Maruia Springs Thermal Resort

Guests bathe in geothermal mineral water that rises at 56°C from artesian sources beneath the Southern Alps and flows through pools at temperatures between 37°C and 42°C. Maruia Hot Springs sits within Lewis Pass National Reserve on State Highway 7, two and a half hours from Christchurch. The property runs daily guided sauna infusions led by resident sauna masters; participants move between heat, cold plunge at 7°C, and steam before applying a house-made face mask. Infrared saunas, thermal massage showers, a mineral foot bath, and relaxation lounges overlook the Maruia River valley.

Thirteen newly opened Thermal Tranquility rooms and one suite each include a private deck with an outdoor thermal bath fed by natural geothermal water. Classic hotel rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and king or twin beds. Mountain View rooms add loft ceilings and wrap-around balconies. Thirteen glamping pods — five for two guests, eight deluxe for four — occupy a campground within the reserve; pods share adjacent shower and toilet facilities. All overnight guests access pools and saunas without restriction and join complimentary morning yoga sessions and guided nature walks.

The on-site restaurant serves a gourmet dinner menu and cooked breakfast. The property generates its own electricity via hydro power from the river and operates entirely off-grid. Hiking trails begin from the grounds. The water contains sulphur, boron, natural salts, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, and bicarbonate; approximately 500,000 litres flow through the system daily without recirculation.