Rotorua Forest Hot Tub Soak at Secret Spot
Description
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is a stone’s throw from Rotorua, hidden in the heart of New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca, the Waipa Valley. Discover your own secret spot in the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest after your day’s adventures. You’ll find a place with great atmosphere and a warm welcome, where everything is beautifully handcrafted, from the western red cedar hot tubs to the craft beer and artisan coffee! Secret Spot has 12 hot tubs that are situated along the edge of the forest, overlooking the Puarenga Stream, and each hot tub is perfect for any group of friends or family up to 6 people. You can also explore our unique café and bar set in a forest oasis with native plantings – we have smooth manuka-roasted coffee, Good George craft beer and cider, and Mills Reef wine. Have a bite to eat, play lawn games and enjoy our outdoor campfires, or unwind with a Shinny Dip foot hot tub, free with any drinks purchase.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dogs allowed
- Children under 5 are not allowed in the hot tubs
Reviews(599)
We love these hot pools after a MTB but it is quite expensive so we only do it occasionally. We love the fact it is not friendly. I wish they would offer some no sugar options and more variety of drinks. It is a unique tourist attraction.
We visited Secret Spot for a mid-morning soak and overall had a lovely experience. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, and because it was a quiet time and we arrived slightly early for our booking, we were able to access our hot tub for longer than expected. Winning! It’s worth understanding the vibe here before booking. This isn’t necessarily a silent or private experience. While the setting feels tucked away among beautiful ferns and flowing water, you do still catch glimpses of other guests, and your experience can be influenced somewhat by who’s soaking nearby. In our case, the two friends in the neighbouring tub were quite animated and loud, so much so that we could easily follow their conversation (and could have easily joined in with song requests for their Spotify playlist!). It did detract somewhat from the relaxing atmosphere for us though, to be fair, the website does make it clear that Secret Spot is designed to be casual and social rather than completely secluded. Having hot drinks delivered directly to our tub was a real treat, and the clear stream running behind us added to the peaceful, natural setting. We hired towels for $5 each, and robes were available for an additional $10. We skipped the robes and just used our winter coats, which worked perfectly well. Overall, we enjoyed the experience and left feeling relaxed. While we’re really glad we tried it before driving out of Rotorua and onward in our travels, it’s probably not somewhere we’d return to again.
Hi Katie, Thank you for your detailed review of your Secret Spot experience. We're so glad you gave us a go and enjoyed the forest setting. We're sorry that the neighbouring tub impacted the overall atmosphere of your soak. Our staff try to monitor noise and disruption as best they can, but as it's an outdoor environment the sound does tend to carry. We're glad you made the most of getting hot drinks delivered to your tub, and thanks again for having a soak before leaving Rotorua. All the best for the rest of your travels, Sarah and the Secret Spot team.
What a stunning location ! Surrounded by native bush. Relaxing in hot crystal clear water looking at the stars !
Hi Nigel, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Secret Spot! We're stoked that you had such a wonderful evening with us, and we hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
A really good spot the tubs were private and the view was top. The water was hot which was very relaxing
Hi Belinda, Thank you so much for your great review! We're stoked that you enjoyed your soak at Secret Spot, and hope to welcome you back again soon. Best wishes, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
Beautiful experience at dusk, the place is welcoming and warm. Access to the hot tubs is via a wooden walkway, the setting is magnificent. You have access to a cold plunge. And there is a pitcher of fresh water available at your spa. Everything is designed for relaxation, with a view of the forest.
Kia ora, Thank you so much for your lovely review of Secret Spot! We're so happy you enjoyed your visit. Safe travels, Sarah and the Secret Spot team.
Wonderful experience in peaceful place for everyone.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to Secret Spot and had a peaceful and relaxing time. Best wishes, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
I was probably a little disappointed. It wasn’t as private as I thought it was going to be. We had a bunch of girls next to us having a great time . But I could have joined their conversation 😂. Water was beautiful and clean but I could smell the chlorine. I did love how you could order food and drinks to be delivered. Overall it was pretty relaxing
Hi Sharon, Thank you for your review and for telling us more about your experience. I'm sorry that your hot tub wasn't quite what you expected, due to being set outside in the forest you can often catch a glimpse/hear the hot tubs next to you - being a long weekend we were busier than usual. I'm so glad you enjoyed the drink delivery and overall had a relaxing time. Would definitely recommend visiting mid-week if you can for a more peaceful visit. Thanks again for visiting us, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
gorgeous out door hot soak, private with the option to have drinks delivered to your hot tub.. beautiful out look from the hot tubs. lovely treat
Hi Paula, Thank you so much for your amazing review of Secret Spot! We're glad to hear you had a wonderful soak and enjoyed our drink delivery system. We hope to see you again soon! Best wishes, Sarah and the Secret Spot team.
My absolute to go to here in Rotorua. From the tranquil bush surroundings, the privacy of your own tubs, to the delicious food, wide range of refreshments, and live music performances… What tops this place is its great pricing, and clean premises…
Hi Jade, Thank you so much for your awesome review, we're stoked to hear we're your go-to spot for a relaxing experience! We look forward to seeing you again soon. Have a great day, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
Great location- lush forest and beautiful vibes in the food garden. Take a towel or hire for $5 per towel. Drinks are reasonably priced.
Hi Fiona, Thanks for your review of Secret Spot - it's great to hear you enjoyed the forest atmosphere! We hope to see you again soon. Have a great day, Sarah and the Secret Spot team
