Our Hot Springs are totally natural. Its colour, temperature and flow rate can vary from day to day, and is dependant on the weather patterns and variation is especially noticable after heavy rain, snow or drought. We will do our best to maintain the pool temperatures in the vicinity of 40 degrees, however sometimes it is difficult to achieve this. If you are concerned about the pool condition of the day, please feel free to contact our reception before your arrival.
Rock Pools
Set beside the soothing waters of the Maruia River, the hot pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and temperatures, but each is a perfectly formed tarn, built from smoothest rocks, tumbled and gathered from the river.
Due to its high mineral content, the thermal water has healing properties, and it’s thought to be particularly beneficial for detoxifying and softening the skin. No chemicals are added to change its composition, so the colour palette of the pools changes daily.
Today’s hot spring water fell as rain more than 100 years ago. It seeped down through deep fissures in the mountains and remained in underground reservoirs before it was heated and pushed back up to the surface through the vents at Maruia Springs. Basically it’s the same water with new packaging – hot, with a sulphur content of one milligram per kilogram of water.
Unlike many other commercial hot springs in New Zealand, Maruia Springs has reverted to the basics, so guests may relax and enjoy the hot pools in their natural state.
The springs offer healthy relaxation in natural surrounding no matter what the season. In the winter the resort has a magical fairy-tale atmosphere: a light frosting of snow settles gently on the surrounding native beech forest, and steam surges in the crisp mountain air, rising towards majestic snowcapped peaks. Spring, summer and autumn offer clear sunny days, but should it rain, listening to the steady patter of rain whilst soaking is extraordinarily soothing.
Located next to the hot pools is a Utase-yu, a traditional Japanese method to enjoy hot springs. Basically a ‘waterfall’ of hot spring water it’s easy to use: just sit under the flow and move your body for a massaging effect. It’s advised to soak in a hot pool for three to five minutes first.
Japanese bathhouse
East meets west in Maruia Springs’ traditional Japanese bathhouse. Bathing for men and women is segregated, and each bathhouse offer outstanding river and mountain views. The bathhouses feature a changing area, showers and stools, and relaxing large hot bath tubs. If you’re unfamiliar with the correct Japanese etiquette for bathhouse bathing there’s no need to worry; signs erected on the walls can guide you through the process.
During a winter months, we offer a communal bathing at one of our Japanese bathhouse and the other one is available for table tennis players at no extra cost.
Swimming gears must be worn in the bath.
Private Spa
For those seeking extra privacy and an intimate environment in which to relax, individual spas are available for a 45 min session for hire. The private spas feature wide windows overlooking the Maruia River, and the surrounding snowcapped mountains and forests of native NZ beech.
Changing and bathroom facilities are a standard feature in each private spa house.
Utase-yu “Water fall massage”
Located next to the hot pools is a Utase-yu, a traditional Japanese method to enjoy hot springs. Basically a ‘waterfall’ of hot spring water it’s easy to use: just sit under the flow and move your body for a massaging effect. It’s advised to soak in a hot pool for three to five minutes first.
Ashi-yu “Foot bath”
Conveniently located on the viewing deck at Maruia Springs is the Ashi-Yu or hot springs foot bath, a continuously flowing 28cm deep pool of mineral-rich hot spring water in which to soak your feet whilst admiring the dramatic scenery of the Lewis Pass.
Ashi-Yu originated in Japan, where 300 years ago the pools provided relief for travellers after a long walk. These days it’s a great way to rejuvenate, and increase your blood circulation without the need to change clothes! Simply remove your shoes and place your feet in the hot, relaxing, 100% natural and chemical-free thermal water. It comes directly from its source deep underground, in traditional Japanese Gensen Kakenagashi style.
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