New Zealand · SPA & HOT SPRINGS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 hot pools & spa days worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Explore Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve, soak in mud and sulphur pools, and try Māori carving for $68.
“The experience was authentic. We started out on guided tour but ended up going out on our own halfway in so we could have a semi private mudbath. If you prefer to be in mudbath and Sulphur spa alone. If you do the guided tour, you will be in there with everyone.”
Review of Rotorua’s Hells Gate mud bath and sulphur spa, with practical advice on timing, cost, clothing, health rules, and what to expect.
“soak your clothes separately after this experience with lots of detergent and fabric softer. was stuck in our clothes n bathers for days”
Soak in five mineral pools beside Lake Rotorua, then warm up on geothermal recliners at Polynesian Spa’s family-friendly bathing area.
“A brilliant experience! Very friendly and competent staff. The kayaking through the forest with the glow worms was incredible equally matched by one of the best nights for star gazing! Lots of information along the way and a little surprise half way! Thank you Lofty, Britney and Jack for a great evening.”
Soak in Rotorua’s mineral pools with lake views, changing rooms, recliners, and family-friendly access at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa.
“Very nice facility with numerous relaxing pools and great views. Clean and sufficient locker rooms. Recommended if you need some relaxation.”
Soak in 22 outdoor pools, ride four waterslides, and enjoy a full day at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools in New Zealand.
“I just know in my registered phone in Hamner Spring. We having fun together with my couples friends.”
Soak in Rotorua’s acidic and alkaline mineral pools, walk the reflexology path, and enjoy lake views with all-day Pavilion access.
“Bring your own towel if you can & leave valuables at home. Very relaxing but waters are very warm ,upto 41 degrees.”
Relax in Rotorua’s geothermal pools, mud lounge, saunas, and cold plunges while learning Māori restorative traditions at Wai Ariki.
“So relaxing and just wat I needed , we were not rushed and I enjoyed every minimise I spent there . Would definitely go again”
Kayak Lake Rotoiti at sunset, soak in hot springs, eat a BBQ dinner, and see glowworms and crayfish in boat-only caves.
“We had an amazing time on this Kayak tour! Our family of four enjoyed every moment from beginning to end (even the rainy moments). Swimming at the lake by the hot pools was a highlight for our 14 year-old, and our 15 year-old still talks about the stories we got to hear as we paddled from place to place. Thank you River Rats for such a great day!”
Visit Whakarewarewa Village, see geysers and mud pools, watch a haka, then soak in Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa on a long Auckland day trip.
“Our guide Ali (not sure of spelling) was fantastic! Itinerary great! Got to see everything we had hoped for. Rotorua was like being in a different world. Māori village one of most unique experiences we’ve ever seen. Polynesian spa was great”
Review of Wai Ariki’s two-hour Māori wellness journey in Rotorua, with geothermal pools, mud, steam, lake views, price, and practical tips.
“C’était vraiment super , 2h c’est court tant il y a de chose à faire . Je m’attendais à un bain de boue mais il te donne un bol de boue mélangé avec du miel . En vrai l’activité est top au final et le prix est vraiment correct. Je recommanderais plutôt de rester 2h de plus”
Review of Auckland’s Rotorua day trip, with a Māori village, haka, geothermal sights, Polynesian Spa, transport, costs, and practical tips.
“Everything about this easy day trip was great. The guide worked really hard to make sure our small group members were happy and comfortable, even to the point of going out of his way to make our wishes for the spa time complete. The MāRead more”
Soak in Rotorua’s mud baths and sulphur pools, walk past steaming vents and waterfalls, and enjoy a guided day trip from Tauranga’s port.
“Excellent tour. Enjoyed the mud and spa. Very nice natural forrest with waterfall. Geothermal activity watch”
See Wai-O-Tapu’s brilliant geothermal pools, watch Lady Knox Geyser, and soak at Polynesian Spa on a long but rewarding Auckland day trip.
“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”
Travel from Auckland to Wai-O-Tapu and Polynesian Spa in one long Rotorua day, with geothermal sights, mineral pools, hotel transfers, and a guide.
“We had an amazing day! The van was comfortable, clean, tidy, and we were offered granola bars, water, and umbrellas. We had just the right number of stops on the way to Rotorua. Matt was friendly and gave us an informative and funny tour, and ensured we never waited longer than necessary at any one point, seamlessly getting us to the right place at the right time, despite occasional road works and traffic. Wai-o-Tapu was otherworldly and stunningly beautiful, and Matt got us ahead of the crowds. We went for the spa afternoon activity and were impressed with the ‘deluxe’ package that was included with this day tour. This package…”
Review Wai Ariki’s one-hour Rotorua bathing experience, with five mineral, herbal, hydrotherapy, and cold pools beside Lake Rotorua.
“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,”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
