6 Hidden Natural Hot Pools Worth Hiking to in New Zealand’s South Island

If your idea of a spa day involves a scenic hike into the backcountry, followed by a soak in a natural hot pool that you feel like you’ve earned, then you’re in the right place.

Across the Top of the South, there are natural hot pools tucked away in river valleys, forests and alpine landscapes. Getting there can take some effort, but that makes the soak at the end all the more rewarding.

Here are some of the natural hot pools worth hiking to, if you’re looking for a soak - without the crowds.

Explore the hot pools

• Copland Track: Welcome Flat Hot Pools
• Hurunui River Hot Spring
• Mackenzie Stream: Hot Springs
• Wanganui Valley: Hot Pools at Smyth Hut
• Wanganui Valley: Amethyst Hot Springs
• Cow Stream Natural Hot Springs

Copland Track: Welcome Flat Hot Pools

West Coast

Deep in the Southern Alps, Welcome Flat Hot Pools are the reward at the end of The Copland Track.

The route follows the Copland River through rainforest, riverbeds and spectacular mountain scenery before reaching Welcome Flat Hut and the natural hot pools nearby.

Welcome Flat Hot Pools

The walk to Welcome Flat Hut takes around seven hours one way, so this is a proper backcountry adventure rather than a quick dip. Stay overnight at the hut, soak in the pools and enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery before making the return journey.

The route requires good fitness and backcountry experience, and conditions can change quickly in this remote environment.

The Copland Track

Hurunui River Hot Spring

Hurunui

For an even more remote experience, head into the backcountry on the Harper Pass Track to find the Hurunui River Hot Spring.

The soothing water flows from the rock above the Hurunui River into a small pool surrounded by forest. The hot spring sits about halfway between Hurunui Hut and Hurunui No. 3 Hut and is around a 2.5-hour walk from the swing bridge.

This is a remote backcountry experience best suited to experienced trampers who are comfortable navigating and travelling in changeable conditions.

Hurunui River Hot Spring

Mackenzie Stream: Hot Springs

Hurunui

If you're already exploring the Hurunui River, there's another natural hot pool worth knowing about. The Mackenzie Stream Hot Springs can be found along the Mackenzie Stream Route, which branches off the Harper Pass Track in Lake Sumner Forest Park.

The route leaves the Harper Pass Track about an hour from Hurunui Hut, with a crossing of the Hurunui River required to reach Mackenzie Stream. You'll need to follow the stream upstream, with the hot spring located along the route.

A small pool has been constructed here, big enough for two people to enjoy a soak. This is a remote backcountry option rather than an easy side trip.

Wanganui Valley: Amethyst Hot Springs

West Coast

Deep in the Wanganui Valley, up the Wanganui Valley Track, you’ll find the Hot Pools at the Wanganui Smyth Confluence.

They sit among massive river boulders near Smyth Hut, where a short marked side track leads from the hut to several pools, where alpine scenery provides the backdrop for a well-earned soak.

Smyth Hut Hot Pools

Getting there is part of the adventure. The walk is best done over two days, with an overnight stay at Hunters Hut before continuing to Smyth Hut the following day.
From the road end, it’s around five hours to Hunters Hut and another five hours on to Smyth Hut, making this one for experienced trampers looking for a longer backcountry adventure.

Wanganui Valley: Amethyst Hot Springs

West Coast

For a shorter adventure into the Wanganui Valley, follow the Wanganui River Track to Amethyst Hot Springs, which are around a 15-minute walk from the Wanganui Valley road-end car park.

Amethyst Hot Springs

The pools sit beside the river in a beautiful natural setting and offer a much easier way to experience the area’s geothermal features. Conditions can change after flooding and the pools may need to be dug out, so check conditions before you go and come prepared for a more rustic experience.

Cow Stream Natural Hot Springs

Hurunui

Deep in the St James Conservation Area, Cow Stream Natural Hot Springs are a rewarding detour for those exploring the high country.

Cow Stream Natural Hot Springs

From St James Homestead, follow the St James Cycle Trail towards the pools.

You can reach them by 4WD, bike or on foot, making this one of the more flexible options on the list.
Surrounded by the open landscapes of the St James Conservation Area, the pools offer a peaceful place to stop, soak and take in the high-country scenery.

St James Cycle Trail

Earn your soak

These natural hot pools are a little different from booking into a spa or thermal reserve.

Some require hours of walking, an overnight hut stay or experience travelling through remote backcountry.
But that’s part of the appeal.

Work up a sweat, reach the pools and settle into the warm water with mountains, forests and rivers all around you.

Sometimes the best spa day is the one you have to earn.