Maruia Hot Springs Review – magical Lewis Pass hot pools

The location itself is beautiful. Surrounded by dense forest, towering mountains, and a rushing river, the whole place feels wonderfully entwined with nature.

And of course, the star attraction – the hot springs – are all naturally heated from geothermal energy. These thermal mineral waters make for the perfect bathing experience.

During my visit, the mountains were thick with mist and the air was decorated with beads of rain. It was more peaceful than I could have imagined.

The magical Lewis Pass hot pools

Even for stressed-out folk like me, the invitation to unwind was irresistible.

In Māori, the word Maruia loosely translates to ‘sheltered’ which truly signifies how you’ll feel here – tucked away from the real world and able to breathe again.

The entire site is an award-winning wellness destination – and one that feels connected to the wild valley setting, too, as a natural attraction should be. Before you’ve even taken your first dip, you’re already under the influence of the site’s restful vibes. The geothermal pools are directly at the base of the mountains – the perfect destination for outdoor bathing.

There are many beautiful hot springs on the South Island, but I can’t help feeling that the others don’t live up to the true relaxation that Maruia Hot Springs offers. (That said, a couple of these Rotorua hot springs came close, and the famous Queenstown Onsen is a pricey but good alternative if you don’t have long to explore further afield in NZ.

TAKING PHOTOS IN THE SPA: Hopefully, this goes without saying, but please do not take photos in the spa or springs if there are people around wearing bathing suits. If you must, then ask those around you for permission and assure them that they will not be in your photos. No one wants to be in the background of a stranger’s photos wearing their swimsuit! And obviously don’t take photos in the showers or changing areas. To be discreet, I recommend just taking in a phone, even if you’re travelling with a camera.

The healing waters

The minerals in the water are said to contain healing benefits (a common belief around geothermal springs that I also heard during my onsen experience in Kumano Kodo when solo travelling Japan.)

In fact, Māori initially visited these springs for this reason for centuries, and it became a spot for rejuvenation for jade traders walking to the West Coast. Eventually, both Māori and eventually Pākeha came here to dig hot pools directly in the riverbank. In the late 1800s, Europeans constructed basic huts, which eventually became a hotel.

If, like me, you suffer from a skin complaint such as eczema, you’ll be pleased to know that the naturally high mineral content of sulphur, boron, and sodium is said to be particularly healing – in particular, the sulphur. Even the black algae found in the water (which is why the pools look so dark in colour) is said to be healthy to rub into the skin!

But anyone can benefit from the warm waters, whether you want to ease sore muscles, improve circulation, or improve sleep and anxiety issues. The springs naturally rise to the surface at 56 degrees Celcius but are cool to between 37-42 degrees for bathing.

Other spa facilities on the Maruia Hot Springs site include:

• Before you take a dip, wash off the day under the hot or cold massage showers.
• And, if you’re brave enough, the plunge pool is at a temperature of 7 degrees Celsius!
• A day spa with both massage and beauty treatments available (for an extra cost)
• a rock sauna with superb mountain views
• a steam room, also with Lewis Pass views
• an infrared sauna
• relaxation lounges (the whole site is super chill, though)
• a foot bath in the outdoor dining area
• 45-minute private spa sessions complete with bubbles and chocolate (for an extra cost)

The campsite is for vans only (no tents) and has only unpowered sites. There are heated toilets on site, and the spa is just moments away.

Food at Mariua Hot Springs

As for the food? There aren’t many shops around on Lewis Pass! So if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to do your food shop before you arrive.

For research purposes (aka was too lazy to cook after a massive day’s drive down from the North Island), I did try the onsite restaurant and the food was delicious. As a vegan traveller, the vegan options were yummy too.

The destination is off-grid, with their internet and telephone being connected by satellite and radio links. That means there isn’t free WiFi or phone connection – which I thought was a bonus. Despite doing this trip with a friend, I usually travel solo, and can confirm I would have felt safe here if I had come alone.

Things to see along the Lewis pass.

During your stay, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Lewis Pass, the road that runs directly across the South Island. The route is famous for its soaring mountains, dominating red beech forests, and views across the Maruia and Lewis valleys.

This historic mountain route reaches heights of 907 metres and runs from Greymouth (near Hokitika Gorge) in the West to Waipara (near Christchurch) in the East.

During your stay, you can easily take a walk along the Maruia River bed, as it runs right next to the accommodation, or ask the front desk for directions to the nearby walk to a waterfall.

If you prefer, there’s an easy 1-2 hour circuit trail that winds around the nearby forest with mountain views – again, ask the front desk for directions!

Further afield, other popular Lewis Pass things to do include:

• Camping in Marble Hill or Deer Valley for a true wild New Zealand experience.
  
• Gin lovers should pay a visit to the Reefton Distillery Co.
  
• The hot pools at Hamner Springs are a more family-friendly affair, with water slides and kid-friendly pools.
  
• the superb wineries in Waipara – from delicious pinot noirs and chardonnays to award-winning aromatics, the area is a fantastic spot for wine tasting. Check out Greystone Wines, Black Estate, and the Terrace Edge Vineyard if you’re a wine lover.
  
• Hiking! From the easy 20-minute Alpine Nature Walk (perfect for a quick break from driving to explore the mountain views and beech forest) to the advanced 3-hour Lewis Tops Track (a climb to open mountain tops with epic views). Read more about hiking in the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve.

If you have time, you can also explore Maruia Hot Pools as part of this epic West Coast New Zealand road trip.

What to pack

• If you’re visiting during warm weather, bring sandfly repellent.

• I loved visiting Maruia Springs in Winter, but I was grateful for my extra warm coat and thermals.

• In Winter, it’s also worth bringing snow chains (and learning how to put them on in advance) and something to defrost your car.