New Zealand · SPA & HOT SPRINGS

The 15 Best Hot Pools & Spas in New Zealand

24 tours  ·  from $27

Geothermal water is the one attraction that improves in the rain. These 15 cover the Rotorua mud baths, the Hanmer Springs pools and the lakeside tubs, with entry prices, opening hours and which ones take walk-ups.

Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - Starting with the geothermal walk
Geothermal Park Tours, Geothermal Tours in Rotorua, Guided, Hot Pools and Spas in Rotorua, Massage & Relaxation, Rotorua Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

1.Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,140 reviews · 3 hours · from $68Our pick

Spend three hours at Hell’s Gate, about 15 minutes from Rotorua, walking a steaming geothermal field, trying Māori carving, and soaking in mineral mud and sulphur pools. Choose a self-guided route or join an English tour led by guides such as Liam, Tee, Zia, or Nati.

“The tour was fantastic. Tee was our guide and he was so informative, respectful and fun. He made the tour exceptional. We highly recommend it.”

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Rotorua: Hells Gate Outdoor Mud Bath & Spa Experience - Arriving from Rotorua and getting settled
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Rotorua: Hells Gate Outdoor Mud Bath & Spa Experience

2.Hells Gate Outdoor Mud Bath & Spa Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 398 reviews · 1 hour · from $53

At Hells Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you cover yourself in warm grey geothermal mud for 20 minutes, rinse, then relax in sulphur pools and a cool plunge. You can add the geothermal reserve walk, and the optional shuttle may be driven by Mike, a friendly, punctual local driver.

“The staff were all excellent and made me feel nostalgic welcome - thank you”

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Rotorua Lake: Deluxe Lake Spa Geothermal Hot Spring Bathing - Choosing between four Rachel Spring pools
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Rotorua Lake: Deluxe Lake Spa Geothermal Hot Spring Bathing

3.Rotorua Lake: Deluxe Lake Spa Geothermal Hot Spring Bathing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 302 reviews · from $47

Spend a day at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa beside Lake Rotorua. You get four shallow Rachel Spring alkaline pools, one Priest Spring acidic pool, a cold plunge, heated recliners, towels, lockers, toiletries, and an indoor lounge. The setting suits families and quiet morning soaks.

“The pools are managed very well. We had an amazing time.”

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Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing - The cold plunge and a useful hot-cold routine
Hot Pools and Spas in Rotorua, Massage & Relaxation, Rotorua Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

4.Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · from $49

Spend up to four hours at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa, where four alkaline pools, one acidic pool, a cold plunge, heated recliners, premium changing rooms, and lake views make a calm Rotorua break. The family-friendly area suits children, while the range of temperatures helps you set your own pace.

“Disappointed in this experience. We have visited the thermal pools in another location & enjoyed a lot more. The facilities at the Polynesian spa were very good though”

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Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa - The 22 pools: choosing between quiet and family fun
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Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

5.Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 218 reviews · from $26Best value

Spend up to eight hours at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa with access to 22 outdoor pools, four waterslides, a lap pool, kids’ areas, and family facilities. You can move from quiet mineral pools to lively water play, with food, lockers, and towel hire available onsite.

“We entered around 10:30 although there was a queue to get in the staff were great and very quick to process tickets bought on line. Very clean changing rooms handy spin dryer for swim ware. Lifeguards on patrol but not intrusive. The hoRead more”

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Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner - Soaking in Lake Rotoiti’s natural hot pools
BBQ, Canoes & Kayaks, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Evening Tours in Rotorua, Hot Pools and Spas in Rotorua, Kayaking Trips in Rotorua, Kayaking Trips in Waitomo, Rotorua Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Tours

Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

6.Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $135Top rated

Paddle Lake Rotoiti with a trained guide, stopping at warm natural pools, a lakeside barbecue, and two boat-only caves. You need no kayaking experience, and guides such as Justin and Ricky add local Māori stories along the way. Hotel pickup, equipment, instruction, and return transport are included.

“It was a beautiful experience, both energetic with the kayaking, interesting culturally with the local Māori stories, beautiful with the glow worms and relaxing with the lakeside hot pools! The bbq dinner was a nice bonus!”

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From Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village & Hot Springs with Haka - The long ride from Auckland
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From Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village & Hot Springs with Haka

7.Rotorua Māori Village & Hot Springs with Haka

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 12 hours · from $236

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 11 with an English-speaking guide such as Huzefa, Matt, or Brendan. Visit living Whakarewarewa Village, watch Māori songs and haka beside geothermal pools, then relax at Polynesian Spa.

“We had a terrific trip out to Rotorua with our guide Matt, who was full of local knowledge and had a lot of solid tips for our further travels in NZ. He made sure we had rest stops and even managed to get around some of the terrible holiday traffic we experienced heading back into Auckland. The Maori village was worth the visit, we were shown around by Michael who explained everything clearly and concisely about village life and the surrounds. A musical and dance performance and delicious hangi lunch in the local café capped off the memorable visit. The Polynesian Spa was incredibly relaxing and we had a fabulous…”

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Rotorua: Lakefront Hot Springs & Spa - Luxury Māori Wellness - Te Tukinga: Fire, Ice, and a Little Courage
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Rotorua: Lakefront Hot Springs & Spa – Luxury Māori Wellness

8.Lakefront Hot Springs & Spa – Luxury Māori Wellness

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 2 hours · from $104

At Wai Ariki on Lake Rotorua, you move through Māori-inspired blessings, waterfall showers, saunas, hot and cold pools, hydrotherapy, geothermal mud, and steam. The two-hour journey includes robes, towels, and views of Mokoia Island. Athena is praised for warm, attentive service.

