Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown | Top New Zealand Experience
Wondering if the Onsen Hot Pools are worth visiting? I’ve got you covered!
When googling a list of Queenstown must-dos, it’s pretty likely Onsen Hot Pools has appeared multiple times. These outdoor pools are a pretty popular spot, with a gorgeous natural setting, and magnificent views of the Shotover Canyon.
Plus you get complimentary snacks!
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would definitely recommend this tranquil day spa to anyone visiting Queenstown. I visited with friends and it was a ton of fun but it would also be a great thing to do in Queenstown for couples especially if you managed to score a sunset booking.
So what do you need to know about the Onsen Pools in order to decide if they are worth visiting or not? Let’s dive in!
What are the Onsen Hot Pools?
Onsen is Japanese for ‘hot spring’, and these natural hot pools are fed by the same geothermal springs that give Rotorua its reputation for being a ‘hotspot’ for geothermal activity. These private hot pools are filled with pure water captured from the surrounding mountains which is constantly replaced and refreshed in a sustainable manner.
Onsen hot pools range in temperature from 38-42 degrees Celsius, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring Queenstown’s many attractions.
I visited in winter and it was a great way to warm up. It even got a bit too warm after sitting in the pool for a while! Don’t be surprised if you have to sit on the sides to take a break from the heat.
The stunning views of the surrounding mountains are an added bonus – set on the cliffside overlooking the Shotover River Canyon, you get to relax while taking in the uninterrupted views of the alpine scenery.
It’s the perfect Queenstown must-do for any special occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Onsen Hot Pools and would 100% go back again! We arrived about 15-20 minutes before our booking and there was parking available so the whole experience was all very easy and stress-free. The only thing left to do was to take in the beauty of the surroundings!
Where are the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown?
Located at 160 Arthurs Point Road, just 10 minutes from the centre of Queenstown, these pools are nice and easy to get to. The drive is pretty scenic too – much like the rest of the entire Queenstown area!
How to get there
By Car
You’ll want to take Gorge Road from the top of Shotover St and head towards Arthurs Point. Pass a one-lane bridge at the Shotover Jet Base and you’ll know you’re heading the right way.
Then head up the hill and keep an eye out for Nugget Point Hotel which will be on your right. You’ve made it! Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown is located right next to the Nugget Point Hotel and you can find car parking behind ‘The Picture Framing’.
Once parked, it’s just a short walk (about 100m) down the winding trail or stairs towards the river. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to find. If anyone’s going to get lost it would be me and I was fine.
They recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your booking. Each time slot is an hour so you want to make the most of your time in the pool!
When I went, we had hired a rental car for our trip so we drove here but if you haven’t got a car, Onsen Hot Pools offer a complimentary shuttle service that will pick you up from the Station Building in central Queenstown.
by Shuttle bus
Make sure you book the shuttle when booking your pool as it only operates on request and for bookings on the hour. Be sure to book in advance, this is a popular tourist destination and spots do fill up fairly quickly, especially if you’re limited to on-the-hour time slots so you can get the shuttle.
The shuttle seats up to 9 people, for large groups you’ll need to find your own way there unfortunately.
It will pick you up from the station 30 mins before your booking, don’t be late! Be sure to give your mobile number when making your booking so if the driver can’t find you, they’ve got a way to reach you.
On the return journey, the shuttle leaves Onsen Hot Pools at a quarter past the hour.
Pick up / drop off location:
Bus Stop D, corner of Camp Street and Shotover Street
Look for the brown benches outside the AJ Hackett Bungy building and you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Original Onsen vs Outdoor Onsen
The price for your Onsen Hot Pool experience can vary slightly as there are a range of options to choose from. First, you need to make the choice between ‘The Orginal Onsen’ or the ‘Outdoor Onsen’.
What’s the difference?
The Orginal Onsen are the pools that have a retractable roof with wooden side walls for privacy. With the retractable roof, the push of a button allows you to change from an indoor to an outdoor onsen experience.
This type of pool is the one you’ll most commonly see on ‘the gram’. These pools, as the name suggests, were the original Onsen Hot Pools so they’ve been around for the longest.
The price for these pools starts from $117.50 and varies based on the number of people, up to a total of 4. You’ll enjoy a soak for an hour and receive a complimentary glass of wine, beer or juice and a snack of either ice cream, chocolate or chips.
Then the Outdoor Onsen works out to be a little cheaper and is, you guessed it, outside. The heat is the same as the Original Onsen however at approx 38.3 degrees. Toasty!
With the Outdoor Onsen you still get those gorgeous panoramic views across the Shotover River. The pools are partially separated by plants and they come with a shade sail so you’re protected from the elements.
Like the Original Onsen, you’ll also enjoy an hour’s soak with a complimentary drink and snack. The pools are the same size too, accommodating 1-4 people. Prices start from $97.50.
Onsen Hot Pools prices
| Original Onsen | Outdoor Onsen |
| 1 person = $117.50 | 1 person = $97.50 |
| 2 people = $175 | 2 people = $155 |
| 3 people = $225 | 3 people = $205 |
| 4 people = $260 | 4 people = $240 |
Children aged 5-11 are allowed for an additional $30 during the hours of 9 am – 4.30 pm.
