Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we do recommend that you enjoy the hydrotherapy benefits of our hot mineral pools prior to your spa treatment. The thermal waters will relax muscles and purify the skin in preparation for your treatment. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to enjoy a hot mineral soak and fill out your medical form. All our spa treatments include access to the hot mineral pools, so you are welcome to arrive as early as you like, and stay as long as you like after your treatment.

I’ve never had a massage before – do I need to undress?

You may wear as little or as much clothing as you choose. When you walk in to the treatment room, your therapist will ask you to undress. He or she will then walk out of the room, leaving you to undress in complete privacy, lie on the massage table, and cover yourself with towels. Most massage techniques are best performed with the client unclothed, allowing access to all muscles groups. Keep in mind that your whole body will be covered with towels at all time, and only the area being directly worked on will be uncovered. Our therapists are trained professionals who have your comfort and wellbeing in mind at all times.

If I’ve had a hot mineral soak before my treatment, should I dry off before coming in?

Feel free to come in with your wet swimsuit and towel. We encourage you to take your swimsuit off before lying on the massage table and covering yourself in towels. If you remain in your wet swimsuit while having a massage, your body will cool and you will become cold.

Can I specifically request a male or female therapist?

Yes, please feel free to let us know of any preferences at the time of booking.

What about any medical concerns?

You will be asked to fill out a medical form, listing any illnesses, injuries and allergies. Please discuss any specific concerns with your therapist. If you have suffered from a recent injury, we will ask that you consult with a doctor or other health professional before having a massage.

What happens if I’m late or I can’t make my appointment?

All spa treatments must start and finish at the appointed time. If you are late, your treatment will still end at the appointed time, as a gesture of respect for other clients who may have bookings after you. However, if you are going to be late, please ring and advise us, and we will do what we can to accommodate you.

If you need to cancel your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, a 20% charge will apply. No shows will be charged at 100%.

I am pregnant and I would love a nice relaxing treat. What do you recommend?

Pregnancy massage is an enjoyable way to relax and ease away some of the strain experienced by your changing body. Make sure to mention your pregnancy at the time of booking so that you can be seen by a specialist pregnancy massage therapist. We do not recommend massage before 12 weeks. Your therapist will use a special pregnancy pillow to ensure comfort, and you will probably be asked to lie on your side for most of the massage, to ensure your lower back is not strained.

Another nice treat in pregnancy is the Sole Escape spa pedicure, which includes a hot paraffin dip and foot massage, as well as a foot scrub, cuticles tidy and nail polish. A holiday for the feet!

My friends and I would like to visit Taupo Hot Springs Spa for a Girls Day Out / Hens Day / Pre-Wedding Treat. Do you cater for groups?

Yes, we frequently host groups of friends or families on special occasions such as Hens Days, pre-wedding treats, birthdays, etc. Our Girls Day Out setting is very popular and includes a relaxation area set up with fresh fruit, healthy nibbles, towels and robes and magazines. We can also offer a beauty gift for everyone, a special colour consultation with our makeup artist, a gourmet picnic hamper lunch, the sky is the limit. We would love to be a part of your special day. For specific enquiries, please contact our Spa Coordinator.

Family Fun

Can I bring the kids along to Taupo Hot Springs Spa?

Yes, of course! Taupo Hot Springs Spa is a very family-friendly attraction, with children’s fresh-water pools, spa pools, huge thrilling dragon slide, warm-water interactive playground, giant mushroom shower and game of giant chess. The kids will play the day away while you relax and unwind.

How old do I have to be to go on the hydro-slide?

To go on the dragon hydro-slide, you need to be at least 5 years old and you need to be a confident swimmer.

Can I come to Taupo Hot Springs Spa without my parents?

Children aged 12 and under need to be supervised by someone aged 16 and over. We do have a $2 spectator fee for adults who come to watch their children but do not want to have a soak.

Can we get food and drinks at Taupo Hot Springs Spa?

