New Zealand · SPA & HOT SPRINGS
21 reviewed
Work down from the top: 15 hot pools & spas worth booking, each with its price, its length, and the single thing to know before you commit to a date.
Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate pairs a geothermal walk with a mud bath and sulfur spa, plus Māori wood carving, all in about 3 hours.
“Is was amazing! The guidance is so friendly and talkative, the mud spa is incredible, really worthy to put it in your New Zealand trip!”
Enjoy Rotorua’s geothermal tradition at Hell’s Gate: 20-minute mud bath, sulphur mineral spa, plunge cool-down, and views of active reserves.
“Great experience. First a walk among the bubbling mud pools and then a relaxing time first in the mud baths and then the lovely spa pools with the option of a cold dip.”
Relax in five mineral hot pools, add a cold plunge, and unwind on heated recliners with Lake Rotorua views at Polynesian Spa.
“The pools are managed very well. We had an amazing time.”
Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa, Rotorua: lake-view mineral hot pools, cold plunge, heated loungers, towels, and lounge access.
“Not hi end at all very commercial catering to groups of tourists from India , China. Nothing personal about it . Wouldn’t recommend it. We only did this because all others around us didn’t allow kids between 10 and 12. Very crowded and not modern looking .”
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa in New Zealand, with 22 outdoor pools, waterslides, and all-day access for families and couples.
“Don’t think twice. Go for it. It was just amazing. One of the best things we did in our New Zealand trip.”
Rotorua Pavilion 12+ hot pools: soak acidic and alkaline mineral water, enjoy lake views, do a reflexology walk, all day for $31.
“I ended up driving there from Auckland. If I had to do it again I would of stayed in the town as there were many other things to do. The pools however were great. For 8 pools I could not feel the difference but I had fun relaxing.”
Wai Ariki Hot Springs in Rotorua blends Māori blessings, geothermal mud baths, and hot-cold pools for a 2-hour spa reset.
“Wow! What an amazing experience! Staff were friendly, helpful and genuinely interested! Facilities were perfect. The perfect place to visit to relax and recharge! Amazing!.”
Evening kayak on Lake Rotoiti with hot pools, glowworm caves by boat, and a Kiwi BBQ dinner from Rotorua.
“Our tour was changed to morning due to not enough people. We had a great time kayaking across the lake beautiful weather. Spent an hours soaking in the hot springs, so relaxing. Our guide Justin was so helpful and gave a great commentary on our tour. Thank you Justin.”
Lake Rotorua hot springs spa with Māori blessings, waterfall showers, fire and ice, geothermal pools, mud and steam, 2 hours.
“A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for creating such a wonderful atmosphere, with special appreciation to Athena, who consistently goes the extra mile to make every guest’s experience exceptional. Definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting Rotorua”
Rotorua in one long day. A small-group trip to Whakarewarewa Māori Village, geothermal wonders, then Polynesian Spa hot pools with Lake Rotorua views.
“Amazing. Absolutely stunning. The guide was amazing, the place was amazing and I loved every minute”
Auckland to Rotorua small-group day trip with Whakarewarewa Māori Village, haka and Polynesian Spa hot pools, pickup included.
“I had the privilege of sitting shotgun (passenger seat) next to our guide John Paynter. This man is a national treasure. He is simply the most knowledgeable, generous tour guide I could ever hope for. Any question I could muster about the ecolRead more”
Rotorua geothermal day trip from Tauranga to Hell's Gate, with a self-guided walk, mud baths, sulphur spa, plus scenic stops and transfers.
“Spa and mud bath were fabulous. The driver was great and included stops to see kiwifruit and see white water rafting. Highly recommend!”
Auckland to Rotorua day trip with Wai-O-Tapu geothermal gardens and Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa, plus CBD pickup, max 11 and guided fun.
“We weren’t sure how jet lagged we would be so decided this tour would be a great way to relax and see some of the North Island while traveling to Rotorua. We had a couple of quick stops on the way for food and bathroom breaks then arRead more”
Rotorua in one day from Auckland, with Wai-O-Tapu geothermal sights and a relaxing Polynesian Spa visit on a small-group tour.
“Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We’re really happy to hear you had fun — that’s exactly what we love to hear. Hope to see you again on another adventure soon!”
1-hour adults-only Rotorua hot springs circuit with five mineral pools, a Māori blessing ritual, cold plunge, and lake views for $59.
“Kia ora Silvia, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an awesome experience at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Ngā mihi,”
