit around 30°C, close to bathwater temperature. Sulphur and bush give the creek a distinct smell, though most visitors call it a fair trade for a free dip. There’s no changing shed or lighting, so arrive before dusk and pack a torch for the walk back. Waiotapu sits roughly halfway between Taupō and Rotorua, making this an easy addition to that drive.
Coromandel: Hot Water Beach
This stretch of sand lets visitors dig their own spa two hours either side of low tide, when thermal water rises through the Coromandel Peninsula’s east coast. Bring a spade, then walk toward the large offshore rock to find the warmest patch. Hundreds show up on sunny weekends, so early mornings or weekdays give more room to dig and have your own space. Check tide times before heading out, since the vents sit underwater at high tide.
The Best South Island Hot Pools & Towns
Canterbury and Otago are home to the best hot pools the South Island has to offer. Each of these hot pools is an easy stop between Christchurch and Queenstown. Expect alpine views, family water parks, and adults-only options built around heated springs.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
This resort village blends a water park with a quieter thermal zone, so families and couples can each get what they came for. Hamner Springs has waterslides and swimming areas that sit apart from the sulphur hot pools, private tubs and steam rooms. There is a range of packages available at Hamner Springs that allow you access to the thermal pools and regular pools, as well as thermal pool and spa packages and passes. The town sits two hours north of Christchurch and makes a natural stop after whale watching in Kaikōura. Gates open daily from 10am to 7pm.
Methven: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa sits by Mt Hutt in Methven village and runs on solar and glacial water rather than a natural spring, giving visitors a soak option without the sulphur that some may want to avoid. There is a range of temperatures and pools across the facility that come with clear views of the Southern Alps. The adult-only Tranquillity zone also has a swim-up bar, perfect for enjoying a beverage after a day on the slopes. There is also a family-friendly area, the Discovery Pool, where a lazy river and cold plunge are great for kids. With its proximity to Mt Hutt, a dip here pairs naturally with a ski day.
Lake Tekapo: Tekapo Springs
Tekapo Springs is one of the best hot pool options in the South Island, especially for views of the starry sky in winter. Tekapo Springs has 3 main pools, including a plunge pool, steam and sauna area. Ohay and Pukaki are designated adults-only pools, while there is a cooler play area for kids. Hot pool passes start off at $42 per day for adults, but there is a range of group deals and options available. Lake Tekapo’s dark sky reserve status makes an evening visit worth timing around sunset to see the stunning night sky. A guided stargazing session runs from the springs on clear nights. Winter turns part of the complex into an ice rink, giving non-swimmers something to do while others soak.
Queenstown: Onsen Hot Pools
This iconic cliffside spot sits ten minutes from central Queenstown above the Shotover River, with private cedar tubs booked by the hour rather than shared with other guests. A complimentary shuttle runs from town on a set schedule, so arrange transport when booking a tub. Evening sessions beneath Japanese lanterns run for guests aged 12 and over for a more authentic experience.
Hot Pools on the West Coast
This stretch holds some of New Zealand’s wildest hot pools, seeing far fewer crowds than Rotorua or Queenstown. Anyone planning a hot pool visit along the West Coast should add extra driving time into the day, and fuel up before setting off, since petrol stops thin out fast once the main road narrows toward the ranges.
Lewis Pass: Maruia Hot Springs
This alpine property sits in the Southern Alps, around two and a half hours from Christchurch, close enough to pair with a Hanmer Springs stop on the same trip. Maruia Hot Springs include a rock sauna, infrared room and cold plunge pool across a genuinely remote setting. Sauna and bathing visits start off at $65 per adult, with package prices increasing for longer sessions, accommodation and spa add-ons. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding hills for anyone wanting to stretch their legs before a dip.
Franz Josef: Glacier Hot Pool
These hot pools sit in the middle of Franz Josef township, an easy walk from most accommodations and a natural stop after a day on the ice. Three main basins range between 36°C and 40°C, covered by large sails that block wind and rain, a genuine advantage given the West Coast’s rainfall. Entry runs about $29 per adult, with a private option available for a 45-minute booking.
Copland Track: Welcome Flat
This remote and unique hot pool is the perfect reward after a seven-hour walk along the Copland Track south of Fox Glacier. A Department of Conservation hut and campsite mark the end point of the main walking track, with the springs a short walk further on and framed by some of the best wilderness views on the coast. Entry costs nothing beyond the hike itself and a hut ticket for anyone staying overnight. Pack for alpine weather regardless of the forecast, since conditions shift fast this close to the Southern Alps. Check river levels before setting out, since the track crosses several fords that rise quickly after rain.
Planning Your Hot Pools Road Trip in NZ
Building a winter road trip around ticking off several of the best hot pools in NZ is a great way to see the country and include some proper relaxation. If you’re visiting the North Island, building a road trip to stop around Rotorua and Taupō works well together. When heading to the South Island, Hanmer Springs and Lake Tekapo stops are great to do together or the West Coast and Queenstown.
Some specific road trip routes that work well include:
- Auckland to Rotorua: around 3 hours
- Christchurch to Hanmer Springs: around 2 hours
- Christchurch to Franz Josef: around 5 hours
- Queenstown to Tekapo: around 3 hours
Winter trips toward Hanmer Springs, Tekapo, or the West Coast can mean icy passes and snow, so check the forecast and carry snow chains through the colder months. An SUV rental is a great rental option for gravel access roads and shifting weather, especially for heading toward remote spots like Maruia or Welcome Flat. A standard rental car is still a great option for sealed routes to Hanmer Springs or Tekapo Springs without trouble, so upgrade only when gravel or snow is on the itinerary.
Pick up a car at Auckland Airport for the North Island loop, Christchurch Airport for Hanmer Springs and the West Coast, or Queenstown Airport for the onsen-style soaks in Queenstown and Tekapo pools.
Get on the Road this Winter and Discover NZ’s Best Hot Pools
The best hot pools in NZ rarely sit right on the highway, so a bit of planning turns a quick stop into the highlight of the day. Group towns by region, check opening hours before a long drive, and pack togs and a towel regardless of which island comes first. Whichever route gets picked, a soak in a hot pool is the perfect way to end the day. Book your rental car and get on the road for the most relaxing trip this winter.
Where are the best hot springs in New Zealand?
Rotorua and Taupō hold the best hot springs on the North Island, while Hanmer Springs, Tekapo, and Queenstown’s private tubs cover the South Island. Rather than one single best spot, the right choice depends on whether a family water park, a private tub, or a free natural soak sounds most appealing to you.
Are the Tekapo hot springs natural?
Tekapo Hot Spring draws cold spring water from underground, then heats it artificially rather than relying on a natural geothermal source. The result still delivers a proper soak with mineral-clear water, just without the sulphur smell that comes with Rotorua’s pools or Hanmer’s springs.
How long should you soak in a hot spring?
It is generally recommended to have a 20 to 30-minute session before taking a break, then returning for a second round if desired. Drink water between rounds and get out sooner if dizziness or overheating sets in. Private tub bookings like Onsen Hot Pools or Secret Spot Hot Tubs run 45 minutes to two hours, which sets a natural limit even when the view makes it easy to lose track of time.
