Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I can afford it. And so can you. This is my personal review about my experience in Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. I’m sharing it because I highly recommend it! ❤
Queenstown is no doubt the heart of adventure in South Island, New Zealand! From skydiving to paragliding to the death-defying bungee jumping, you name it, Queenstown has it. Surrounded by beautiful lake Wakatipu with the perfect southern alps backdrop, this place is truly a paradise. You can’t even argue with it.
I traveled to New Zealand for the first time last November 2018 and love, at first sight, has never been this real. In fact, in just less than a year after that, I came back to celebrate my birthday. So last July, we landed in almost freezing Queenstown. Winter has officially arrived and it felt
One of the priorities I had for Queenstown is to experience the Onsen Hot Pools again. Yes, we did this already last year and it just doesn’t feel right to not do it again. After all, it’s my favorite activity to do in Queenstown. But first, here’s what you need to know about the Onsen Hot Pools and some tips base from my epic experience.
What is Onsen Hot Pools?
Personally, I’d like to consider it as one the most “organic chill” that you can find in Queenstown. It’s basically an exclusive hot tub that you can enjoy privately together with your partner, family or friends and experience the most natural way of relaxation overlooking the Shotover river surrounded by a dramatic mountain range mother nature has to offer. The pool can accommodate up to 4 bathers. Standard package allows you to spend an hour in the pool with free towels and drinking water. It’s the perfect escape from the busy crowd in central Queenstown.
Things you must know about the actual Onsen Hot Pool experience
- First of all, they do change the water every new guests who will occupy
- Upon arrival at the place, you will be greeted with nature! Enjoy the scenery as you walk pass down the looong stairs.
- There’s a chance that when you arrive, your pool is still being prepared so you can just chill at their nice lounge and enjoy the free wifi
- They sell some chips and drinks as well
- When your pool room is ready, a staff will usher you and give you a quick orientation at the same time
- Each pool room has its own shower (strongly advise that you take shower first before you dip into the pool)
- There’s a place inside the room to hang your clothes and enough space to put your things, safe enough away from the water
- There’s a retractable roof/door that you may use if you really want serious privacy (check the video below to see how it works)
- You can turn off that thing that creates the bubble effect in the water through one of the buttons on the side
- There’s a not-so-cold shower that’s flowing directly above the pool. Just press one of the buttons on the side
- 10 or 15 minutes before your time is up, a staff will knock on the door to give you a heads up so you can prepare your exit
- If you really wanna consume all your time in the pool, you may do so and just change your clothes later in the common changing room (separate for women and men)
- Each changing room has mirror, hair dryer, soap, lotion and other practical stuff that you can think of , which I really appreciate!
- They also have a common bathroom which has both toilet and shower
- This place is really ideal for couples celebrating special occasions like anniversary or Valentines Day.
For complete FAQS: https://www.onsen.co.nz/about-onsen/faqs/
How long is the experience?
Most of the packages would allow you an hour to spend. But I think you can book continuous hours if you like so you can stay longer. You may reach out to them directly for the best advice.
How much does Onsen Hot Pools cost?
They offer different packages with different inclusions to cater different preferences. We always choose the standard package. But on our first experience last November 2018 (Spring), we did it at night and paid $153 NZD for 3 people. In July 2019 (Winter), we had it in the morning and paid $101 NZD for 2 people. Prices vary depending on number of people, time of day and type of package. But one thing’s for sure, the more people the more it’ll be cheaper. So be sure to check the latest prices on their official website listed below.
They consider it a luxury but it’s the kind of luxury I’m willing to pay and it’s worth my money. I mean, it’s even more worth it than that overrated “Fergburger”. I swear to God.
Also, good news. All 2019 prices include towels already 😀 We had to bring our own last 2018. They’re constantly improving. In fact, they are now offering a Day Spa as well.
Book here: https://www.onsen.co.nz/hot-pool-massage-experiences
How to get there? Is it far from Queenstown?
Not at all. It’s just around 10-minute drive from Queenstown’s city center, located in the old gold mining town of Arthurs Point. If you don’t have a car or worse, don’t know how to drive like me, fret not my friend. They got us covered. They offer a complimentary shuttle to and from Queenstown but only available to those paying guests who request it. So make sure you include this one when you book your package online.
Address: 160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand
Tip: Call them a day or hours before your scheduled pick up for confirmation. Complete directions can be found here: https://www.onsen.co.nz/getting-here/
Best time to do it? Morning or Night?
For me it depends. Personally, if you’re with a partner I suggest you do it at night because it’s more intimate as they will upgrade the space with Japanese lanterns. While the mountains and the Shotover river are gone, the view is replaced with stars lighting the sky. It’s literally bathing under the stars. If you’re just with family or friends, you can do it anytime.
Evening CONS: It’s hard to take nice photos at night because you need long exposure to capture everything including the stars and that takes time. Considering, you only have an hour to spend. Also, it’s colder at night.
Morning CONS (but not really): You are totally exposed to mother nature, including the people riding the Shotover Jet in the river below. We’ll only if you stay on the edge. Also, only if you mind. Haha. Actually, there’s a retractable roof that can cover the entire view in just a push of a button. But why would you do that?
Our experience at night: Fewer photos obviously because it was so cold. Hahaha. We had to stay in the pool most of the time to escape the biting cold of Spring.
Our experience in the morning: Lots of photos and videos. While we did it in Winder (July), I don’t remember it being super cold.
After all, the main goal is to relax, relieve all the stress and enjoy — which you can experience any time of the day.
When to book? How soon should I book?
ASAP. Like as soon as you book your flight to Queenstown. I’m not kidding. This place is getting more and more popular and slots are limited. On our July trip, we booked it in May. We didn’t even have our visa that time yet. Don’t worry, they have a Refund Policy in case you cancel. But again, why would you that?
Queenstown – Onsen Hot Pools, is it really worth it? Her face says it all
Read more: How To Apply For New Zealand Tourist Visa
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