Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Imagine sinking into your own cedar hot tub beside a whispering stream, surrounded by towering native trees in Rotorua. For just $25 per person and a 45-minute soak, this experience offers a peaceful, intimate retreat that’s perfect for anyone craving a break from the bustling tourist spots. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or on your own, the privacy and natural beauty make it a genuine highlight of any Rotorua trip.

We especially love the personalized hot tub experience, with each tub spacious enough to accommodate up to 6. The views of the forest and the soothing sounds of birds and flowing water make every soak feel like a mini nature retreat. Plus, the option to order craft drinks directly from the tub via a simple push-button service adds a touch of luxury and convenience that’s hard to beat.

One small consideration is that the experience lasts only 45 minutes, which some might find a bit brief. However, the quality of relaxation and the thoughtful amenities more than compensate. This experience is ideal for travelers seeking authentic, quiet moments amid nature—perfect for those who appreciate solitude or shared serenity with loved ones.

If you’re after a relaxing, affordable, and beautifully set activity that’s a little off the beaten path, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is likely to be right up your alley. It suits those wanting something unique and personal, away from large crowds, and eager to enjoy Rotorua’s lush environment in a comfortable, private setting.

Key Points

• Private and spacious hot tubs accommodate up to 6 people, making it a perfect option for groups or couples.
• Stunning forest views and natural sounds create a peaceful, authentic setting for relaxation.
• Tub-side bar service allows ordering craft drinks without leaving the water, adding luxury to your soak.
• Cold plunge pools are included, providing a refreshing contrast to the hot water.
• Facilities like lockers, showers, and foot spas ensure comfort and convenience.
• The experience is weatherproof—rain or shine—thanks to covered areas and umbrellas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Rotorua Secret Spot Hot Tubs Experience

Location and Arrival

Located on the left side of the Waipa MTB carpark, just between the forest and the parking area, the Secret Spot Hot Tubs greets visitors with a distinctive building featuring a waterfall cascading off its roof into a rock pool. The high dark fence and the cedarwood reception with a simple “S” sign hint at the tranquil experience awaiting inside.

On arrival, friendly staff welcome you and provide a quick rundown of your hot tub experience. You’ll find changing rooms and cedarwood showers for freshening up before heading outside. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is advisable to settle in and avoid rushing.

The Hot Tubs and Setting

Once outside, follow the signs to your personal cedar hot tub. Each tub is set amidst lush greenery, offering views of the forest and the gentle sound of a nearby stream. The spacious design means you can share the experience comfortably with friends or family. The privacy is notably praised—many reviewers mention how secluded and peaceful it feels, despite the small number of tubs on site.

The water temperature hovers around 40°C, providing a comfortably warm soak that encourages relaxing muscle tension and unwinding. Several reviews highlight how the cleanliness and comfort of the tubs and changing areas significantly enhance the experience, with comments like “really comfortable and clean” and “beautiful setting.”

The Experience During Your Soak

As you settle into the warm water, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s sounds—birds chirping high in the trees and the babbling stream nearby. Many reviewers mention how peaceful and restorative it feels to be in this setting, especially if you’re coming after a busy day or a long hike.

One of the most unique features is the tub-side push button for drinks—imagine sipping a craft beer, cider, or Manuka roasted coffee without leaving the water. The selection from the Mills Reef wine list, tea, and other beverages offers a touch of indulgence. Reviewers like Jessica from New Zealand appreciate that “you could even order drinks from the tub,” making the experience both relaxing and convenient.

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Additional Amenities

After your soak, you can move to the complimentary cold plunge pools, which are perfect for cooling down and invigorating your senses. Several guests find this contrast both fun and refreshing, especially after a warm soak.

The site also provides foot spas, ideal for relaxing tired feet after your time in the hot tub. Lockers and cedarwood showers ensure that you can freshen up comfortably before leaving, and the parking is free and straightforward, located conveniently nearby.

