Credit: CCC
Hot Pools That Are More Than Just Hot Water
Is there anything better than slipping into a hot pool after a day of seeing the sights? As you lower your tired body into the warm water, stresses and aches melt away and it is almost impossible not to sigh with relief or giggle with joy. Could this be any better?
Well, yes, it can. A new generation of hot pool resorts has opened across Canterbury where warming your winter is made sweeter with extra amenities. Can you handle even more pampering?
Start your hot pool pilgrimage in Ōtautahi Christchurch, which boasts public hot pools overlooking the beach, and make room in your itinerary to soak away your cares and enjoy the bonus features at some of these other hot pool havens across the middle of the mainland.
He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch
Locals have been flocking to these outdoor hot pools where the best view of New Brighton Beach is framed by the perfectly situated window in the sauna. Supersize that sea-side vista by booking a Sunrise Soak on Saturdays during autumn, winter and spring, with a start time between 6am and 7.15am, depending on the time of sunrise. Your two-hour session includes a luxurious robe to wear, a complimentary mocktail to enjoy as you soak, and an optional guided meditation designed to leave you relaxed and refreshed.
Ōpuke Thermal Pools And Spa, Mid Canterbury
Mocktails are just right for sunrise but by the end of the day, you may want something stronger. At Methven’s new Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa, enjoy a cocktail in what Stuff has called “the country’s best swim-up bar” and “a slice of Fiji in the South Island”. Their water is sourced from nearby mountains and solar heated. It caters to adults with the Tranquillity Pools and families with the Discovery Zone. The Tranquillity Pools have glorious views across the foothills of the Southern Alps and a well-stocked swim-up bar and eatery with underwater stools. In the Discovery Zone, you’ll find a crazy river and leap-of-faith plunge pool as well as star-lit caves and relaxation pools.
Tekapo Springs, Mackenzie District
These lakeside, outdoor hot pools are great for a daytime relax, but it’s their location at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve that guarantee unparalleled night skies when the weather’s right. Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. Take a look through an astronomers’ telescope, then lie back and drift in a floating hammock under the dark night sky, with a poolside astronomer to answer any lingering questions about the universe.
Hanmer Springs, Hurunui
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is well known as a great family getaway from Christchurch because most kids don’t have the same appetite for sitting around and relaxing as their parents do. So while you’re soaking in the natural hot pools, they are burning energy in the play pools and on the hydroslides, including the latest addition, Conical Thrill, which is New Zealand’s largest aquatic thrill ride. Relaxation and excitement for different family members at the same place? Now that’s an extra guaranteed to keep the family happy.
