Thermal Springs and Spas
NZDH Thermal Springs and Spas chapter
Thermal springs and spas are found throughout New Zealand, as a result of the country’s
position on the Pacific Rim of Fire, a belt of seismic and volcanic activity which
forms an arc around the Pacific Ocean basin. Rotorua, a hotbed of thermal activity
with its boiling mud pools, spouting geysers and sulphurous rock pools, is well
known for its natural spas. These include Wai Ora at Hells Gate, the Blue Baths
and the Polynesian Spa on the lakefront – just to name a few. At other unique locations
throughout the North Island you can dig your own spa right on the beach. Try this
out at Te Puia Springs in Kawhia and at Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach, or wallow
in a naturally heated stream at the somewhat unfortunately named Kerosene Creek,
south of Rotorua.
But the North Island doesn’t have a monopoly on New Zealand’s thermal spa activity.
At Maruia Springs, deep in the heart of the Lewis Pass in the South Island, each
pool is a perfectly formed tarn built from the smoothest of river rocks. Gold miners
enjoyed these mineral- rich waters, which are thought to be particularly beneficial
for detoxifying and softening the skin. No chemicals are added to change its composition,
so the colour palette of the pools changes daily, ranging from crystal clear to
milky, and through to almost black. For hardy individuals, there’s a cold plunge
pool, or you can take your choice from several private spas. An intriguing feature
is the Utase-yu, a Japanese method used to enjoy hot springs. It’s easy to use:
you simply sit under a ‘waterfall’ and move your body for a massaging effect.
In the stunning alpine village of Hanmer Springs, 90 minutes’ drive north of Christchurch,
the award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is spacious and well laid
out. There are seven open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private
pools, as well as a sauna, steam rooms, a freshwater heated pool, a family activity
pool with water-slides, and a picnic area and licensed café.
The pools range in temperature from 33-42 degrees Celsius and are surrounded by
a beautifully landscaped natural environment with native plantings. There are four
large outdoor rock pools connected by a thermal stream. The completely natural sulphur
pools contain no chlorine and leave your skin feeling soft and silky. Hanmer Springs’
naturally therapeutic waters contain a wide variety of minerals including sulphur,
sodium chloride, calcium, carbonates, magnesium and potassium, and are said to be
particularly beneficial to those suffering from arthritis or similar ailments.
Hamner Springs
The Maori knew of Hanmer Springs and legends tell of Tamatea, whose canoe was wrecked
off the Otago coast. To save his party from freezing he called upon the mountains
of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe in the north for help. They sent flames down the Whanganui
River and across to Nelson where they rose into the air and landed at Hanmer Springs.
It wasn’t until 1859 that Europeans chanced upon the springs, but Hanmer’s development
was hindered by its inaccessibility and the first bathing shed, made from iron,
wasn’t erected until 1879.
The springs, well known for their recuperative powers, have shared a close history
with nearby Queen Mary Hospital. They were used to assist soldiers returning from
the war and have provided relief for the arthritic and disabled.
Nowadays they are a fantastic place to spend a day with the family or relax and
indulge yourself with a hot soak followed by a relaxing therapeutic massage or beauty
treatment at Health, Body and Mind. Treatments include Swiss and sports massage,
detoxifying body wraps and aromatic facials.
To enter the pools visitors can choose from a range of group, family and return
passes, or purchase a Concession Card which allows ten adult, or 20 child admissions.
For more information please view www.hanmersprings.co.nz or from within NZ phone
0800 442 663.