Secret New Zealand: Top 5 wellness escapes that will change your life

From thermal springs and mud baths to stargazing from your own bed, a trip to New Zealand can be exactly what the doctor ordered.

From thermal springs and mud baths to stargazing from your own bed, a trip to New Zealand can be exactly what the doctor ordered.

With its hot, mineral-rich geothermal waters and beneficial mud, Rotorua - on New Zealand’s North Island - has long been revered for its healing properties, travellers from around the world zeroing in on the original home of wellness. Enjoy Polynesian Spa, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa and spend some downtime at Lake Tarawera’s Hot Water Beach, but then take your search for wellness across the country at the following lesser-known spots.

The Coromandel

There’s no shortage of research which links spending time in green spaces with elevated feelings of wellbeing. Head up to The Coromandel on the North Island - home to a mountainous interior surrounded by native rainforest - and you can easily find a wealth of wellness activities to feed your soul. Forest bathing at Wairua Lodge is a popular choice, as is hiking, cycling and guided sea kayak tours around the coast, but you can also opt to book in for a large range of spa treatments available in the area. Don’t miss visiting The Coromandel’s hot pools and thermal springs (there’s a range to choose from).

Hanmer Springs

Down on the South Island, the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs is famous for its wide range of nature-based activities (everything from horse trekking and forest hiking to jet boating). Get your blood pumping upon arrival, but once you’ve had a chance to catch your breath, pack your togs and head straight over to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa where the thermal water is infused with minerals to help ease your aching muscles. Need a little extra help? The Spa has an extensive range of treatments available for every kind of ailment.

Waitaki

“Being one with nature” doesn’t sound like the most luxurious thing in the world - until you get a glimpse of Valley Views Glamping in Otiake, a handful of geodesic domes sprinkled around scenic Waitaki Valley. The domes each feature a large bay window to take advantage of the sweeping views (as well as all the comforts you would expect, such as a super king-sized bed, luxury linens, log burner and breakfast), but you can also enjoy the outdoor forest baths, book in a massage or go horse riding. What better way to connect with New Zealand’s spectacular countryside?

Mackenzie

There’s only one thing that can top being one with nature (in luxury) and that’s being one with the universe. If you’re hankering for a spot that has the clearest star-dotted skies, prettiest turquoise lakes and the most majestic mountains, the Mackenzie region on the South Island has got you covered. Home to Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, you can spend time enjoying the stunning scenery (remember all the studies about green space) before checking into SkyScape, an experience that lets you stargaze from your SkyBed, thanks to some very clever glass-heavy engineering. Don’t miss booking a stargazing tour with Dark Sky Project.

Nelson Tasman

Get away from it all with a trip to Nelson Tasman, an area renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and sunny skies, located right at the top of the South Island. Once here, you have the choice of hiking through untouched forests and cycling through rugged mountain trails, kayaking or swimming its pristine lakes and beaches, or simply feeding your soul through your stomach (yes, it’s a thing). Head to Nelson Farmers’s Market (open every Wednesday morning between 8am and 1.30pm) to meet the friendly locals and enjoy a feast for all senses. We don’t want to leave taste out of the equation now, do we?

Discover your next New Zealand journey at NewZealand.com

Originally published as Secret New Zealand: Top 5 wellness escapes that will change your life