Queenstown is internationally known for its action packed, adrenaline filled activities. It’s also home to an award winning boutique day spa nestled in the most idyllic alpine location.
Onsen is the Japanese word for Hot Spring, traditionally large public bathing pools heated by geothermal energy set amongst beautiful gardens. Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools are a unique Kiwi twist on this wonderful Japanese bathing tradition.
Having lived in New Zealand for over two decades, I’ve visited many hot pools around the country. While the Onsen Hot Pools are very popular, they remain one of my favorite hot pool experiences. Here’s why.
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5 Reasons to Experience Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools
Although only a 10-minute drive from Queenstown center, the Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools feel like a world away. Nestled in a remote alpine environment along the Shotover River, with a variety of experiences to choose from, it’s a truly relaxing escape and a pinch-me moment.
Here are my top reasons why you should book a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools and what you can expect during your visit.
1. The Views
The Onsen Hot Pools are set amongst the cliffs overlooking a beautiful alpine landscape. Each hot pool offers panoramic views of the Shotover River and the picturesque mountain vistas.
With spectacular sunsets, snow covered mountains in winter and rich colors in autumn you can’t go wrong whatever season you visit.
The original Onsen tubs are housed in private rooms separated by wooden plank walls. Each room has a retractable roof so you have an indoor or outdoor option at the push of a button. As the roof retracts you are treated to panoramic views of the mountains and the Shotover River.
If you prefer a full outdoor experience, you can choose an outdoor Onsen perched on the cliffside which also has those idyllic mountain views. Each cedar lined tub is encased in wooden decking and separated by greenery for privacy. There’s a shade sail overhead to provide some protection from the elements as you relax in nature.
2. The Sunset Experience
Soaking in one of the Onsen hot tubs is the best way to wind down after an action packed day. Once you’ve finished an adventurous day of skiing, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, conquering those Queenstown hikes or jet boating through river canyons what better way to unwind and soothe those tired muscles than a secluded soak with epic views.
It’s the perfect juxtaposition conquering the alpine environment by day and admiring it from a relaxing hot tub by evening. You’ll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed for another day of adventures.
If you book in the evening the room will be aglow with Japanese style lanterns. As sunset fades into the night sky the outline of the mountains are lit by stars above for a truly magical experience.
We booked for just before sunset so we could enjoy the views in daylight and finish the session in the soft glow of the lanterns.
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3. Good For You, Good For the Environment
The most obvious benefits of soaking in a hot tub is the potential to ease the tensions of the day and muscle relaxation.
The water is heated to a therapeutic 38.5℃ (101℉). You’ll be cozy and warm and as your muscles relax from the soak, while the views of nature will work their magic to relax your mind.
The natural cedar lined tubs are filled and continually refreshed using the pure mountain water from the surrounding ranges.
The water in the tubs is replaced every day and heat exchangers are used to transfer the heat from the outgoing water to the fresh incoming spring water. This keeps the pools fresh and clean while being kind to the environment.
4. Celebrate a Special Occasion
A soak in the Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools is a memorable experience and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. Each soak comes with a complimentary drink and snack.
For me sipping champagne and nibbling on chocolate while soaking in the warm water and watching the sunset over the mountains was a special way to celebrate my birthday. A great distraction too, seeing as it was one those birthdays with a ‘0’ on the end of it!
Combine a spa treatment with a soak in the hot tub for the ultimate luxury experience. You can choose a soak in the classic hot tub before indulging in a relaxing facial or deep tissue massage.
Another option is the newer oval cedar lined tubs which can be personalized with bath scents to compliment your spa treatment.
Once your soak and treatment are finished you are invited back to a private lounge for a herbal tea or raw pressed juice to finish off.
5. A Unique Queenstown Experience
Whether you choose a soak in the classic tub or a spa package experience it’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Queenstown.
The facility is located in its own private oasis that, although only a 10 minute drive from Queenstown, feels like a world away from anything else.
If you prefer not to drive, they offer a complimentary shuttle service that will pick you up from an arranged central Queenstown location and take you to the Onsen Hot Pools facility. Once you are finished you will be dropped back off to the same location.
From the moment we arrived we were warmly welcomed and received top service. Everything we could have asked for was provided. When the light faded and the lanterns came to life it was a true pinch me moment.
Bookings fill up fast so you will definitely want to book your Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools experience ahead of time so you don’t miss out on this unique Queenstown experience during your next visit.
Final thoughts
Unique experiences like this don’t come around too often and I hope you get to enjoy this wonderful experience on your next visit to Queenstown. You won’t regret it!
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.
Hi! This looks so beautiful, we are going here in January and looking to do the same. What time of the year were you there and what time was your booking? We are trying to figure out the best time to see sunset! Thanks so much!!
Hi Kimi! We were there in August and booked for a sunset session. Sunset in Queenstown during January ranges from 9:35pm on the 1 Jan to 9:16pm on the 31 Jan, so I would book an 8:30pm session. The light is generally best in the hour leading up to sunset. Enjoy!