New Zealand – Hot Spas and Good Times
Majestic scenery and a clean, green environment draw visitors to New Zealand. We hike through native forests; kayak in crystal clear water; bike past picture-perfect views and, if we’re smart, we recover by soaking our bodies in water warmed by the country’s geothermal hotline.
Thermal spas throughout New Zealand offer pools of naturally-heated water where visitors and locals relax and sooth tired muscles. Many of these overlook beautiful lake or bushland panoramas. What could be more authentic or more luxurious?
New Zealand – Hot Spas in Rotorua
One of my favorite such places is the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. Voted one of the top ten “thermal, natural or medical spas in the world” by the readers of the UK edition of Conde Nast Traveller, this lakeside retreat offers natural rock pools of hot water on the edge of Lake Rotorua, private indoor pools, and a range of spa treatments. It’s been a while, but I still remember how much I enjoyed the Aix Spa Massage – a full body massage with fragrant coconut oil under a streaming shower of warm water.
New Zealand – Hot Spas in Taupo
Taupo Hot Springs also offers hot mineral pools and spa treatments and, while they don’t have a lake view, they do provide a warm water playground and a giant dragon water slide that make this park a hot family-friendly destination.
New Zealand – Hot Spas in Hanmer Springs
Warm water swimming and soaking is the main attraction in the town of Hanmer Springs on the South Island. Here, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa includes 12 open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools (great for achy joints) and six private indoor thermal pools in a natural setting.
Hanmer is just 1 ½ hours drive north of Christchurch. Overseas and New Zealand visitors fly into Christchurch Airport and enjoy the scenic drive to the small resort town which has been welcoming visitors since the late 19th century. Hanmer also offers bungy jumping, mountain biking and bush walking.
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Cheers,
Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS
Category: New Zealand, Spa Vacations
Thanks for this insightful post, and most importantly, thanks for getting the word out that New Zealand is open for business. Being in the luxury travel industry as well, it is refreshing to see “authentic luxury” being highlighted and promoted.
This looks very attractive. It is better to experience these natural spas from these secluded spots than the artificial ones in the city. It is amazing that New Zealand has lots of these.