Despite shorter days and cooler temperatures, there’s still plenty of fun to be had on and around New Zealand’s lakes, rivers and coastlines, especially when there are hot pools nearby!
From serene stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to riotous rafting and jet-boat rides, autumn and winter offer ample opportunities for water-based adventures. You could also indulge in a spot of Wim Hof-inspired cold-water therapy. It’s all the rage, invigorating and good for the body and mind. But if you’re reluctant to take the plunge, 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.
Choose from super six Bay of Islands HPNZ-member holiday parks – Parco vacanze Waitangi, Parco vacanze Baia delle Isole, Paihia TOP 10, Parco camper della Baia delle Isole, Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park E Russell Top 10, oltre ad altri 20 circa sparsi ovunque Northland.
Dig-it yourself hot pools and one of the world’s best beaches (Coromandel)
The walking track to iconic Cathedral Cove may be out of action but this picture perfect-beach and lofty arch can still be reached by sea with local operators. Embark on a kayak tour taking in the cove and other secluded bays around Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.
Another local must-do is a DIY soak at the famous Spiaggia dell'acqua calda. Dig yourself a hot pool two hours either side of low tide and soothe aching limbs serenaded by the sound of breaking waves. If your timing is out head to nearby Hot Water Beach TOP 10 for a swim in their new heated salt-water swimming pool and soak pool, or to Hahei Beach Resort with its two private outdoor tubs overlooking the ocean.
Hahei Beach Resort E Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Parco are two fabulous bases for Coromandel adventures.
Get a glow(worm) on in Aotearoa’s geothermal capital (Rotorua)
Aotearoa New Zealand’s geothermal capital is also home to a raft of wonderful water activities. 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.
The city is also a hot-spot for therapeutic soaks. Numerous options include the new and luxurious Wai Ariki hot springs and spa, and Secret Spot’s hot tubs nestled amongst Whakarewarewa Forest’s mountain bike trails.
Whether you’re looking to park up in town, beside the lake or riverside, Rotorua’s nine great holiday parks have got you covered.
Get into hot (and cold) water in Lake Taupō
Taupō is another cool town for some hot and cold water therapy. Paddle around Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest lake on a kayak tour to Mine Bay’s amazing Māori rock carvings, or float peacefully down the bright blue waters of our longest waterway, the Waikato River. Lake Taupō is also popular for swimming, all year round.
From free natural spots beside the lake and Waikato River to quality complexes with private pools, there’s no shortage of places for a rewarding soak. DeBretts Spa Resort and holiday park is an awesome one-stop-shop with numerous pools, and heated racing slides and a watery playground to keep the kids entertained.
Family fun is also guaranteed at the Resort per le vacanze sul Lago Taupo with its 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 and café for refreshments. The Taupo TOP 10 parchi vacanze 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
The Waiau’s gentle grade-2 rapids make this a fab rafting trip 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. Private pools, sauna, steam room and a full suite of pampering spa treatments probably seal the deal.
Choose from these five great places to stay, all year round: friendly, leafy Pines Holiday Parco beside the golf course; Parco vacanze avventura alpino set in the bush-clad valley at the bottom of Jacks Pass; peaceful Accampamento forestale di Hanmer Springs E Appartamenti per vacanze alpine e campeggio 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.
A breathtaking bathe beneath starry skies in Lake Tekapo/Takapō
If you’ve got your own kit, kayaking or SUPping on Lake Tekapō’s turquoise waters is a memorable way to immerse yourself in Mackenzie’s world-famous scenery. No vessel but plenty of pluck? Why not take an invigorating dip into the lake’s glacially fed waters? Disclaimer: with temperatures ranging from 5°C in winter to 17 in summer, you may want to diarise your dip or don a wetsuit!
Thaw out in Tekapo Springs’ hot pools overlooking the lake, or keep your cool skating on their full-size 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 Parco vacanze Lakes Edge with accommodation to suit all tastes and budget, plus a range of camping and campervan sites elevated above the lake.
World-heritage wonders on the West Coast (Franz Josef Glacier)
A short drive north of Franz Josef are two serene and 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 – NZ’s largest unmodified wetland – keeping an eye out for the majestic kotuku/great white heron.
Then while away an hour or two 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 E Ritiro nella foresta pluviale 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.
Opened in 2022, swanky Driftaway in Frankton has stylish accommodation and panoramic views best enjoyed from their private hot tubs. Park guests get 50% off hot tub sessions (valid until 31st May with SOAK50 code). For something closer to the action, park up at Creeksyde – packed full of charm or leafy Lakeview Holiday Parco, both only 5 minutes’ walk from downtown Queenstown.
More holiday parks with hot tubs & swimming pools
There are heaps more New Zealand holiday parks with hot pools, including:
Leggere qui per ulteriori ispirazioni per le vacanze stagionali da Aotearoa in Nuova Zelanda.
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