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Curous about the Secret Spot Hot Tubs of Rotorua? Keep reading because I’ll give you my honest review of Rotorua’s most popular place to unwind.
As a Queenstown local and full-time New Zealand adventurer, I’ve dipped into my fair share of hot pools over the years. Rumor on the streets was that the Secret Spot Hot Tubs in Rotorua were some of the best, so I set out to find out for myself.
I wanted to know if they were as nice as people claimed, if it was affordable, and how it stacked up to the competition. I found out all of those things and more, so keep reading for my full review below!
About the Secret Spot Hot Tubs in Rotorua
Ah yes, the secret not-so-secret hot tubs of Rotorua. I’m a sucker for a nice hot tub, but after my visit to Secret Spot Hot Tubs, my standards were forever changed. It’s just that great!
Located about a 10-minute drive outside of Rotorua, the Secret Spot Hot Tubs are tucked into the outside of the Whakarewarewa Forest Park. Even the water used in the tubs is sourced from the nearby forest! I love that they aren’t super far from town, but still feel remote at the same time.
The grounds are gorgeous and each tub is surrounded by native plants and trees making for the perfect environment to relax. The Puarenga Stream runs just past the area and it’s quiet enough that you can hear it bubbling in the background. I think they easily get my “best location for hot tubs” award.
Open every day of the week from 9 am to 10 pm, each soak session lasts for 45 minutes and additonal things like a cold plunge or foot soak can be added to each package. While the tubs can hold up to 6 people, the package we bought (and loved) only allowed for 2 people so this is definitely a couple’s activity. You can add kids to this experience, just not more than 2 adults, so families can enjoy this as well!
I loved that I could get wine, beer, coffee, or virtually any other kind of refreshment by just pressing a button at the tub. What’s not to love about an evening soak with a glass of red wine? There’s a balance between feeling secluded, but having the convenience of tub-side service at your fingertips and here they do it perfectly.
If like me, after a good soak, you get a little hungry. On site near the tubs is the BaseCamp Cafe which has tons of great craft beer as well as delicious food. It’s also no stranger to events like live music either! So if you’re looking for more of a hang out even after you’re done in the tubs, this cafe set in nature is a great spot to unwind even more.
Book your private hot tub here and get ready to relax!
What I love about these hot tubs
Private, luxury cedar hot tubs
Each and every one of the handmade hot tubs is made with cedar and has a rustic vibe without sacrificing quality. They are clean, comfortable, and set to a perfect 39.5°C (103°F).
During the day, you’ll have an umbrella over your tub to keep you shaded and at night, they turn on the fairy lights for a magical evening in the woods. The quality and attention to detail here cannot be denied.
Natural hot springs
Sourced from a stream in the Whakarewarewa Forest, the water used in the tubs just feels refreshing. It’s sanitized without using chlorine (Ecoswim technology), so its safe to be in and even safer on your skin. If you have sensitive skin to chemicals, there are none used in the hot tubs here.
It’s affordable
Everyone loves a high quality experience at a low cost. And while it’s getting exceedingly rare nowadays, these hot tubs are still everything you’d expect from a luxury experience without breaking the bank.
Our private session was only $86 NZD, can you believe that? However, that doesn’t include any beverages or food.
Completely private
The tubs are secluded, which is a must for a romantic evening and no one will bother you unless you hit the button for staff to come take your drink order. You’re separated from your neghbors by ferns and trees, so it gives off the feeling that you’re alone in the woods the entire time. We have never had an experience like it!
Drinks and snacks delivered to your hot tub
Like I mentioned above, push a button and someone comes to your tub to take a drink and snack order. It’s super convenient and nothing beats enjoying your favorite beverage while you sit in a hot tub in the woods. You can’t eat in the tubs, but you can always jump out to grab a bite before getting back in.
You can book the hot tubs in advance
There have been plenty of times I go to book an experience and they’re full, which is never a good feeling on vacation. That’s why I love that you can secure your spot well in advance online and if plans change, they have free cancellation! And trust me when I say these hot tubs are very popular, so you’ll want to book yours in advance if you can.
Amazing service
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, it was nothing but incredible service from the staff. Anytime I needed anything, they were there ready to help. Checking in was easy, changing rooms were clean, and there were plenty of secure lockers to store our things if we wanted.
Ready to book? Secure your private hot tub here before it books up!
What I didn’t like about The Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Not to be that person, but I don’t have anything I didn’t like! It’s not just me either. It makes sense that they have over 270 perfect 5-star reviews.
