He Puna Taimoana: Christchurch's hot pools by the beach in New Brighton. Photo / Supplied, CCC Newsline
As the weather cools down, it's the perfect time for a long, hot, soak, writes Jessica Wynne Lockhart
The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are getting lower, which only means one thing: spa season is finally here.
We've rounded up six of the (ahem) hottest hot pool spots across Aotearoa that are guaranteed to warm you up.
It's been over two years since Rotorua's Secret Spot Hot Tubs opened—and it's safe to say the secret's out. A favourite for local cyclists looking to soothe their sore muscles or just catch up with a mate over a craft beer, it's just minutes away from some of the area's best mountain biking trails.
Hidden among the ferns alongside the Waipā stream, each of the six-foot-wide Western red cedar tubs has its own call button for drinks and snacks, so you can indulge without getting out. The water is just as indulgent; sourced from volcanic aquifers, it's not geothermal, meaning there's no sulphur smell. And if you're not interested in fully submerging, you can order a drink and have a complimentary "shinny dip." Or, check out Secret Spot's newest addition, BaseCamp. Primarily functioning as an event venue, it also has a brand-new kitchen serving up share platters and braai (South African-style barbecue). For a full-on date night, head to Secret Spot on Saturday, when live music rounds out the experience. secretspot.nz
Nothing signals the start of autumn like the smell of a wood-burning fireplace. That's just part of the allure of Waiho Hot Tubs, Franz Joseph's newest soaking spot, which launched in late 2020.
Set in lush West Coast rainforest, the five private hot tubs are filled with fresh mountain stream water and fired by wood, making the temperature fully adjustable. Packages include accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel and dinner at local favourite Snakebite Brewery, along with fully guided day tramps up Roberts Point. Standard hourly rates (starting from $79) are also available, with BYO nibbles and drinks encouraged. waihohottubs.co.nz
You might not think you're ready for the prospect of snow quite yet. But taking advantage of this two-night package, offered by the Road Trip New Zealand, might change your mind—especially when you find the snow the in question arrives during a helicopter alpine landing near Aoraki/Mt Cook.
The package also includes two nights at family-owned Lakestone Lodge on the edges of Lake Pukaki, where you'll receive a relaxation massage, three-course dinners, and cooked breakfasts. As for that soak? You'll be given entry to nearby Tekapo Hot Springs, but you can also fully submerge in your room's soaker bathtub. The package usually costs $3,190 but is on sale now for the May getaway pricing of $2,710.
theroadtrip.co.nz
When the $15 million Ōpuke Hot Pools opened late last year, it was exactly what Methven, Canterbury needed to solidify its status as a year-round destination. The facility is about to spend its first winter as the go-to apres-ski spot for those who have spent the day on Mt Hutt's slopes.
The perfect spot to warm up and soak tired muscles, the solar-powered pools offer a bit of something for everyone. The Tranquillity Pools are adults-only, with views across the foothills of the Southern Alps, a swim-up bar, and a poolside eatery serving cheese platters, seafood, flatbreads, and rich chocolate desserts. Meanwhile, the Discovery Pools are a family-friendly area, with a crazy river, a "leap-of-faith" plunge pool and starlit caves. Finally, an on-site day spa is where you can truly relax, with facials, massages, and dry floatation all on-offer.
opuke.nz
Christchurch's hot pools by the sea, He Puna Taimoana joins the ranks of soaking facilities that opened during the pandemic. Situated alongside New Brighton Beach—just 15 minutes from the city—this council-operated facility is both family and budget-friendly, with entry starting from $14 for adults and families passes available starting at $39.
There are five heated pools, a plunge pool, and a sauna to choose from. New are the "sunrise soaks," which are only available on Saturdays in the autumn to spring. Afterwards, be sure to hit up Saturdays cafe (named for the fact that in the 1960s it was the only place in Christchurch where general retail shops could be open on a Saturday). It's been racking up the five-star reviews for its fresh offerings, such as tropical smoothie bowls and halloumi mushroom bruschetta.
https://www.hepunataimoana.co.nz/
Run by a local family intent on encouraging renewable energy use, this business combines a match made in heaven: E-biking hires with hots tubs.
The former is self-explanatory, while the latter are presently in what LandEscape calls the "rustic phase" of development. Each wood-fired spa is filled with the property's fresh spring water and has its own changing area. Aptly named "Spagazers" by the family's youngest son, they're positioned with an outlook of the surrounding mountains, farms, and valleys. Make it a two-day affair by camping overnight on the LandEscape property. About a 10-minute drive from the Wānaka township, it has sites for self-contained vehicles.
landescape-wanaka.nz
For more travel inspiration, go to newzealand.com/nz.
Check traffic light settings and Ministry of Health advice before travel at covid19.govt.nz
Sailing away from mass tourism - it isn't easy but it is worth it.