Destinations
Hot pools camping NZ: 7 best thermal campgrounds
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Looking for the best campgrounds with hot pools in New Zealand? From cycling tracks and bushwalking to rafting and bungee jumping, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the road in NZ. And at the end of a long day of adventure, there’s nothing better than relaxing back in a steaming hot pool to allow your entire body to relax and unwind.
Even better if there’s one on or right near your campsite! Spend your days discovering the incredible sights, then head back to base and enjoy a soak with our ultimate guide to the best camping grounds with hot pools in New Zealand! Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more.
Best camping grounds with hot pools: 7 spots to take a dip
1. Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park and Thermal Hot Pools
165 Omokoroa Road Tauranga, New Zealand | From $52 per night
Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park is another great option when looking for camping grounds with hot pools. Enjoy relaxing in the Omokoroa thermal hot pools at any time of the year. Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park has three pools open 9am-8.30pm every day. While staying at this holiday park, you can use the pools at any time, free of charge.
There’s plenty to explore around the local area as well. Head to Waimarino Adventure Parkand kayak around the river. Check out the stunning views at Minden Lookout, or walk to one of the largest Kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty!
There’s lots to enjoy at the park, too. Head over to the children’s playground to run off some steam, with an Alfresco dining area and BBQs. They also offer showers, bathrooms and cooking appliances with a kitchen to use during your stay.
2. Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park
257 Okauia Springs Road, Okauia 3471, New Zealand | Powered site from $40 per night
Visit Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park in Matamata - also known as Hobbiton! This campground is just a 25-minute drive from the movie set, while also being nice and central for day trips around the North Island. Check out Wairere Falls just 8 minutes down the road or head further afield to the hustle and bustle of Tauranga, 45 minutes away.
At the site, there are five pools to dip into at the end of a busy day exploring, open from 9am-9pm daily. They even have a 25-metre outdoor heated pool that kids will love and a slide into one of the pools! Book in for as little as $4 for kids (1-13 years) and $8 for adults (14+ years).
During your stay, make use of their bathroom, shower and kitchen facilities.
3. Miranda Holiday Park
595 Front Miranda Road, Pūkorokoro / Miranda 3576, New Zealand | Powered sites from $30 per adult
One of the key pulls at Miranda Holiday Park is their hot thermal mineral pools, which also feature a waterfall for extra wow factor. Enjoy both a main pool and a kids pool free for use during your stay, both of which are partially shaded.
When you’re ready to explore the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Head to Waharau Regional Park to escape into nature, or set off on Hauraki Rail Trail for some adventure. Waihi Golf & Beach is the perfect spot to relax back and dip your toes in the water. You can also venture to Driving Creek Railway for a unique experience.
The park also has so much fun to offer the whole family. You’ll find a flying fox, tennis court, BMX track, trike hire, playground and a recreation area ready for the kids to enjoy. There’s also six BBQs and two gas pizza ovens guests can use.
4. Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
5 Hanmer Springs Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand | Powered site from $58 per night
This is one of South Island’s best camping grounds with hot pools. Stay at the holiday park and make use of their private outdoor hot tubs, or travel the two-minute drive down the road to visit Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.
At the latter, you’ll find a range of pools from relaxing rock pools to soothing sulphur pools, and much more. There’s water slides, an activity pool, lap pool, lazy river and more just waiting for you to explore!
Back at the campsite, there’s a trampoline and table tennis, jumping pillow, playground, sandpit, bikes for hire, BBQs and pizza ovens! There’s also kitchen, shower and toilet facilities for you to use, as well as a laundry and a dump station.
5. Awakeri Hot Springs
1363 State Highway 30, Awakeri 3192, New Zealand | From $36 per night
Relax and unwind at some of the most secluded pools in the Bay of Plenty at the peaceful Awakeri Hot Springs. There is one large pool and two smaller kid’s pools, including a toddler pool that’s just 30cm deep.
Set up camp and spend your days exploring the nearby area. Head to Whakatane, just 10 minutes away and venture through this stunning beachside town. You can also take a 20-minute drive to Ohope to check out Ohiwa Oyster Farm.
Back at the holiday park, you can soak in one of their relaxing thermal pools, while enjoying use of all the facilities on offer, including a kitchen, BBQ area, laundry, hot showers, camp shop and playground for the kids.
6. Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
2902 Franz Josef Highway, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand |From $49 per night
This is the perfect spot to base yourself, just a three-minute drive from the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. With a number of pools that weave through the stunning rainforest, it’s the ideal spot to sit back and soak up your surroundings. There’s nowhere better to end a day of sightseeing!
Nestled in the mountains, this holiday park is also a short drive from a number of incredible attractions, including West Coast Wildlife Centre, the Tatare Tunnels Walk, and plenty more trails that will take you through amazing landscapes.
Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park includes everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Discover a kids’ playground, BBQ area, communal kitchen and bathrooms, TV room, laundry, dump station, spa and sauna for the perfect stay.
7. Maruia Hot Springs
1513 State Highway 7, Lewis Pass 7847, Maruia Springs | Unpowered sites from $75 per night
2.5 hours from Christchurch, Maruia Hot Springs is one of our favourite camping grounds with hot pools. Here, you can escape into relaxation and surround yourself in nature in the middle of the Lewis Pass National Reserve. Sit back and soak up views of Maruia River and the surrounding forests before heading back to one of the many non-powered campsites.
Of course, the main drawcard is the unlimited access to the thermal pools in the area. There are four natural hot pools, a steam room, dry sauna, infrared sauna, thermal showers, cold plunge pool and a zen lounge for you to take advantage of!
While camping, you can also make use of the bathroom and changing facilities, toilets and spacious showers during your stay.
Hire a van for your camping trip
No matter where you’re travelling in New Zealand, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views and plenty of adventure. While exciting, it can also be quite exhausting! That’s where these camping grounds with hot pools come in. Enjoy a soothing soak after a day of adventures - all just minutes from your campsite!
Want some more travel inspo? Whether you sort out motorhome, camper and caravan hire on the South Island, or find your motorhome, camper and caravan hire on the North Island, there’s plenty more hot pools in New Zealand calling your name! Hire a van with Camplify to get your holiday in motion.
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