At the base of Mauao, where the ocean meets the mountain, you will find hot ocean water pools enveloped by native bush and birdsong.
At this time of year, the pōhutukawa are blooming bright and local musicians are competing with resident tūī to serenade the Sunday evening soakers.
The iconic Mount Hot Pools is one of the only hot ocean water pool complexes in the world and this summer the award-winning facility has even more to offer.
Now, there’s both hot, and cold.
The Mount Hot Pools is a local favourite and also draws visitors from around New Zealand and the world.
Recently named among the country’s top 10 hot pools by Tourism NZ, it offers five outdoor pools and spas, three indoor private sanctuary pools, onsite massage therapy, and now a new freshwater cold plunge pool that opened in time for the summer holiday period.
Venue manager Letitia Sheehan says the new feature will add to the relaxation and recovery options already offered at the Mount Hot Pools, creating a wider wellness experience for customers.
“The cold plunge pool has been on our wish list for years and is something that our customers have been asking for,” she says.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and delivered, just in time for Christmas. We’re excited to be offering this new wellness experience to our customers – both old and new.”
Access to the freshwater cold plunge pool will be included in the entry to the Mount Hot Pools and will provide a refreshing alternative to the hot ocean water pools.
Studies have found cold water therapy can help circulation, recovery, and the revitalisation of the body.
“This is a special project. It’s about enhancing what people already love about the Mount Hot Pools while also giving them something new to experience this summer and beyond,” Sheehan says.
The new addition also comes off the back of the Mount Hot Pools’ increasing focus on sustainability and wellbeing.
It is one of New Zealand’s most energy-efficient aquatic venues, harnessing ocean water, geothermal bore heating, and solar panels to operate sustainably.
Hosting more than 260,000 visits each year, made up of 60 per cent locals and 40 per cent domestic and international tourists, the team at the Mount Hot Pools is looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and local regulars this summer season.
“The Mount Hot Pools is a family and accessibility-friendly facility. Our five other outdoor pools include a hot relaxation pool, a mild hydrotherapy pool, a children’s pool with a slide, and two spas. We also have the three indoor private sanctuary pools,” Sheehan says.
“Visitors can choose the water temperature and setting that suits them best and now they can also choose to try the rejuvenating balance of hot and cold therapy.”
On top of the new experiences available at the Mount Hot Pools, the popular Soak’n Sounds series, where local musicians play poolside every Sunday evening, returned on 14 December.
“Soak’n Sounds allows visitors to relax and unwind in the pools, enjoy the surroundings and take in the sounds of our talented musos. It’s a great way to spend some of your Sunday.”
Just steps away from Mount Main Beach, Pilot Bay, cafes and the tracks of Mauao, Mount Hot Pools allows visitors to soak morning and night, a complementing activity following a beach swim or a trek up or around the mountain, or a chance to unwind beneath the stars.
The Mount Hot Pools is a big part of the Bay of Plenty’s tourism and recreation landscape.
Tauranga City Council and Bay Venues have worked hard over the past decade to establish the Mount Hot Pools as a high-quality international destination while also retaining and recognising its cultural and historical significance, and the special character that locals have loved since the first pool opened in 1966.
In August, the facility was honoured with the Outstanding Pool Award at the national Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards, recognising excellence in design, operations, and community impact.
Managed by Bay Venues on behalf of Tauranga City Council, the Mount Hot Pools has also been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame and holds the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Accreditation.
About the Mount Hot Pools:
Hosts more than 260,000 visits a year, made up of 60 per cent residents and 40 per cent domestic and international visitors.
New freshwater cold plunge pool is now open, just in time for the summer holiday period.
Acknowledged by Tourism NZ as one of the top 10 hot pools in New Zealand.
Open 7am-10pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am-10pm on Sundays and public holidays (closed Christmas Day).
Six outdoor pools, including a hot relaxation pool, a mild hydrotherapy pool, a children’s pool with a slide, two spas, and a freshwater cold plunge pool.
Three indoor private sanctuary pools and on-site massage therapy.
Won the Outstanding Pool Award at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards.
One of New Zealand’s most energy-efficient aquatic venues, harnessing ocean water, geothermal bore heating, and solar panels to operate sustainably.
Soak’n Sounds returned on 14 December, with local musicians playing poolside every Sunday evening.
-cropped.jpg)
