Are there any day hot springs in Sth Island of New Zealand?

Question

I've got an infomation on hot springs available in Nth, but little on Sth. I'm looking for day service hot springs. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi

There are two hot spring facilities in the South Island. Both are quite close to each other.

The most well known and popular is at Hanmer Springs. Here they have several pools ranging from from about 34 degrees up to around 42 degrees. The hot springs are filtered and so are crystal clear and, apart from the hotter pools, don't have that 'eggy' smell that comes with the more 'natural' springs. The complex has a number of addons, so, as well as taking a relaxing dip in the various pools, children can use a family activity pool with waterslides. There's a restaurant and a gift shop. Also the complex is slap bang in the centre of Hanmer village which, although small, has a number of hotels, motels, restaurants, nature walks, and a skiing area not too far away. If you go to Hanmer Springs during winter you may even be lucky enough to be visiting the springs while it is snowing. If you look for it on the map you will find it roughly 140 kilometres almost directly north of Christchurch.

The other hot springs complex is at Maruia. This a small self contained resort all on its lonesome at a place called Lewis Pass further inland to the west of Hanmer. Its about 2.5 hours from Christchurch. The pools here are less filtered and so are maintained in more of their natural condition than at Hanmer. So Maruia is for those who are looking for the more 'authentic' hot springs experience. With that, of course, comes more of the eggy smell associated with sulphur pools. The actual springs are not as extensive as at Hanmer and it is not in a village. But there is accommodation and food and it may also snow on you in winter!!

Price wise they are both good value and both worth a visit.

I've given you the associated websites below. Both hot springs areas are commercial ventures and so the websites are, of course, developed for the purpose of selling their product. Rest assured I have nothing whatsoever to do with either venture and have given you the information solely to answer your request for details of south island hot springs facilities.

Of the sites given to you by a previous answerer (noz), please note that the second one (Morere, I think) is actually in the North Island.

Answer 2

Head to Hanmer Springs. A little like commercial pools (not very 'natural', but great never the less. Watch out though, as some are really really hot!

Answer 3

there are lots of natural hot springs out in the bush if you are a hiker. some of them a re amazing- some can be a let down. if interested there are books detailing how to get there. findingthem is half, if not more, the fun

Answer 4

Try these. Have heard they are great hopefully will see them next year.