The Nighttime Magic and Practicalities

While most visits are daytime, the experience shines at night when the darkness amplifies the star-gazing possibilities. The quiet forest and absence of light pollution mean the night sky can become an open canvas for stars—an unexpectedly beautiful added dimension.

The 45-minute duration is often praised for being enough to relax without overstaying your welcome. However, some reviews, like Jessica’s, wish for longer sessions—“I would LOVE this even more if the sessions were 1 hr long,” she notes. Still, most find the time just right for a peaceful escape.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is well-suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who value privacy, natural beauty, and a touch of luxury. It’s particularly appreciated by those looking for affordable relaxation in a stunning setting, with many reviewers emphasizing the good value for money.

People who dislike large crowds or noisy environments will find the seclusion and tranquility especially appealing. It’s also perfect for post-hike unwinding or as a restorative break during a Rotorua visit.

Considerations and Tips

Keep in mind that children under 5 are not allowed in the hot tubs, and pregnant women or people with mobility issues should consider their suitability beforehand. You’ll want to bring your own swimwear and towel, as these aren’t provided, and ID or a passport is needed for check-in.

Weather-wise, the experience runs rain or shine, so a waterproof jacket or umbrella might be helpful if the weather isn’t perfect. While you can’t bring food or alcohol into the facility, you can enjoy drinks from the bar—so plan to indulge in some local craft beverages.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

At $25 for 45 minutes, the cost is quite reasonable for the intimacy and natural environment provided. The free cold plunge pools and foot spas add complementary benefits that many other spa experiences charge extra for. The fact that each hot tub is private and spacious makes it feel more personalized than public hot springs or larger spa complexes.

Many reviewers mention the cleanliness, friendly staff, and peaceful ambiance as critical factors contributing to the value. It’s not just a hot tub experience; it’s a thoughtfully curated moment of calm in nature that’s hard to find elsewhere in Rotorua.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re craving a quiet, private space to unwind, this is ideal. It suits nature lovers, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone wanting a bit of luxury without the hefty price tag. It’s a fantastic way to break up the sightseeing and truly relax while soaking in some of New Zealand’s lush landscape.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, small-scale experiences will enjoy this more than large commercial spas. Likewise, if you’re intrigued by the idea of cold plunge contrasts or ordering drinks from the water, this experience ticks those boxes beautifully.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not allowed in the hot tubs, so if you’re traveling with younger kids, this might not be the best fit.

What should I bring?
Bring your own swimwear, towel, and a form of ID or passport for check-in. The facility doesn’t provide swimwear or towels.

Can I book a longer session?
Currently, the standard experience lasts 45 minutes, and reviews suggest most find this sufficient. Longer sessions aren’t advertised but could be worth inquiring about if available.

Is it weather dependent?
No, the activity runs rain or shine. Covered areas and umbrellas ensure comfort even in inclement weather.

Can I order drinks while in the hot tub?
Yes, the tub-side push-button service allows you to order craft drinks, wine, tea, or coffee without leaving the water.

Is transportation provided?
No, transfers are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the site, which is conveniently located near parking.

Final Thoughts

Rotorua’s Secret Spot Hot Tubs offers a unique blend of privacy, natural beauty, and simple luxury. For a cost-effective escape that combines the soothing effects of warm water with the serenity of the forest, it’s hard to beat this cozy retreat. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, enjoying a moment of solitude, or topping off a day of adventures, this experience promises a peaceful pause in your Rotorua itinerary.

If you’re seeking a genuine, calming connection with nature that won’t break the bank, this is a well-chosen activity. The friendly staff, stunning setting, and thoughtful amenities make it a memorable part of any visit to New Zealand’s North Island.

In short: For those who want a private, authentic, and affordable way to relax amid Rotorua’s natural beauty, Secret Spot Hot Tubs hits the mark. It’s a quiet, well-loved spot that delivers real value and a peaceful escape—perfect for making your trip truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here: