New Zealand Thermal Resorts & Spas

In several areas of New Zealand, steam drifts naturally from the landscape and lakes are wildly coloured by minerals from deep within the earth. The ground is warm to the touch and the air slightly sulphurous. Geothermal environments like this are the origin of today's temple of rejuvenation - the spa.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
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'Taking the waters' is a time-honoured tradition in New Zealand. Blessed with an abundance of geothermal activity, the country's natural hot pools have soothed, healed and pampered visitors for more than a hundred years.

In the early 1900s, a health spa in Rotorua drew clients from around the world to the 'Great South Seas Spa' with treatments that included bathing in 'electrifying currents'. The exquisite Elizabethan wooden building, opened in 1908, has been restored to its original glory and informative historical displays are fascinating for modern spa-therapy enthusiasts.

Today, visitors to Rotorua can relax and rejuvenate in pools of thick warm therapeutic mud or steaming effervescent natural mineral water.

Throughout the country, hot pools range from small, spa-type mineral pools to large thermally heated swimming pool complexes with exhilarating water slides. Some of the best known thermal pool complexes are found at Waiwera near Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in the central North Island, and Hanmer Springs in the South Island. For the more energetic visitor, there's nothing like a high-speed water slide to release the inner child.

Day spas and luxury retreats

With a long history of spa therapies, and an environment of beautiful landscapes, the gentle art of luxurious rejuvenation is alive and well in New Zealand.

	Alpine scenery is even more enjoyable when you're up to your neck in hot water.
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In the major cities and resort towns, day spas offer tranquil havens in which visitors can leave any remnants of stress behind, restore their natural health or simply unwind from the day's adventures before heading out on the town. Highly trained massage and beauty therapists will calm, pamper and invigorate you. You'll emerge relaxed, radiant and ready to continue exploring the unique experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Away from the cities, in carefully selected locations, peaceful spa retreats blend yoga, meditation and cleansing rituals with majestic landscapes. Settings include wild ocean beaches, lush native forests, mountain river valleys, secluded tranquil lakes and steaming volcanic landscapes. New Zealand's luxury spa retreats have perfected the art of helping you to de-stress, detox and refocus your energies so you can truly enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Quality assured

When selecting your thermal resort or spa experience, look for the Qualmark© logo - it's your sign that accommodation, activities, services and transport have been independently quality assessed. And while you're traveling, local advice and information is freely available for i-SITE visitor centres.