Explore couple’s and family holidays with thermal pools in Taupo
Found in the centre of North Island in a caldera of the Taupo Volcano, Lake Taupo is a unique area with incredible geothermal wonders. Boasting a range of cultural attractions and stunning scenery, Taupo is one of the best places to visit for a natural spa retreat. You’ll find an array of thermal pools in Taupo with healing mineral waters, kiddie areas, family activities and more, so everyone can have a memorable and exciting holiday experience. You could also enjoy luxurious spa treatments for relaxation and pampering, such as facials, body wraps and hot stone massage. Find out more about thermal pools in Taupo to plan your trip.
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Located on the southern shores of Lake Taupo, the Tokaanu Thermal Pools are one of the most popular hot pool areas in Taupo. The spa offers private, natural mineral pools at a range of temperatures, as well as a children’s pool near the main pool that’s kept at much lower temperatures. When you’re finished bathing, you can take the Tokaanu Thermal Walk, a short hike that travels through the natural thermal area to see steaming mineral pools and mud pots in sinter basins.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
The Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa is one of the top hot pools in Taupo. Located beneath the cascading Wairakei silica terraces and waterfall, Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa offers pools with incredible natural minerals and scenic surroundings. While you bathe, you’ll enjoy lush rainforest surroundings, waterfall views, steaming vents and the songs of native bird life. Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa is adults-only, so it’s the perfect spot for a romantic trip. You can book other spa treatments while you’re there, such as hot stone massages, reiki and traditional massage. After bathing, you can take part in the Maori Experience, a cultural tour with traditional Maori activities like dancing and rituals, or take a walk on the Wairakei Terraces to see the views of the geothermal landscape and intricate Maori carvings.
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
Taupo DeBretts is one of the best options for a family spa day that includes mineral springs. Nestled in a thermal valley, Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs is a full-service resort with 2 hot mineral pools for rejuvenating soaks with water jets or water curtains and a variety of other spa treatments. Some of the options include wet massage therapy sessions, facials, exfoliation treatments and manicures or pedicures. The kids will love the activities on the offer, such as an interactive playground with a dragon-themed water slide, curved water slides, a warm-water playground and freshwater pools.
Turtle Pools
Turtle Pools is the best place to take the kids for a swim. Located in the centre of Turangi, Turtle Pools offers an enclosed swimming area with 4 heated pools, including a 25-metre training pool, a deep activity pool, a learn-to-swim pool and a toddler’s pool. You’ll have access to a variety of swim aids and pool toys for the kids, as well as swimming and water safety classes. Amenities at Turtle Pools include family changing areas and showers.
Otumuheke Stream
Located at Spa Thermal Park on the Waikato River, the Otumuheke Stream offers warm geothermal waters from the healing mineral spring for bathing and relaxation. You’ll find a waterfall and natural rock pools where you can relax and take in the views of the forest and roaring green Waikato River. Despite being a natural bathing environment, Otumuheke Stream offers a variety of modern amenities, including a coffee kiosk, interpretive boards, lounging platforms on the river, a hot spring seating area, changing rooms, toilets and lockers. After bathing, you can take the Huka Trail near the bathing area to hike to Huka Falls, a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by native bushland.
AC Baths Hot Pools
AC Baths Hot Pools is a year-round thermally heated pool complex that offers spa soaks, family-friendly activities and plenty of entertainment. You’ll have access to 4 private thermal mineral pools for rejuvenating soaks in natural spring water. The spa also has a sauna for additional heat sessions. If you have the kids, AC Baths Hot Pools has a large outdoor leisure pool with 2 toddler areas, an indoor learn-to-swim pool, hydro slides and a fun Tarzan swing. For fitness or competitive swimming, the complex also has 2 25-metre lane pools. AC Baths Hot Pools is close to the Taupo Towncentre, so you can head into town after your day at the spa to experience different activities.