Plenty of travellers want to unwind after a big day of adventure, and many start by searching for hot tubs in Queenstown.
What they find at Onsen is something a little different: cedar-lined hot pools perched above the Shotover River canyon, each in its own room, each with a view that runs all the way to the mountains. It is a soak rather than a swim, and it’s a Queenstown experience worth planning for.
Hot tubs in Queenstown: what you will actually find at Onsen
Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa sits on a hillside at Arthurs Point, about ten minutes from central Queenstown.
Each cedar hot pool has its own room for exclusive use, so the only company is whoever you bring. The experience takes its cue from the Japanese onsen tradition, reimagined as a unique Kiwi twist rather than a literal geothermal spring. The ritual is simple: arrive, soak, treat, relax.
Choose your soak
We offer a small menu of experiences, so choosing is easy.
Original Onsen
The signature 60-minute soak for one to four guests, in a cedar hot pool with panoramic canyon and alpine views. The retractable roof lets you soak open to the sky or sheltered from the weather. Towels are provided.
Oval Onsen
A scent-infused cedar hot pool for one or two guests. The oval shape is made for two people to sink in side by side, which makes this a favourite for couples.
Tri-Bathe
A 60-minute contrast bathing sequence: steam shower, cedar hot pool, then a cold plunge. Skiers and hikers use it the way athletes use recovery sessions, only with a better view.
You can also pair an Original or Oval Onsen with a massage or facial. The massage menu includes deep tissue, relaxation, and hot stone options with award-winning therapists.
Good to know before you book
Onsen is at 160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, a short drive from downtown Queenstown. A complimentary shuttle runs from town, so nobody has to be the designated driver after a long soak. The hot pools are open from morning until late in the evening, and night sessions under the lanterns are popular in winter.
One tip: book early. The hot pools and treatment rooms fill fast, and we recommend booking 4-6 weeks ahead for the best choice of times. Availability is currently released well into next year, so if Queenstown is on your itinerary, lock your soak in when you book your flights.
For everything else in your itinerary, the official Queenstown tourism site is a helpful starting point.
Common questions about hot tubs in Queenstown
Are there hot tubs in Queenstown you can book for exclusive use?
Yes, although at Onsen they are cedar hot pools rather than hot tubs. Each hot pool sits in its own room for exclusive use.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a hot pool?
Size, material, and setting. Onsen’s hot pools are generous cedar-lined baths built for soaking, set on a canyon edge with alpine views.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes. Sessions book out quickly, especially evenings and winter weekends, so reserving three to four months ahead is recommended.
Can children soak?
Children aged five to eleven can join Original Onsen soak-only experiences that start between 9 am and 4:45 pm, with a paying adult.
Bookings from 5 pm are for guests aged twelve and over.
