Natural hot spring · New Zealand
Welcome Flat Hot Spring
New Zealand · 72 miles northwest of Geraldine
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 133°F (56°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Geraldine (72 mi / 116 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Welcome Flat Hot Spring
Welcome Flat Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in New Zealand, about 72 miles northwest of Geraldine. The nearest large city is Timaru, roughly 84 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 133°F (56°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Welcome Flat Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: -43.62952, 169.94638.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Geraldine. The spring is about 72 miles (116 km) northwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Timaru, about 84 miles (135 km) in a straight line.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Hot springs near Welcome Flat Hot Spring
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Welcome Flat Hot Spring?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 133°F (56°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Welcome Flat Hot Spring?
Welcome Flat Hot Spring is in New Zealand, about 72 miles northwest of Geraldine. The GPS coordinates are -43.6295, 169.9464.
Can you soak at Welcome Flat Hot Spring?
The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Welcome Flat Hot Spring?
The closest listed spring is Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, about 85 miles east.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.