International
New Zealand Hot Springs: Rotorua, Taupō, Coromandel and the South
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
New Zealand’s North Island sits on the Taupō Volcanic Zone, one of the most active geothermal areas on Earth. Hot pools are part of everyday Kiwi life, from big commercial complexes to free streams in the bush.
Rotorua
Rotorua smells of sulfur from the moment you arrive. The Polynesian Spa on Lake Rotorua is the city’s best-known pool complex. Just south, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are fed by a boiling spring cooled for the pools. Kerosene Creek is a free natural soak in the forest south of the city.
Taupō
The Otumuheke Stream at Spa Park is a free hot stream that meets the Waikato River near the town center. Nearby, Craters of the Moon is a geothermal walk among steaming vents, for looking only.
Bay of Plenty and Waikato
Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera, east of Rotorua, is reached by boat or a long walk. Opal Hot Springs near Matamata is a family-friendly holiday park.
Coromandel
At Hot Water Beach, hot water rises through the sand near the tide line. Hire a spade, arrive near low tide and dig your own pool. Rips on this beach are dangerous, so do not swim in the sea there.
South Island
Hanmer Springs, about 90 minutes north of Christchurch, is the South Island’s best-known thermal resort. Maruia Hot Springs sits in beech forest near Lewis Pass. Welcome Flat on the West Coast’s Copland Track is a hike-in spring next to a Department of Conservation hut, with booking required.
Keep your head above water
Natural geothermal pools can contain amoebae that cause amoebic meningitis if water enters the nose. Never put your head under, and do not let children dive or jump in. Read our hot spring safety guide.
See the New Zealand map and hot springs near Rotorua.
Springs in this guide
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools208°F
- Otumuheke Stream Hot PoolsNot recorded
- Craters of the MoonNot recorded
- Opal Hot Springs & Holiday ParkNot recorded
- Welcome Flat Hot Spring133°F
Listed New Zealand hot springs
See all 38 New Zealand springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikite Valley Thermal Pools | 208°F | Developed | Rotorua (13 mi) |
| Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park | Not recorded | Developed | Matamata (4 mi) |
| Craters of the Moon | Not recorded | Developed | Taupo (3 mi) |
| Okoroire Hot Springs | Not recorded | Developed | Matamata (10 mi) |
| Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa | Not recorded | Resort | Methven |
| Otumuheke Stream Hot Pools Free | Not recorded | Developed | Taupo (1 mi) |
| Manupirua Springs Hot Pools | Not recorded | Developed | Rotorua (10 mi) |
| Athenree Hot Springs | Not recorded | Developed | Waihi Beach (4 mi) |
| Butchers Pool Free | Not recorded | Developed | Murupara (19 mi) |
| Mangatutu Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Napier (32 mi) |
| Tasman Holiday Parks - Miranda | Not recorded | Developed | Ngatea (11 mi) |
| Waterfall Spout Bath Free | Not recorded | Developed | Rotorua (16 mi) |
| Foot Pool | Not recorded | Developed | Katikati (11 mi) |
| Hot 'n' Cold Free | Not recorded | Developed | Rotorua (16 mi) |
| Taranaki Thermal Spa | Not recorded | Resort | New Plymouth (2 mi) |
| Tarawera Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Taupo (35 mi) |
| Welcome Flat Hot Spring | 133°F | Natural | Geraldine (72 mi) |
| Whakawerawera Bathing Pools | Not recorded | Developed | Rotorua (2 mi) |
| Mangatainoka Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Turangi (34 mi) |
| Maraeroa Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Rotorua (9 mi) |
| Motukawanui Island Scenic Reserve | Not recorded | Developed | Kerikeri (16 mi) |
| Ngatamariki Hot Spring | Not recorded | Natural | Taupo (11 mi) |
| Oruawhata / Malfroy Pool | Not recorded | Natural | Rotorua |
| Otei Hot Spring | Not recorded | Natural | Kawerau (8 mi) |
| Parengarenga Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Rotorua (9 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Why do New Zealand hot pools say keep your head above water?
Warm geothermal water in New Zealand can contain amoebae that cause a rare but often fatal meningitis if water goes up the nose. Signs at natural pools ask you to keep your head above the water.
Are there free hot springs in New Zealand?
Yes. The Otumuheke Stream at Spa Park in Taupō, Kerosene Creek near Rotorua and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel are all free.
When is the best time to visit Hot Water Beach?
Within about two hours either side of low tide, when you can dig a pool in the sand over the hot water. Check the tide table before you go.