Time to relax at Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown
by Jane Dennis - December 10th, 2008. Filed under: Attraction, South Island.I am so looking forward to getting back to Queenstown! After the long drive and plenty of hard work, I’m planning to sit back and chill out at Onsen Hot Pools in Arthurs Point. Ah, nothing like soaking up the spectacular scenery of the Shotover River Canyon, and watching the Shotover Jets plough through the water. Each pool, in its own private setting, takes up to four adults, and you can choose your water temperature before you arrive. Another great feature is that, at the touch of a button, the roof and front wall retract – I’ll be able to absorb the alpine scenery around Queenstown at its very best.
Greeings dear writer, I’m traveling to the So. Island NZ arrive 6 Feb with 5 other folks from Prescott Az US and will tramp till I leave my group on 25 Feb and fly to Aukland. I will have till 4 mar in the north and I need travel plans for Bay of Isles {sail} and or other ideas. I’m a sturdy sort, will have had enough tramping down south, I love water, I am a Watsu therapist, hot springs enthusiast, who is completely in love with New Zealand and I haven’t even been there yet. Please reply, I’m out of time to read much more. Thanks loads Audrey
Dear Audrey
Nine days would be an ideal amount of time for exploring Northland and Auckland. Your travel plans will depend on whether you plan to rent a vehicle or would prefer to travel by bus. If you decide to rent a car (easy to arrange at Auckland Airport – check out some options here), you’ll be able to explore out-of-the-way places along the way. Check out our suggested Northland itinerary for a five-day travel plan you can easily add to.
Prefer to catch a bus? With Kiwi Experience you can travel by bus from Auckland to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands, and they’ll throw in a day trip to Cape Reinga at the very tip of the North Island.
So that’s your transport sorted! Once you’re in the Bay of Islands, getting out on the water is a must-do! Sail NZ offers the fastest commercial sailing catamaran in NZ. High-speed ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruises are another adrenaline-rush or get back to nature and go swimming with dolphins. Make sure you catch the ferry across to Russell to explore this wonderful historic village – in the earliest days of colonial NZ, it was known as the ‘hell hole of the Pacific’, but it’s now a delightful little destination. For deeper insight into NZ history, make sure you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (it’s an easy 15-minute walk from central Paihia). After all that, you’ll probably be in need of a little relaxation – La Spa Naturale at Paihia Beach Resort is the perfect place to unwind! Kerikeri, about fifteen minutes’ drive north of Paihia, is a good place to find retreats offering alternative therapies.
Do include a trip to the far north – Kaitaia is the base for trips to Ninety Mile Beach, where you can try the thrill of ‘sand tobogganing’ down huge dunes, and Cape Reinga, the rugged northern tip of mainland New Zealand. There are numerous operators and you can join a tour that departs from the Bay of Islands to make things easy.
On your way back to Auckland, you’ll want to stop at Waiwera where there’s a natural thermal spa complex. And once you’re back in Auckland, allow at least a couple of days to explore New Zealand’s largest city. If you love the water, you’ll love the many harbour activities on offer, from catching the ferry to Waiheke Island with its wineries and great beaches, to sailing on a real America’s Cup yacht. And don’t forget to head up the Sky Tower for wonderful city views. As you can see, there’s no shortage of great things to do! Make sure you pick up a copy of New Zealand Travel Guide at an i-SITE Visitor Information Centre – it’s packed full of plenty more ideas.
Have a great trip!
Michelle