Quick FactsOverview
About Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Secret Spot Hot Tubs, New Zealand is a paid private hot tub retreat at 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, on the southern edge of Rotorua on the North Island. Twelve hand-crafted cedar hot tubs sit in a landscaped native forest garden beside the Puarenga Stream, each filled with fresh spring water and heated to approximately 39.5 degrees Celsius. Sessions run for 45 minutes with up to 6 people per tub, and drinks can be ordered tub-side at the push of a button. Entry is paid; advance booking is recommended.
Opened in 2019 by brothers Keith and Eric Kolver, the complex sits on the edge of the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park, the main trailhead for Rotorua's mountain bike network. Additional facilities include Japanese hinoki wood saunas, cedar cold plunge tubs, Shinny Dip foot pools, campfires, and the BaseCamp cafe and bar. Secret Spot has received the Global Award for Luxury Forest Bathing Spa from the World Luxury Spa Awards for multiple years running.
The water is fresh spring water, not geothermal mineral water. The experience centres on the forest setting and cedar tub design. Visitors seeking geothermal mineral bathing near Rotorua can find that at other city venues; Secret Spot's character is distinct.
Location & Access
Getting to Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is at 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3073, approximately 2 minutes south of Rotorua city centre by car. From central Rotorua, take State Highway 5 south toward Taupo. Shortly after passing Te Puia, turn left onto Waipa State Mill Road at the roundabout. After approximately 150 metres, turn left again into the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park. Secret Spot is signposted and sits between the car park and the forest edge.
On foot from central Rotorua, the walk along Waipa State Mill Road from the Fenton Street area takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Local bus services operate toward Whakarewarewa and stops are within walking distance. Taxis and rideshare services are available from central Rotorua. Parking at the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park is free. The facility is open 7 days, 9 am to 10 pm, with the last hot tub booking at 9 pm. It is closed from 4 pm on Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day.
The Whakarewarewa Forest location means the venue is also convenient for visitors combining a forest walk or mountain bike ride with a post-activity soak, as the forest trails are directly accessible from the same car park. For visitors looking for hot springs near Rotorua that prioritise a private forest setting over geothermal mineral pools, Secret Spot is the standout option in the immediate area.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Secret Spot Hot Tubs suits couples, friend groups, and families who want a private, managed outdoor soaking experience in a forest setting close to central Rotorua, and who value the combination of a well-designed space, food and drink service, and a natural backdrop. The private tub format means each group has their own space throughout the session without sharing with other guests.
Wheelchair accessibility is not explicitly documented by Secret Spot in their official materials. The landscaped garden setting with stream-side paths and varied terrain means visitors with mobility limitations should contact the venue in advance to confirm what areas are accessible before booking. No step-free pool entry or ramp access to the tubs has been documented in official sources.
Families with children are welcome and the 6-person tub capacity accommodates most family group sizes. The facility is dog-friendly, making it practical for visitors travelling with pets. The Shinny Dip foot pools are available without a tub booking for anyone purchasing a drink, providing a lower-commitment entry point for visitors who prefer not to book a full 45-minute session. Among the hot springs near Rotorua that offer a private tub experience in a natural setting with food and drink service, Secret Spot is the most established and awarded option currently operating in Rotorua.
Safety & Etiquette
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Safety Tips
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is generally a safe facility. The cedar tubs are heated to approximately 39.5 degrees Celsius, within the standard comfortable range for most adults. Visitors sensitive to heat should take breaks from the tub, stay hydrated throughout the session, and avoid remaining fully submerged for extended periods. Complimentary chilled water is provided at each tub; use it throughout the session.
Each tub is private and is not monitored by staff during the session. Parents are responsible for supervising children throughout the booking. Children should not be left unattended in or near any tub. The Puarenga Stream runs alongside the facility; children should not access the stream bank unattended. The cold plunge tubs are complimentary with the hot tub booking and available for contrast therapy, but are optional. Visitors with heart conditions or blood pressure concerns should consult a doctor before using cold plunge facilities.
Standard sauna safety applies in the Sauna Corner: limit session time, drink water before and after, and cool down between sauna rounds using the cold plunge or a seated rest. Do not use the sauna immediately after consuming alcohol.
Bookings can be rescheduled up to 4 hours before the reserved time. Cancellations require at least 12 hours notice to avoid a charge. The facility is smoke and vape free throughout. Swimwear is required in all tubs; robes and towels are available for hire at reception. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the booked session time to allow for check-in and preparation, as 45-minute sessions begin promptly and are not extended if guests arrive late.