“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”

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Ex Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village with Haka and Hot Springs - Geothermal steam, silica formations, and Rotorua’s city drive
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Ex Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village with Haka and Hot Springs

9.Ex Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village with Haka and Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $245

Leave Auckland at 6:00 a.m. for Whakarewarewa Māori Village, where local guides share Māori traditions beside steaming pools and silica formations. After a scenic Rotorua drive, relax for two hours at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa before returning to Auckland. Guides may include John Paynter, JJ, or Huzefa.

“Huzedefa was great! He made it his priority to make sure everyone had a great time! I wasn’t impressed with the Māori village. Just looked like a rundown small town but the geothermal pools were cool! Interesting to see how they used the Read more”

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ROTORUA - Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip - What makes Hell’s Gate different
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ROTORUA – Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip

10.Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $183

Travel from Tauranga’s cruise port to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park near Rotorua for a self-guided walk, 20-minute mud bath, sulphur spa, cool plunge, and Māori carving. Local drivers such as Cookie, Grant, Martin, and Mike add commentary, with stops around Mount Maunganui and Okere Falls.

“i enjoyed the trip, the driver added extra stops at the end to the redwood forest, kiwi fruit, goverment house/garden. Unfortunetly he had a very thick NZ accent and he was hard to understand, plus we could not hear in the back”

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From Auckand: Waiotapu and Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour - Wai-O-Tapu and the Lady Knox Geyser
Auckland Tours, Hot Pools and Spas in Auckland, Massage & Relaxation, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tours

From Auckand: Waiotapu and Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour

11.From Auckand: Waiotapu and Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $235

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am with a small group of up to 11, visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, arrive in time for Lady Knox Geyser, then soak in Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa before returning downtown. Guides such as Jason and Jamie add local context along the way.

“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”

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From Auckland: Wai-O-Tapu & Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour - Wai-O-Tapu’s steaming ground and sulfur air
Auckland Tours, Hot Pools and Spas in Auckland, Massage & Relaxation, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tours

From Auckland: Wai-O-Tapu & Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour

12.Wai-O-Tapu & Polynesian Spa Rotorua Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 29 reviews · 12 hours · from $221

Travel from Auckland in a small group to Wai-O-Tapu for a self-guided walk among steaming vents, sulfur pools, and volcanic colors, then spend two hours at Polynesian Spa beside Lake Rotorua. Guides may include Matt, Jason, or Dean. Spa entry, transport, and hotel pickup are included.

“Guide Jason fun and full of bits of info. Really enjoyed experie ce but do find all the tours pricey”

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Rotorua: Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa 1hr Restorative Bathing - Starting at Te Hihiri, the blessing stone
Hot Pools and Spas in Rotorua, Massage & Relaxation, Rotorua Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews

Rotorua: Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa 1hr Restorative Bathing

13.Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa 1hr Restorative Bathing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 16 reviews · 1 hour · from $59

At Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, you’ll move through five healing waters beneath a striking roof beside Lake Rotorua. A Māori karakia opens and closes the hour, with mineral soaks, a herbal pool, hydrotherapy jets, and a 12°C cold plunge. Bring swimwear and arrive early.

“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,”

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Auckland: Rotorua Te Puia with Haka & Polynesian Spa Small Group - Māori carving, kiwi, and the Te Aronui a Rua performance
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Auckland: Rotorua Te Puia with Haka & Polynesian Spa Small Group

14.Rotorua Te Puia with Haka & Polynesian Spa Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · from $245

Leave Auckland at 6 a.m. for a small-group day trip to Rotorua. At Te Puia, see geothermal wonders, Māori carving, kiwi, songs, poi, and haka. Then relax at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa before returning. Guides such as Huzefa and Jaime are noted for friendly, patient service.

“Our guide Huzefa was very professional, friendly and efficient. It makes our day tour to Rotorua enjoyable and memorable. I highly recommend this tour as it is both culturally enriching as well as relaxing at the spa, being the best of both world.”

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From Auckland: Rotorua Te Puia, Haka & Polynesian Spa Tour - Te Puia’s geothermal ground and Pohutu Geyser
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From Auckland: Rotorua Te Puia, Haka & Polynesian Spa Tour

15.Rotorua Te Puia, Haka & Polynesian Spa Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 12 hours · from $236

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua with an English-speaking guide, tour Te Puia’s geothermal park, watch a Māori performance with haka and poi, then soak in Polynesian Spa’s mineral pools. Guides such as Jamie, Jo, and JJ have made this long day especially smooth.

“Our guide, Jamie, went above and beyond to make the trip enjoyable. He was extremely knowledgeable, took us to extra spots, and the pickup was right on time. The Polynesian Spa was very relaxing. Te Puia was nice—the geothermal area isn’t very large, but it is home to the highest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. The haka performance was powerful and fascinating to watch. Overall, it was an enjoyable day, and I would definitely recommend it.”

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