New Zealand’s largest South Island city, Christchurch, has become a centre of attraction for many Kiwis and foreigners. Its long list of stunning and artistic scenery, views, nightlife, and opportunities has made it a popular destination.
Among its many attractions, something worth mentioning is the stunning hot pools near Christchurch City. These pools are perfect for relaxing and unwinding. You can enjoy a beautiful view, a relaxing hot bath, or a therapeutic immersion in them to rejuvenate yourself after a long day or during a visit to the City. Not only that, these pools’ waters provide several healthy and healing benefits.
In fact, you are missing a lot of fun if you haven’t visited them. We’ve provided this guide to the top hot pools near Christchurch.
Top Hot Pools in Christchurch City for a perfect Thermal Bath
#1:- He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch
Unique Features
- Five outdoor luxurious hot pools and a cold plunge pool, all having Handrails installed.
- Aqua wheelchairs
- Great view of the Pacific Ocean and the New Brighton Pier
If you have not been to Christchurch for a while, say 5 years, or you are just visiting now, one of the first places you need to see is He Puna Taimoana, which means seaside pools. The pool complex opened in April 2020 and is the perfect place to soak away the jetlag of a busy day while having beautiful ocean and beach pier views.
The Puna Taimoana Hot Pools is located at 195 Marine Parade in New Brighton, Christchurch. That’s next to a children’s pool playground – another of New Brighton’s regeneration projects, and north of the New Brighton’s library. Driving in a car from the centre of Christchurch is 15 minutes away from He Puna Taimoana, and there are a lot of free spaces to park your vehicle, such as at the public beachside car park beside the pool on Marine Parade Street. But if you use public transport from the city centre, either the number 5 or 60 buses, the pool is 25 minutes away.
Once you get there, you are in for a perfect refreshing moment, from the lovely welcoming to the tremendous relaxing scent in the changing rooms, further to the pools where you have a mixture of a great view of the ocean in the warmest pool while rejuvenating yourself and a dip into the plunge pool to have the healing and cooling effects.
Facilities and Amenities:
The waters of the pools are salt chlorinated and not gotten from the ocean. A ground-sourced geothermal heat pump technology is employed as a heat sink. The pools are built with fibreglass, namely;
- Wāhi Whakatā (Relax & Unwind) pools – Temperature: 37°C – 39°C
- Wāhi Hākinakina (Active & Fitness) pool – Temperature: 26°C – 28°C
- Wāhi Whānau (Active & Family) pools – Temperature: 33°C – 36°C
- Puna Ruruku Mātāo – Cold Plunge Pool – Temperature: 8 °C – 10 °C
There are also facilities like;
- A steam room, that has a wet sauna with a temperature range of 40 °C —50 °C and a dry sauna with a temperature range of 60 °C —80 °C for guests over 16 years old.
- Changing rooms containing showers, hair dryers, toilets, and swimsuit spinners.
- Aqua wheelchair, pool hoist, pool ramp, and pool pod.
- The cafe where they sell excellent food.
- Free cubby holes or valuables in the e-lockers (it costs NZD 2 to access)
- A shop where you can buy items like towels, tumblers, swimsuits, and swim nappies for babies.
Outside this shop, a free pool map shows the pool complex’s layout for you.
Time Schedule, Events, Booking and Pricing
The Puna Taimoana opens at 10 am and closes at 7.30 pm every day, except when the facility is shut on Christmas day. Each day, the hot pool anchors four two-hour sessions with a 30-minute gap for cleaning the facility and preparing for the next session. The session schedules are 10 am -12 noon, 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 5.30 pm -7.30 pm. The pool also opens every Friday night for adults only from 8 – 10 pm. There are also several fascinating events around the year, such as the sunrise soak, Soak under the moon, and other events that can be viewed here.
Regarding pricing, the price varies for peak sessions (during school and public holidays, from 5.30 pm until close) and weekends, and for off-peak sessions (weekday sessions from 10 am — 3 pm). The price of access to the pool facilities also differs from visitors to Christchurch residents.
The adults (residents) have access to off-peak sessions for as low as NZD 14 and as high as NZD 18 for the peak sessions. For children (residents), toddlers (3 years and below) have free access, but you must pay NZD 10 for children above 3 years. Similarly, adult visitors can enjoy these facilities at NZD 18 and NZD 23, respectively. Toddlers (visitors) also have free admission, but kids above three pay NZD 18 and NZD 23 for off-peak and peak sessions, respectively.
Additional pricing options are available for families, as well as a membership option. If you want to go frequently, you can access the price here and should book ahead. You can show your online booking reference when you get to the main desk for admission into the pool.
Pros
- Have unique events like the sunrise soaks for beautiful views
- Friendly staff and customer support services
- Pool areas are less crowded
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Not the best for long hours of stay
- The pool complex is small compared to some other popular pools around
https://www.hepunataimoana.co.nz
2:- Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Unique Features
- Eco-friendly Solar heated pool
- Aqua Play Zone with a crazy river
- E-vehicle parks
If you need a soak and relaxing experience, an hour’s ride from Christchurch on Inland Scenic Route 72 to Opuke Thermal Pool & Spa, located at 35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven 7782, Canterbury, is all you need. The pool water is salt-chlorinated, sourced from the Rangitata River, and has solar-powered heating. Some of the chlorine used is produced onsite. Hence, you can have a complete immersion, soaking experience and a comfortable view of New Zealand’s Southern Alps without any harm.
