Queenstown is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. Known as the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand,” Queenstown is a hub for adrenaline-filled activities, including bungy jumping, quad biking, and even skydiving!
However, Queenstown is also the perfect spot to slow down, relax, and take in the magnificent scenery. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
And what’s the best way to relax? Well, I don’t know about you, but relaxing in a mineral-rich hot tub overlooking magnificent scenery sounds like a start!
Luckily, this is exactly what you get at the Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools. These Japanese-style hot pools are in a secluded area of Queenstown overlooking a stunning valley and the Shotover River.
In this guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting the famous hot pools in Queenstown. This includes a recap of my experience and whether I believe it’s worth the hefty price tag (spoiler: it is).
As a backpacker on a budget, I always carefully consider which paid activities I want to do in a destination. I’d love to do everything, but sadly, my budget does not stretch that far. However, one thing that had been on my ‘must-do’ list for a while was visiting the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. And wow, did they not disappoint!
Keep on reading to find out why I loved them so much.
Did you know? The Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools aren’t the only hot springs on the South Island.
What are the Onsen Hot Pools?
The Onsen Hot Pools is a boutique spa in Queenstown with cedar-lined Japanese-style Onsen pools. The pools are filled with pure water from the surrounding mountains and heated to 38 degrees.
The Queenstown Hot Pools boast magnificent views over the valley. It’s the perfect place in Queenstown to relax and slow down.
The pools became famous after blowing up on social media. It’s easy to be a little sceptical about social media trends, but these Queenstown hot pools are famous for a reason. It’s one of the most scenic spots in Queenstown.
I’m not sure it gets much better than relaxing in a hot tub, sipping champagne and admiring the gorgeous surrounding mountains. What more could you want?
It really was the perfect place to relax after weeks of hiking and exploring New Zealand’s South Island.
How to get to the Queestown hot pools?
The Onsen Hot Pools are a little out of the main town on Arthurs Point Road.
You can drive to the hot pools if you have a car or campervan. There is ample car parking space, and it’s only a ten-minute drive from the town centre.
The Onsen Hot Pools also offer a free return shuttle bus from Queenstown’s town centre. This is available on select hot pool sessions that begin on the hour. You will need to book this at the time of booking your experience.
Which Onsen experience should you book?
The Onsen Hot Pools recently updated their services. Here’s a quick rundown of your options.
The Original Onsen
This is my personal favourite experience at Onsen Queenstown. It’s simple and the cheapest option.
These beautiful outdoor tubs were the original hot tubs at the spa. They have a retractable roof, so you can choose to be inside or outside.
The Original Onsens offer beautiful views of the valley. The 60-minute session is private, and up to four people can use the hot tub.
The Outdoor Onsen
The Outdoor Onsen is slightly cheaper than the Original. The main difference is there’s no retractable roof. There is still a temporary roof to protect guests from the elements, but this can’t be altered. The Outdoor Onsen is also slightly more exposed to the elements.
Update: As of 2025, this option is no longer available. Instead, you can book a combined Onsen session with a spa treatment.
The Oval Onsen
This is a unique hot tub in New Zealand. The Oval hot tubs are more private and exclusively for individuals or couples. With gorgeous views of the mountains and Shotover River, this is the choice for ultimate relaxation.
Other Spa Facilities
Onsen is also one of the best spas in Queenstown. You can sign up for the Serenity Soak & Spa if you also want treatment. This includes a session in the Oval Onsen followed by a spa treatment.
It’s possible to book the Onsen Hot Pools through Klook.
Best time of day to visit the Onsen Hot Pools
The Onsen Hot Pools are the perfect place to relax at any time of the day, but different times of the day have other benefits.
Sunset is by far the most popular time to visit the Onsen Pools. In the right weather, the valley lights up golden as the sun sets over the mountains.
Winter nights are also a popular time to visit the pools. On a clear night, it’s possible to stargaze in the peaceful valley as you relax in the hot pools.
Both sunset and evening sessions are very popular. To visit the Queenstown Hot Pools at either of these times, you’ll need to book well in advance.
I visited the Onsens on a crisp autumn morning. It was a beautiful time of day. There is no good or bad time to visit the hot pools. Just go with what suits your itinerary.
My experience and review of the Onsen Hot Pools
I genuinely loved my experience at the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of spas, but this was a lot of fun.
When we arrived at the hot pools, we were asked which drinks and snacks we’d prefer for our Onsen session. (Naturally, I opted for the bubbles…) We were then taken to our private Onsen for our hour in the pool (or 45 minutes if opting for the Oval Onsen).
Besides being chased by a wasp, the hour spent in the tub was the most relaxing thing I did in New Zealand. After weeks of exploring, camping and hiking, it was much-needed.
The hot pools come with controls to ensure the perfect experience. You can turn the jets on or off and even add cold water when it gets too hot. At 50 minutes, you’ll be given a ten-minute warning to let you know your session is about to end.
The spa has everything you need for before and after your hot tub soak. Our Outdoor Onsen even had a private shower we could use during the session.
There were also shared changing rooms with warm showers, towels, dressing gowns and toilets, plus hair dryers!
The only things it lacked were shampoo and conditioner. If you want to shower, remember to take this with you.
Overall, I was very impressed with my experience at Onsen Queenstown, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Summary: Is visiting the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown worth it?
A visit to the Onsen Hot Pools is an absolute must while in Queenstown. While there are other hot springs around the South Island, these serene hot tubs offer luxury on another scale.
I’m not always the biggest fan of these activities, but there is something so incredible about the setting that instantly relaxes you. The views are wonderful!
I also think the packages are good value, especially when you can split between several people.
Like this post? Share or save for later.