Taupo Hot Springs Spa sells bottled water, juice and ice creams. Our vending machines provide coffee, snacks and hot chips. Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort has a nice family-friendly café, with food prepared daily, Outrigger Terraces Resort GPK Restaurant offers sophisticated brunch, lunch and dinner options. Both resorts are located at Taupo Hot Springs Spa’s gateway.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic, to be enjoyed in our gardens or on the pool-side deck. For a special family dinner, why not bring meats and salads and hire one of our all weather BBQs (for a small fee of $10).

I would like to organise a birthday party at Taupo Hot Springs Spa; is this possible?

We love hosting birthday parties at Taupo Hot Springs Spa. We offer a set-up in the BBQ areas and pavilion, located right next to the children’s pool, the gated water playground and the dragon slide. We can help organise catering and entertainment. A great day of fun for all.

My little ones are not confident swimmers. Will they have fun at Taupo Hot Springs Spa?

We have floaties available for hire, suitable for all ages. Toddlers also love our warm-water interactive playground, complete with water pop-ups and slides. The rubber-matted floor allows them to run around in complete safety.

Group Visits

I am a school teacher and I would like to bring a group of students to Taupo Hot Springs Spa. What do you offer?

We offer group rates for groups of 20 or more. We also offer a BBQ hire free of charge to school groups. We invite you to add on a ticket on the giant dragon hydro-slide for all students – sure to be a hit! For more information on group visits, please contact Reception Team Leader Amy Price on 07 377 6502 or click here.

I am a wholesaler / travel agent. What do you provide for groups?

Taupo Hot Springs Spa is a great destination for groups.

I am organising a conference. What do you offer?

Our conference specials are very popular with delegates and partners alike. Click here to find out more about our conference options.

General Questions

What are your opening hours?

We are open from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm 7 days of the week. We are open every day (including weekends and all holidays).

Where can I find you?

We are located in Taupo, about 5 minutes’ drive from the town centre. From the Taupo town centre, take Lake Terrace (SH 1) south. Turn left on SH5 towards Napier. Pass the first intersection. On your left, you will see the Hilton Lake Taupo. Turn left. This is the entrance to Taupo Hot Springs Spa. Turn left again towards Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort. The main parking area for Taupo Hot Springs Spa is in front of the DeBretts reception. You will see the gates to Taupo Hot Springs Spa. Walk down the hill to find us nestled in this historic thermal valley.

Where can I park my car?

The main parking area is in front of the DeBretts reception, on top of the hill. However, disabled or elderly visitors are welcome to drive down the hill, and park behind our main buildings. Please stop at reception for instructions. Take caution on your drive down, as this is a one-way drive.

Where can I leave my valuables?

We provide bins for your clothing, and there are lockers available for your valuables. They operate with a $1 coin.

I don’t have my swimsuit and towel with me. What can I do?

We have both swimsuits and towels for hire. Swimsuits are $3 (plus $5 refundable deposit) and towels are $5 (plus a $5 refundable deposit).

Do I need to book a private pool?

No, we do not take bookings for private pools. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, you are welcome to enjoy the private pools for as long as you like, as we do not have a time limit on private pool use.

What are your offers for locals?

Our best offer for locals is our amazing-value 6 and 12-month passes! We offer membership passes for singles, families, senior singles and senior couples. These passes are great value.

For example, a family of 2 adults, 1 teenager and 2 kids on a 12-month family pass would only have to visit Taupo Hot Springs Spa five times, and then the rest of the year would be free! Even better, on a 6-month pass, it would only take 3 visits before the cost of the membership pass is paid off. Our membership passes are also very popular with families who own holiday homes or baches in the Lake Taupo area.

We also have a range of offers available only to members. For example, the Dollar a Day family pass, which includes entry to the pools all year for the family, 12 slide tickets to be used whenever you like, and three therapeutic massages (30 min. each) for Mum and Dad!

To find out more about our membership passes and prices, click here.

Taupo Hot Springs