If you are just returning to Christchurch from the famous MT HUTT SKI AREA or need body rejuvenation, Opuke Spa is also an excellent place to invigorate your aching muscles. The treatments feature jet massages (no deep massage yet), bubble therapy, and sauna therapies. Recognized spa and wellness industry leaders consult for Opuke Spa so you can trust the reliable treatment you get.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Tranquility Pools – 38.5°C (for 18+, identification cards needed for access; one of the pools have wheelchair access)
- Solar Tubs – up to 41° (The warmest, for 18+, identification cards needed for access
- Discovery Pools 34°- 37° (for everyone; includes a warm observation pool and Aqua Play Zone including a “crazy river” & “leap of faith” plunge pool. Kids are allowed to explore also; Two of the pools have aqua wheelchairs)
- Tranquility Bar and Eatery (just beside the Tranquility Pools)
- Opuke Cafe
- Spa
- e-Vehicle parks and other parks for guests
- Accessible changing rooms, shower, and toilet.
- E-lockers accessed by wristbands
Time Schedule, Events, Booking and Pricing
Like the He Puna Taimoana pools, toddlers under three can access the pool free with paying adults. The sessions are limited to two or four hours. Booking online is very important; you can also pick add-ons like towels. The pricing varies and can be accessed online; for instance, the 2-hour session in discovery pools costs NZD 32, and for kids between 3 and 15, NZD 21. A 4-hour session for the tranquillity pool goes up to NZD 81 per adult. You can also make bookings as a family.
Check here for pricing on a uniquely tailored spa treatment that includes facial, signature, wellness, and body treatments. Each treatment lasts between 30 – 60 minutes. You can also book online for meals and refreshments from the cafe, tranquillity bar, and eatery.
The complex is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, but the spa closes an hour earlier, and the cafe two hours earlier from Sunday to Friday. The restaurant opens till 10 pm on Saturdays, and the cafe adds 30 minutes extra on weekends.
Pros
- Excellent for Adults with dedicated 18+ pools
- Lovely ambience, landscape, and architecture
- Clean facilities and great meals
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Believed to be a bit expensive
- Small pool Complex
3. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
Unique features
- Up to 22 luxurious pools
- New Zealand’s most prominent and steepest aquatic slide
- Beautiful views of the Conical Hill, Mount Isobel, and Mount Dunblane
Unlike He Puna Taimoana, Hanmer Springs has a long-standing history. The 2020 award-winning World Luxury Pool Spa has existed for about 150 years. The thermal pool is on the corner of Jacks Pass Road and Amuri Avenue, while the entrance is on 42 Amuri Avenue. It is situated in an alpine environment full of gardens and in a small village called Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, about 90 minutes by car northwest of Christchurch. If you are in Hanmer Springs, you can also enjoy other attractions such as Dog Stream Waterfall, Hanmer Forest and activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating, quad biking etc.
Being one of the country’s top pool complexes, you will have a relaxing and memorable adventure in various pools and beautiful views. The pools range from thermal mineral, sulphur, and freshwater pools. You can also try out the wooden-fired pizzas to refuel yourself. What about the fantastic spa treatment and meditation session you get?
Have a look at the facilities also.
Facilities and Amenities:
There are numerous facilities and amenities in Hanmers Springs, including the 22 pools;
- 5 Cascade Pools: Temperature 37-42°C
- 3 AquaTherapy Pools: Temperature 32-34°C
- Hexagonal Pools: Temperature 38-40°C (not suitable for pregnant women and babies under 2 years)
- Rainbow Pools: Temperature 36-38°C
- 3 Sulphur Pools: Temperature 40-42°C (the hottest; not suitable for pregnant women and babies under 2 years)
- Rock Pools: Temperature 34-36°C
- 6 Private Pools: Temperature 39-40°C
There are also other fascinating facilities, including,
- Sauna Suites: Temperature 80-85°C
- Steam Suites: Temperature 39-42°C
- Four Hydroslides: Supervision is required for children under 8 years old.
- A luxurious spa, Tea Kiosk Cafe & Grill, lockers, visitor information board, aqua wheelchair facilities, and changing rooms.
Time Schedule, Events, Booking and Pricing
The complex runs from 10 am to 7 pm daily, though the facilities, like the cafe and sauna, close by 6 pm. Unlike He Puna Taimoana, Hanmer spring prices are standard for visitors and residents, but residents have some discounts. For single entry, elderly folks over 60 years of age, adults above 16 years, and children between the bracket of 5-15 have to pay NZD 27, NZD 40, and NZD 23, respectively; however, entry is free for children under five years of age, and all bookings are valid for only 12 months.
The spring complex encourages mini groups and a second visit on the same day or the next by issuing a discounted price. You can stay in public facilities for as long as you want. Individuals who wish to escape the cold winter alone also have access to private pools for NZD 10 per person for 30 minutes. To purchase tickets or check other pricing for facilities like saunas and materials like towels, you can check here. Family, couples, and group packages are found here. Booking can be done online.
You can also get a fantastic treat in the spa, though you can only book onsite. Their spa treatments include couples’ retreats, feet retreats, body massages, and facial and body therapies. Check out their spa packages and events here.
Pros:
- Superb and clean facilities, fantastic ambience, and atmosphere
- Special spa treatment
- Fun and fantastic hydro slides
- Up to 22 pools for you to hop in for a long-duration
Cons:
- The services are expensive, and Small Free storage
- Crowdy at times and average customer support services
Conclusion
All the above-listed thermal pools provide you with a unique experience. If you want to access a hot pool within Christchurch City, then He Puna Taimoana Opuke is your only option. If you are looking for something family-oriented, please consider the Hanmer Springs one as it has water slides that kids would love.
Last modified: November 6, 2024