Note: Prices updated Mar 2024.
Other Onsen Hot Pool Experiences
Being a spa as well, Onsen Hot Pools offers a couple of other packages besides just soaking in a hot tub.
Called ‘The Ultimate Relaxation Experience’ you’ll enjoy a 45-minute soak to begin with, and then you’ll be able to enjoy your choice of a body or face treatment. You can choose from either a 1 or 2-hour spa treatment and the prices vary depending on the treatment chosen but start from $255 per person.
Something to note is that this package is available as a two-person experience only so it’s perfect for couples looking to do something nice for a special occasion.
For a full range of face and body treatments available, visit the Onsen Hot Pools website.
The other blissful experience offered by Onsen is called ‘Serenity Soak and Spa’. Again you enjoy a relaxing 45-minute soak but this time it’s in one of Onsen’s new private oval hot tubs which look a bit like a large bath. High quality therapists personalise each soak with different bath salts and scents depending on the treatment that follows. These tubs are private and set on your own deck.
After your soak, you get your choice of a body or face treatment. You’ll leave feeling incredibly relaxed!
Prices vary depending on the spa package you’ve chosen but start from $275 per person. A full range of treatment options can be found here.
When is the best time to go?
The Onsen hot pools are open every day from 9 am to 11 pm so there are plenty of time slots to choose from. The latest time you can book a hot pool is 10 pm. Depending on the time of year, the pools may be hot or cold.
I went during the winter (June to August) so my pool was nice and hot, it was so relaxing! If you do have a temperature preference just make a note at your time of booking and they will try to accommodate your request.
Because it was so cold when I was in Queenstown (compared to Auckland anyway) the pool felt very hot getting in. It takes a while to adjust but if you do find yourself feeling too hot there is a button you can push to add some cold water into the pool.
The time I booked for my pool was 4 pm which was a good time but ideally, I would have loved to be here for sunset. If you’ve been following me for a while you’ve probably caught on that sunsets are one of my favourite things EVER!
If you are the kind of person who loves stargazing, go for a nighttime booking. You’ll also receive a free upgrade to enjoy Onsen by lantern light for all bookings after sunset.
The Onsen hot pools have this awesome retractable roof that opens and closes with the touch of a button so there’ll be plenty of stargazing to be had on a clear night!
Evening bookings used to be slightly more expensive but now the cost is the same no matter what time you go. An evening session would be a fantastic way to relax after dinner and would be a super romantic date night. Although the downside is you would miss out on the spectacular views after it gets dark.
What to bring to Onsen Hot Pools
There isn’t a lot you need to bring with you, just togs and of course a camera cause did you even go to the Onsen Hot Pools if you didn’t post a photo on Insta?!
You don’t need to worry about bringing a towel with you as that’s included with your booking.
A pair of slides is also handy to bring with you so you’ve got a pair of shoes to easily pop on after you’ve changed into your togs and are making your way to your pool. Nothing more annoying than having to slip socks and shoes on again, only then having to take them off two minutes later!
If you go in winter make sure you bring warm clothes to put on afterwards. It will defs feel a little chilly when you get out.
FAQ: Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools
Do I need to book?
YES! Definitely. Try to make a booking a couple of weeks in advance if you can, at least. These pools are pretty popular so the time slots fill up fast.
If you need to plan this around other Queenstown activities then good to be prepared so you have your pick of timeslots. Sunset times will also book out super fast so you’ll want to be onto it if you’re planning to be there for golden hour!
Don’t forget that in New Zealand we have daylight savings so depending on the time of year, the time the sunsets can change quite drastically. In the winter sunset is usually between 5.30pm – 6.00pm whereas in the summer it can be as late as 9.00pm.
It’s pretty easy to book and pay through the website but they also have a number you can call if you prefer to phone. If you are planning on catching the shuttle you will want to book this at the same time.
Do I need to take a towel to Onsen?
No! Use of a towel is included with your booking so you literally only need to bring your togs (aka swimmers for my non-Kiwi peeps).
What is the temperature of the Onsen Hot Pools?
The hot pools range in temperature from 38-42 degrees Celsius but mostly hover around 38.3 degrees.
Conclusion: Are Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown worth visiting?
There you have it, everything you need to know when visiting Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown! I hope by now I’ve convinced you that these are the best hot pools in Queenstown and are indeed worth visiting.
It truly is a bucket list experience while in Queenstown and one you’ll certainly enjoy. Yes it is pretty touristy these days and every man and his dog has that insta pic of them at Onsen but there is a reason for that, it is pretty beautiful.
Not to mention a relaxing way to escape all the hustle and bustle for a bit! Or if you’ve had a day on the slopes, what better way to help relax those stiff muscles?
Another awesome hot pool spot to check out is Omarama. It’s a little bit of a drive from Queenstown so you’ll need a car but it’s incredibly beautiful and less touristy if that’s more your vibe.
Planning a holiday escape and looking for accommodation? Check out my recommendations on Best Places to Stay in Queenstown.
