1. Maruia Hot Springs, Lewis Pass
Maruia Hot Springs, tucked away in the stunning Lewis Pass amid the snow-capped Southern Alps, is one of the renowned natural hot springs in South Island. The resort features four natural hot pools, each varying in temperature from 42°C to 38°C, depending on the season.
You can indulge in a variety of wellness activities, including a hot rock sauna, steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge pool, and foot bath. The unique 'signature sauna infusion' sessions, guided by resident sauna masters, are a highlight, offering a blend of hot and cold bathing experiences that rejuvenate the body and spirit.
After a relaxing plunge at Maruia Hot Springs, check out our local accommodations in the area to rest your head for the night.
If you're driving along the scenic coastline, stop by our Carters Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Located near the Great Coast Road, the accommodation offers easy access to the renowned Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki.
Our Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park is also situated parallel to the Tasman Sea in serene Greymouth, a part of the beautiful and unspoilt West Coast of New Zealand.
2. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Hanmer Springs
Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of mountains and native forests, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa offers a rejuvenating retreat just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch.
You can choose from a variety of 22 pools, including a spacious main pool, hydroslides, fun-filled children’s pools, and several intimate private pools and saunas. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful soak while watching snow fall, a health-boosting swim, or a restful day filled with spa treatments and nature walks, these natural hot pools in the South Island promise a memorable and restorative experience.
When planning your visit to the beautiful hot pools of South Island NZ, why not extend your stay to fully immerse yourself in the experience? Our Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park and Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park offer the perfect accommodations to complement your hot springs adventure.
Located just a five-minute walk from the renowned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, our Hanmer Springs accommodation is ideally situated for you to enjoy all that this charming alpine village has to offer. Book our onsite wood-fired hot tub for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Or, after enjoying an afternoon soak in Hanmer Springs, head to Kaikoura and stay at our Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park. Our Kaikoura accommodation will ensure you're well-rested and ready for an early morning whale and dolphin-watching cruise.
3. He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch
He Puna Taimoana, located a mere 15 minutes from Christchurch, offers a scenic soaking experience with its five hot pools overlooking the ocean. Choose the Sunrise Soak and enjoy the early morning tranquillity while sipping your drink. It’s a must-try for a unique and refreshing start to the day.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Christchurch while you explore the region, check out Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Located just 20 minutes from town, our recreational destination where you can relax and unwind in a huge campground in the middle of a 70-hectare forested reserve.
4. Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, Methven
With stunning views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, the Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa features a variety of thermal pools and a luxurious day spa, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists. The resort boasts a range of thermal pools, including the Tranquillity Pools with a one-of-a-kind swim-up bar and the Discovery Pools for family fun. It’s the perfect retreat after a day of skiing or snowboarding up on Mt Hutt.
After a day of soaking in these hot pools in South Island, return to Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park to unwind amidst nature, go for a refreshing beach walk, cycle through the forest trails, or enjoy a round of mini-golf. Our holiday park offers a range of accommodations, from non-powered sites to comfortable cabins and studio units.
5. Amethyst Hot Springs, Harihari, West Coast
Amethyst Hot Springs is ideal if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure combined with the relaxation of natural hot springs in the South Island, NZ. After parking at the road-end car park, follow the path down the banks of Wanganui River. The hot pools are located near where Wanganui River and Amethyst Stream meet and are prone to flood. So, bring a shovel with you to dig out your pool. Don’t forget to take your insect repellent and wear a wetsuit, as you’ll be welcomed by the local inhabitants, sandflies!
Just a short drive from the hot springs, you'll find our boutique, quirky, couple-focused Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Nestled on New Zealand’s Ross Beach, right by the glistening Tasman Sea, you simply couldn’t dream up a better location for a relaxing, chilled out holiday park experience.
6. Waiho Hot Tubs, Franz Josef
Waiho Hot Tubs offers an intimate and luxurious outdoor soaking experience in the heart of Franz Josef village. Relax in the soothing hot water and the aromatic wood smoke. The location, enriched by the lore of the Waiho River and surrounded by lush rainforest, presents a unique blend of relaxation and local heritage.
After exploring the Amethyst Hot Springs and Waiho Hot Tubs on the West Coast of New Zealand, extend your adventure by staying at our Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park or Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park. Both parks offer excellent amenities and a perfect base to explore the stunning surroundings.
7. Omarama Hot Tubs, Omarama
Omarama Hot Tubs is perfect for those seeking a luxurious yet environmentally friendly soaking experience. The hot tubs are made of locally sourced wood and filled with pure New Zealand mountain water. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the upper Waitaki/Mackenzie country scenery while unwinding in peace and watching the snowfall.
Just minutes away from the Omarama Hot Tubs is our Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park. Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, our holiday park offers a range of comfortable accommodations, from powered sites to cosy cabins, all equipped with modern amenities and free WiFi. The renowned Ōhau Snow Fields are within easy reach, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities for avid skiers. With frosty, snowy weather gracing the region this month, be sure to pack warm winter clothing and snow chains for your vehicle.
8. LandEscape, Wanaka
Just 10 minutes from central Wanaka, LandEscape combines luxury with the charm of rural life. Guests can indulge in the exclusive Spagazers, spring-fed, wood-fired hot tubs set in private, open-air settings, ideal for soaking under the starlit sky. You can rent e-bike cruisers for a scenic ride around the farm or nearby trails
Didn’t have time to visit LandEscape? Don’t worry! At Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park, you can still indulge in private sauna and hot tub facilities, bookable through reception at no extra cost. Nestled in a prime location, our newly renovated Wanaka accommodation offers the perfect base for your South Island adventures, with easy access to the region's most captivating attractions.
9. Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown
Experience the pinnacle of relaxation at Onsen Hot Pools, the most breathtaking hot pools the South Island has to offer, perched high on the cliffs overlooking the stunning Shotover River canyon and surrounded by majestic mountains. This unique Kiwi twist on a Japanese tradition blends tranquillity with natural beauty. Indulge in your own private cedar-lined hot pool, complete with a retractable roof. Make sure you book at least one month ahead – they are just so busy!
Continue the theme of your tranquil escape by staying at our Kingston TOP 10 Holiday Park. Offering a serene Kingston camping experience, the comfortable motel units and ensuite log cabins carry the rustic theme found in Onsen Hot Pools experience.
10. The Spa at Nugget Point Hotel, Queenstown
Nestled in the picturesque Arthurs Point and across the street from Onsen is the Spa at Nugget Point Hotel, which offers a luxurious Grecian-style retreat. Experience the modern-day Roman baths, including a plunge pool, sauna, and rose shower. The outdoor hot tubs allow you to soak while overlooking the mountains and river.
Conveniently situated just a 10-minute stroll from the Onsen and Nugget Point, Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a range of Queenstown holiday accommodation options that cater to every traveller. There’s even a free scheduled shuttle service that whisks you effortlessly to and from Queenstown's vibrant town centre. With its unbeatable location, inclusive atmosphere, and guest-focused amenities, Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park is undoubtedly the ideal base for investigating our intriguing area – book your stay now and experience the best of Queenstown right at your doorstep.
Exploring the hot springs across South Island promises not just a dive into rejuvenating mineral-rich waters but also an immersive experience amidst New Zealand's awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether it's the adventure that leads you to the natural allure of Maruia Hot Springs or the luxury of soaking in the panoramic views from Onsen Hot Pools and Nugget Point, each destination offers a unique blend of relaxation, wellness, and scenic beauty.
Encouraging a visit to these 10 hot pools is not just an invitation to bask in their warm embrace but also a call to explore the richness of South Island's natural landscapes. As you plan your South Island winter trip, don’t forget to book a night or two at one of our TOP 10 Holiday Parks.