Hot springs in New Zealand

Free backcountry pools in Westland National Park, reached via the 18 km Copland Track. No pool facilities, no soap, flood and landslide hazards.

Paid adult-only geothermal spa near Taupo with three mineral pools below man-made silica terraces, a scenic walkway, day spa treatments, and a cafe. Ages 14 and over.

Paid geothermal pools in Waikite Valley, 30 minutes from Rotorua, fed by untreated water from Te Manaroa Spring. Six pools, private options, and campground.

Paid adult-only luxury Maori cultural spa on Lake Rotorua, with geothermal mineral pools, mud therapy, saunas, and private pools. Advance booking required.

Paid geothermal pools on the southern shore of Lake Taupo in Tokaanu, with private mineral pools, a public pool, and a free thermal bushwalk.

Paid adult-only geothermal mineral pools and day spa in tropical gardens in Whitianga, Coromandel. Spring water from 667 metres deep; under-14s not admitted.

Paid alpine hot pools at Lake Tekapo with lake and mountain views, a kids aqua play area, day spa, cafe, and seasonal ice skating and snow tubing.

Heritage hotel on SH35 near Tokomaru Bay, established 1918, with a natural mineral hot pool free for guests. Backpacker, ensuite, and camping options on site.

Paid private mineral spa rooms in the Te Aroha Domain, fed by the Mokena Geyser. Wooden tubs with temperature control. Bookings essential, minimum two adults.

Private cedar hot tubs in native forest beside the Puarenga Stream near Rotorua, with a cafe, bar, saunas, and cold plunge tubs. Paid; booking recommended.

Paid geothermal hot springs waterpark on SH5 south of Taupo, with mineral pools, hydroslides, private pools, a day spa, and holiday park accommodation.

Paid geothermal pool complex in Parakai, one hour northwest of Auckland, with three pools from 34 to 42 degrees, a toddler pool, BBQ areas, and a Korean cafe.

Paid lakeside geothermal spa in central Rotorua with 28 mineral pools across family, adult, and private areas, two natural springs, and a full day spa.

Free natural geothermal stream in Spa Thermal Park, Taupo, flowing into the Waikato River. Natural rock pools and a waterfall; changing rooms and cafe on site

Solar-heated pools and spa in Methven, one hour from Christchurch, with family Discovery pools, adults-only Tranquility with swim-up bar, and private tubs.

Private cedar-lined hot tubs overlooking Shotover River gorge near Queenstown, with day spa and free shuttle. Paid; advance booking essential.

Paid natural saltwater hot springs in native rainforest on the East Coast, 40 km from Wairoa. Public and private pools, managed jointly by DOC and local iwi.

Paid Maori-owned geothermal pool complex near Kaikohe with 16 mineral pools at varying temperatures and colours. Sessions are two hours; booking recommended.

Paid alpine hot springs resort in the Lewis Pass with mineral pools, private spas, sauna, restaurant, and accommodation. About 2 hours from Christchurch.

Two free geothermal tubs beside the Mohaka River in Kaweka Forest Park. About 90 minutes from Napier on rough gravel; DOC campsite adjacent.

Three renovated geothermal pools in Kaweka Forest Park, reached by a 3-4 hour intermediate tramp from the road end. Free; DOC campsite adjacent.

Free natural geothermal stream and waterfall pool near Rotorua: hot spring water flowing through native bush, no entry fee. Short walk from roadside parking.

Free geothermal black sand beach near Kawhia: dig your own hot pool at low tide. Far less crowded than Coromandel, open to Tasman Sea sunsets.

Free natural hot spring pools on Great Barrier Island: 40-minute walk through wetland bush to sulphurous pools in Kaitoke Creek. No facilities beyond toilets.

Dig your own hot pool on the Coromandel: geothermal springs rise through the sand at low tide. Free entry; visit within two hours of low tide.

New Zealand's only mud spa in Rotorua: outdoor mud baths, sulphur pools, and a geothermal reserve walk. Paid entry, family-friendly, open daily.

22 alpine geothermal pools, waterslides, sulphur pools, steam rooms, and a day spa in Hanmer Springs. Open daily; 90 minutes from Christchurch.