Glacier Hot Pools

Nestled in the lush rainforest of Te Tai o Poutini, the Glacier Hot Pools provide a haven of natural tranquillity and the ultimate in relaxation experiences. From the outset, the design of the Glacier Hot Pools embraced an ethos of 'touching the landscape lightly' and GPS technology was used to pin point trees and vegetation that were to remain untouched throughout the development to ensure the integrity of the natural landscape.

The three invitingly warm main pools and three secluded private pools are nestled within the bosom of Tāne Mahuta – Guardian of the Forest with his children, the native bush and birdlife creating a tranquil space to revive the tinana (body), hinengaro (mind) and wairua (spirit).

Since opening its doors in November 2008, 25,000 visitors have indulged in the pleasures of the hot pools and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The Glacier Hot Pools are fed by pure glacial water or the tears of Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere for her lost love. Hinehukatere's tears were frozen by the gods, forming what is known worldwide as the Franz Josef Glacier, or to Ngāi Tahu as Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere – The Frozen Tears of Hinehukatere.

A formal 'launch' was held in September celebrating the addition of an interpretation board telling the legend of Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere to the experience as well as the gifting of beautiful West Coast Aotea pounamu to adorn the reception area.

The building has won architect Chris Yates a Master Builders Association (Westland) commercial project of the year award, as well as a silver award in the Tourism and Leisure category.