This wooden barrel hot spring spa centre is perched above a cliff and is one of the unforgettable experiences not to be missed on the South Island. Soaking in the hot pools, sipping on beer and orange juice, and enjoying ice cream while gazing at the distant snow-capped mountains and glaciers during winter is truly a super enjoyable experience!
Onsen Hot Pool – Things you need to know
We recommend booking three months in advance or constantly refreshing their website. Even though we tried emailing them when we couldn’t secure a reservation, they directed us to their website for booking. Fortunately, we managed to secure a spot at the last second by continuously refreshing the page! Sydney to Queenstown flight time is just 3 hours, you can even fly there just for a weekend. The travel time is similar to other cities in Australia, but the experience is completely different!
There are three room types to choose from. We opted for the indoor option, which includes a private room with a shower for each person. The changing room is outside, allowing you to blow-dry your hair and change afterwards. If the weather is too cold, the indoor room can also be completely enclosed.
The package also includes beverages and ice cream. We are not a fan of the outdoor rooms due to their smaller size and limited privacy. Additionally, there’s an upgraded Indoor Spa room that includes massage services. The front desk recommended it, but it was already fully booked!
You can make direct payments and reservations on the Spa’s website. The available slots currently extend until January 2023, or you can join their waitlist!
Address: Search “Onsen Hot Pool” on Google. 160 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point, about a 15-minute drive from Queenstown.