Hot Pools in New Zealand

New Zealand is a hotbed of geothermal activity and a visit is not complete without a visit to one of its many hot springs.

One of the best known in the North Island is in Rotorua - the Polynesian Spa was the first bath house to open in the area and has been open since 1886.  Whilst in Rotorua one can't fail to breathe in the smell of rotten eggs - this is due to the sulphur from all the geysers and boiling mud pools.

In the South Island, Hanmer Springs offers some enjoyable swimming in hot water pools - without the sulphur smells this time.

However, both islands offer more interesting hot pools if you are willing to go the extra mile.  In the North Island, Hot Water Beach - in the Coromandel - can be a lot of fun.  Lots of people visit here and dig a hole in the sand - hot water bubbles up and you have thus created your own hot tub. A decent spade is very useful - not only to dig but also because the water can be very hot.  The best time to go is two hours before and after low tide.

In the South Island, a little known day hike can take you to one of the loveliest places I have ever been.  It is part of a longer 4-day tramp but you can break it down into 2 days (one day hiking up and one day hiking down).  The tramp is near to Fox Glacier and is known as "Welcome Flat".  It's a good six hours hike but it's worth it.  We went in late October, when we arrived at Welcome Flat we found some other hikers who had made it to the very nice, well-kept hut.  I had taken two litres of white wine (recommended but you have to be slightly mad to hike with it so far) with us and we donned our swimming costumes and headed out to the hot pools.

Unlike most other hot pools in New Zealand these are completely untouched and in their natural state. The water springs from the ground at around 60 degrees Celsius and flows into several pools.  Most people go in the second pool; we shared the wine with others in the pool and spent a very enjoyable evening.

I went back later and had all the hot springs to myself.  One gets an impressive view of the Sierra Range mountains and I even witnessed a deafening avalanche (the sound was impressive but it was quite small really).  On a clear night, you can lie in the pool and look at the stars.

Again, a word of warning if attempting the Welcome Flat hike - the weather is very changeable.  We planned on leaving the next day to go back down but it had rained all night and the way was blocked by rivers - some hikers tried to go back down but returned within 2 hours.  Take enough food for just such eventualities.

BY: Sam

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