Are swimming costumes required for hot springs in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, are swimming costumes (or towels) required, optional, or forbidden in hot springs?
I'm not planning on going there myself, but would like to be able to tell Japanese people what to expect. If some hot springs tend to cater more towards Japanese tourists than other places, then I'd be especially interested in those springs' policies.
Best Answer
Almost without fail, swimming costumes are required. As are towels, so as not to drip everywhere.
There are however, sometimes private pools you can reserve (indoors) - for example, at Hanmer Springs, and I suspect a lot of the time, swimming costumes may not be used there, although I think officially they'd be required.
However, there are a few exceptions - The Secret Spot (Waiotapu stream) has optional nudity, and the Rotorua Nudist group maintains the hot pool at the top of Akatarewa Stream. However these are generally not commercial hot pools.
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What do you wear to hot springs?
In the winter bring warm clothing and good footwear (not flip flops) so you can make the short walk to the hot springs comfortably. There are both private and not so private changing areas available at the hot springs. Wear your swim suit under your clothes to speed up getting into the pools.What do you wear to a hot pool?
Pool rules for customers and pool users We allow what you feel comfortable bathing in. Ideally a swimsuit is best but if you like to cover up then please wear leggings and a fitting t-shirt. Street wear (i.e. cut-off jeans, long t-shirts etc.) are not to be worn in the pool for safety reasons.Does New Zealand have natural hot springs?
New Zealand is (quite literally) a hot spot of geothermal activity, though it isn't all boiling mud and spurting geysers. Both the mainland islands and smaller offshore islets are dotted with natural hot springs and hot pools, where you can soak away your worries and take a break from the hustle of city life.How hot are the hot springs at Rotorua?
There are 12 handcrafted, 6 seater cedar hot tubs perfectly placed on the edge of the Puarenga Stream overlooking beautiful native gardens on the edge of the mighty Whakarewarewa Forest. Each hot pool is filled with pure spring water from a secret spring source heated to a perfect 39.5 degrees.♨️ Where are the Free Hot Springs in New Zealand?
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Answer 2
There are 3 possible places in the Rotorua area for nude bathing. Wai-O-Tapu stream at the small bridge near the ticket office to the Wai-O-Tapu thermal park. This however has become more popular in recent times and its a bit hit and miss with regards to nudity. Same deal at Kerosene Creek a few kilometers from Wai-O-Tapu - if there are families or lots of campervans there forget it. Early evening or early morning you stand a better chance of being able to go nude. There is a hot waterfall at the end of the sealed road leading to the Lady Knox Geyser in the Wai-O-Tapu area. Have to go after mid-day once all the cars have left from looking at the Geyser. Park your car near the barrier arm and walk to the end of the road (5 mins walk) you will hear the waterfall and you'll see the small track. Its a lovely waterfall but the water is muddier than at the other 2 locations. If you are a gay male nudist you can stay at Guysers Gaystay in Rotorua City which is clothing optional indoors and out and has a wonderful hydrotherapy spa pool. www.guysersgaystay.com
Answer 3
Maruia Hot Springs are very relaxed about dress code. True most folks go clothed into the water but no one bothers if you are bold enough to go naked - it is a natural place and surely the forest is offended if you don’t. (Visit summer 2020)
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