But if I were to change one thing about my time there, it’s that I wish I could have paid more to stay longer. Once you get settled in, you don’t want to leave! I think 45 minutes is a great amount of time and most people will be ready to go after that, but I could have used just a little bit longer. I get it though, its a popular spot with only 12 tubs, so they want to accommodate everyone.
Again, save yourself the heartbreak of not getting a spot and book in advance!
Related Read: For more of my favorite experiences here, check out the top 10 tours I recommend in Rotorua!
What’s included during your visit to the Secret Spot Hot Tubs?
Included with each package is 45 minutes of soak time in your private hot tub, free drinking water, lockers for your personal items, and on site parking.
If you don’t have swimwear or towels, you can rent them once you arrive.
Would I visit these hot tubs again?
Yes, they are such an amazing thing to do! It’s the perfect blend of quality, comfort, cost, and convenience.
Since it’s close to town and only 45 minutes long, you can fit it easily into even the busiest travel itineraries. Rotorua has plenty of go, go, go things to do, so this is the best way to unwind after a day of adventure. Just remember to book your spot (or spots) in advance so you don’t miss out.
Book your private hot tub experience in advance here and you can pay later!
Related Read: If you aren’t in the city for long, I condense all the highlights into my 2-day Rotorua itinerary!
Other Things to do While You’re in Rotorua
- Maori Experience – Rotorua is an amazing place to learn about the Māori people and culture. Spend a night at the Mitai Maori Village cultural experience where you get introduced to the Maori culture with performances including weaponry displays and a traditional Hangi feast cooked in an underground oven.
- Whitewater rafting – One of the best places to go whitewater rafting in New Zealand is Rotorua! The most famous tour is this one that features the 7-meter waterfall drop! That’s right, you’ll actually raft over a waterfall – Tutea Falls – which is the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall (that’s bragging rights for sure!).
- Visit Hobbiton – This Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch is a great day trip that takes care of all the details. Your guide will drive you to and from Rotorua, and entrance fees are included. It’s a seamless way to explore Hobbiton and lets you see Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the mill, and more!
- Government Gardens – Take a walk through the beautiful Government Gardens right on the edge of the lake in Rotorua’s downtown. The flowers here are stunning and it’s a nice place to stroll around and take photos.
- See geothermal wonders – Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and this small group tour includes two of the best stops – just wait until you see the Lady Knox geyser erupt! You’ll also see bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and sulfur lakes. It’s like another world!
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Rotorua has some very nice places to stay! What’s great about this area is all the choices – whether you are backpacking on a budget or looking for a luxurious place to call home for a few nights. These are my top picks for every budget!
Rydges Rotorua – $$$
For a more luxurious stay in Rotorua, Rydges Rotorua offers scenic views on the edge of Redwoods Forest and overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Historical Village.
Start your morning with a swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can also drop by the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and bar that offers modern New Zealand cuisine. Choose between a superior or deluxe room, each featuring air conditioning, comfy beds, and cable TV with free movies.
Anything for the little ones? Yes! Rydges Rotorua houses a Play Zone with various games for children of all ages, including table tennis, foosball, Nintendo Switch, air hockey, and more.
Rates start from $242 NZD per night. You can reserve your room on Booking.com.
Thermal Oak Motel – $$
If more rooms and spacious accommodations are what you’re looking for, you’ll find them at Thermal Oak Motel. The motel offers modern accomodations from deluxe studios to a three-bedroom house all with free parking, AC, kitchenettes, and Wi-Fi.
Besides the rooms, you can go for a dip in one of the two public mineral spa pools. Another advantage is the convenient access to the city center, which is only a 10-minute walk away.
Rates range from $180 NZD up to $600 NZD per night. Reserve a room on Booking.com!
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua – $
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is one of the budget-friendly hotels centrally located within walking distance of many Rotorua attractions like Government Gardens and the Polynesian Spa. It’s a perfect fit for travelers with a tight budget where rooms in a shared dorm start at only $47 NZD/night. If you don’t want to share, there are private rooms available around the $100 NZD mark.
You can save money on meals by using the communal kitchen or if you’re in the mood for a more challenging activity, head to the rock-climbing wall next door which offers guests staying here a discounted rate.
You can easily book a room on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Well there you have it, I spilled the beans on one of the best “secrets” in Rotorua! The Secret Spot Hot Tubs are like a little oasis and I can’t wait to pop in again. It’s like a vacation during your vacation and one of the reasons I think visiting Rotorua is worth it.
For more reviews and helpful tips, check out all my blogs on Rotorua or on the entire North Island section here. I also picked out a few that should come in handy if you’re planning a visit to Rotorua.
13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Waitomo Caves, NZ (My Top Tips!)
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rotorua: An Ideal 3-Day Itinerary