Bonny Doon
-
North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Te Kaha ▷
Te Kaha Holiday Park
It's sad to say that the service I received from this place is as bad as any in the whole of NZ.
-
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Hamilton ▷
Hamilton City Holiday Park
I agree with the other reviewer.
These owners are not meant to be in the tourism trade. Their attitude and campground rules aren't travel friendly. The campground itself is set out quite nicely. But the showers are terrible. You literally have to keep pressing the timed water every 20 seconds - very frustrating!
-
North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tikitere ▷
Waitangi Soda Springs
This place used to be free and was a fav spot of ours.
It's a nice temperature pool. Now they have placed a 'compound' around it and are charging $8 per person. The commercial 'improvements' have really detracted from what used to be a very natural feeling spot. It's a shame as a bit of thought could have made the place really fantastic.
-
North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Hamurana ▷
Hamurana Springs track
An unexpected surprise.
This easy 45 minute return, loop walk follows the stunning (crystal clear) Hamurana springs back to its source as it comes out of the ground. DOC has built structures so you can peer down the spring and view trout swimming in its reaches. Makes for a great wishing well too. Lots of trout spotting on the way home. We left satisfied that we had found a little known gem.
-
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
The Gecko
Great movie selection.
Very comfortable seating. Reasonably priced movies and coffee/ tea etc... Laid back and friendly folks behind the counter. Even the toilets are choice. Awesome atmosphere.
-
North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Gisborne ▷
Dome Cinema & Bar
I haven't been to a cinema like it.
Classic dome room of an old gentleman's club (The Poverty Bay Club). Mix this with top quality sound system, relaxed atmosphere with beers and beanbags. Fair prices too.
-
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs and Pools
Popular hot pools with water slide and fun times for kids.
Good for the family, not so good if you are looking for a quiet soak. I agree with Paulonline - great on a frosty night when the stars are out.
-
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaikohe ▷
Ngawha Springs
My fav hot pools in New Zealand.
Genuine kiwi hospitality and lots of northland characters to talk to when in the pools. The waters are supposed to be full of minerals and plenty of the oldies I met there swear by its healing properties. From treating skin conditions to helping eyesite. I just loved the choice of 8 different pools, combined with the interesting company. With an entry price of $5 for the whole day (you can return later on and use the same ticket), Ngawha Springs are all good.
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
These hot pools are quite commercial.
The setting is not as natural as many other hot pools around New Zealand. I give them a 6 beacuse I love hot pools but there are many better ones around, like 30 mins down the road at Maruia Springs.
-
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Aroha ▷
Te Aroha Mineral Pools
These great pools are slightly off the main tourist drive and worth the little effort to get to.
The private bath house is beautifully restored and worth a look. The waters felt as slippery smooth as any I have bathed in. A great experience.
-
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort
This place is really not my cup of tea, very expensive and busy but kids love it.
4 or 5 different water slides. It's more of an adventure park than a relaxing hot pool. The main pool has a big screen TV so you can watch the rugby while soaking. Good for some obviously because it was very busy.
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springs Junction ▷
Maruia Hot Springs
I agree with Thomas that winter is the best time to be here.
Possibility of snow and less sandfly's - which can be a thorn in the side of any west coast thermal pool soak. The location is spectacular and much nicer than Hanmer Springs. The Japanese Bath house is worth a look as entry is included in the price. Service is often pretty average.
-
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Helensville ▷
Palm Springs Hot Pools
This place is classic.
Very run down and subsequently quiet - except on nudist night. Don't expect quality service or facilities. However, it gets a 6 because of its reminder of a bygone 70's era and the kind of patrons it attracts. To give you an idea, I still picture one user standing in the pool in his overcoat (that was getting wet) in front of the 'No Eating or Drinking near pool sign'. He had a fag and a packet of twisties in one hand, a beer in the other and was loving life. I wish I had a camera.
-
North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Polynesian Spa
A very well appointed and professionally run facility.
I like how they give locals a special deal and the pools are very good. I just prefer the smaller hot pools dotted around the country as they give a better taste of real New Zealand.
-
North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Mahia ▷
Morere Hot Springs
Great spot.
Take a 10 minute trot through native bush to the top pools. Nice to sit in hot pools surrounded by Nikau Palms.