Despite shorter days and cooler temperatures, there’s still plenty of watery fun to be had – from invigorating swims to hot soaks, and everything in between!
From serene stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to riotous rafting and jet-boat rides, autumn and winter water activities are sure to make you feel alive. To be bang-on trend, you could even dip a toe in some Wim Hof-style cold-water plunging – it’s good for both body and soul, or so they say… Not keen? Just skip the dip and head straight for the hot tub!
Check out this selection of play-soak-and-stay combos from all around the motu.
North Island / Te Ika ā Māui
Revitalise your spirit in the Bay of Islands/Pēwhairangi
This boating and watersports mecca offers everything from wildlife cruises and sailing trips, to active adventures such as snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding (SUPping), kayaking and parasailing.
Revitalise your wairua (spirit) at Ngawha Springs near Kaikohe. Treasured by the people of Ngapuhi for centuries, these naturally fed pools each have their own healing properties, temperatures, colours and minerals.
Stay nearby at one of six super Bay of Islands HPNZ-member holiday parks – Waitangi Holiday Park, Bay of Islands Holiday Park, Paihia TOP 10, Bay of Islands Campervan Park, Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park and Russell Top 10, or another 20 or so throughout Northland.
Coromandel’s hot sand and cool Cathedral Cove by kayak
With the walking track to Cathedral Cove out of action for now, the crystal-clear conditions of the colder months make this the perfect time visit it by kayak – with the bonus of seeing other secluded bays around Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Hahei Beach Resort is a great launching pad, especially as it has two private outdoor tubs overlooking the ocean.
The other must-do around here is to enjoy a soothing soak at Hot Water Beach serenaded by sound of breaking waves, then bliss out some more in Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park‘s new heated saltwater swimming pool.
Get a glow on in Rotorua
Between Rotorua’s nine great holiday parks, there’s plenty of cosy accommodation to base yourself for a break this winter – one where some water therapy is guaranteed!
Already a mecca for cockle-warming winter soaks, Rotorua has a new and luxurious spa complex, Wai Ariki. If you like some cycling with your soaking, head to the Secret Spot in Whakarewarewa Forest where you can get straight off the bike and plunge straight into private pools nestled in a bushy beer garden.
But Rotorua offers other ways to take to the water in winter. Get your blood pumping as you plunge over the seven-metre Tutea Falls on a white water rafting trip with Kaituna Cascades, or peace out on Paddle Board Rotorua’s enlightening glowworm tour.
Running hot and cold in Lake Taupō
Sporting New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupō offers an abundance of outdoor aqua fun, even when the temperatures drop and snow dusts the surrounding maunga.
Why not paddle the crisp, clear waters on a kayak tour to Mine Bay’s impressive Māori rock carvings, or a peaceful kayak float down the bright blue waters of our longest waterway, the Waikato River. If you’re up for some of that cold-water therapy, you might also consider popping your togs on and taking a dip.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of places to simmer yourself afterwards, from free, natural, riverside and lakeside springs, to swish, family friendly complexes such as DeBretts Spa Resort and Holiday Park. An awesome one-stop-shop, it has several pools, racing slides and watery playground for the kids.
Family fun is also guaranteed at the Lake Taupō Holiday Resort which has an array of accommodation and thermally heated lagoon-style pool. Let the nippers zip down the slides and watch a movie on the poolside big-screen while you float over to the swim-up bar. Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park is another hot ticket with its new private hot tubs steaming away at a therapeutic 39oC all year round.
South Island / Te Waipounamu
Hot pools and type-2 fun in Hanmer Springs
How about tackling some whitewater in Hanmer Springs this winter? The Waiau River’s gentle grade-2 rapids make this rafting trip a good time for all ages. If the superb scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the return jet-boat ride and (optional) rock-jump into the river’s cool waters surely will!
Over 20 different pools set in leafy grounds and some ridiculously fun waterslides make Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools a contender for the country’s best complex. Private pools, sauna, steam room and a full suite of pampering spa treatments should seal the deal.
Choose from five great places to stay, all year round: leafy Pines Holiday Park beside the golf course; Alpine Adventure Holiday Park set in the bush-clad valley at the bottom of Jacks Pass; peaceful Hanmer Springs Forest Camp surrounded by mountains and the town’s brilliant biking and walking trails; or Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park with its own private wood-fired hot tubs and A-Maze-n-Golf for family fun.
Lake Tekapo/Takapō – literally breathtaking
If you’ve got your own boat or board, kayaking or SUPping on Lake Tekapō could be a winning way to immerse yourself in Mackenzie’s world-famous scenery during the quieter months. If you’ve got plenty of pluck, maybe even go the full Wim-Hof in the lake’s glacially fed waters. Temperatures could well dip down to 5°C in midwinter, so you may wish to brace yourself and breathe deep. A wetsuit probably won’t go amiss, either!
Thaw out in Tekapo Springs’ hot pools overlooking the lake, or get the blood flowing again on a few scoots around their outdoor ice rink. After dark, soak beneath the star-filled night skies and see why Tekapō is a dark-sky reserve – one of only 17 in the world.
Ten minutes’ walk from the hot pools and town is Lakes Edge Holiday Park with accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, plus a range of camping and campervan sites elevated above the lake.
The world-heritage wonders of Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is the launchpoint for two super-serene, scenic kayaking trips. Take a guided glide across Lake Mapourika’s calm waters, surrounded by untouched Jurassic rainforest and backdropped by the Southern Alps, or explore the Ōkārito lagoon – New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. You might even see the majestic kotuku/great white heron.
An hour or so will be well spent in Waiho’s wood-fired hot tubs set amongst beautiful ferns and trees. Add some soothing Epsom salts or lavender, and BYO nibbles and drinks for a fully indulgent experience.
With a variety of cabins, cottages, apartments and campervan/tenting sites, and mountain scenery to knock your socks off, Franz Josef TOP 10 and Rainforest Retreat make great bases for exploring Glacier Country.
Get pumped and pampered in Queenstown
New Zealand’s adrenaline capital serves up a smorgasbord of water-based fun from rafting and kayaking to jet-boat tours and river sledging. Ever fancied flying above the water like an America’s Cup yacht? Why not take an e-foiling lesson with Fliteschool, with the Remarkables as your backdrop?
Spoil yourself with a luxurious soak and complimentary drink and snacks at the Japanese-inspired Onset Hot Pools perched high above the Shotover River. Sweethearts may wish to splurge on a hot pool and spa treatment combo for two.
For something closer to the action, park up at charming Creeksyde with its lovely gardens, or leafy Lakeview Holiday Park – both are only 5 minutes’ walk from downtown Queenstown.
More holiday parks with hot tubs & swimming pools
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holiday park hot tubs and swimming pools. Click the links below for parks with these fab facilities:
Holiday parks with swimming pools
Read here for more seasonal holiday inspiration from around Aotearoa New Zealand, including a secret scenic sauna, groovy glamping, dog-friendly holiday parks, fun festivals and events, autumn deals and park updates.
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