Maruia Springs Thermal Resort Hot Pool Details :: State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, Marlborough :: nzhotpools.co.nz for the hot pools, hot springs, geothermal pools of NZ

Private and public traditional Japanese hotpools and plunge pool in a spectacular mountain setting. The heat for these pools is managed through the natural thermal activity that occurs in the area, so after heavy rainfall the pool temperatures can be affected. Time it right though, and you will experience nature in its most sensational form. [Sue Irvine-Danner, Hokitika]

It is a nice place after all. Expensive to stay, not much to do besides the excellent thermal pools. Miles better than Hanmer Springs which is a bitter disappointment.

LEUNG, Chi Keung - Australia
21st April 2010
Our room ($339 - room 10 of Garden View) leaked shower water from the room above via a sagging water damaged ceiling - we had to move the bed and set up a cup to catch it. We reported it to Management who said they couldn't see it (apparently went into our room while we were eating) then blamed us as it was our friend's in Room 2 above who were using the showers! There was no hot water at all - not in the unit, the bath house or the changing rooms. First we were told it had run out but when pressed as to how long before it recovered they admitted it was "a little bit broken". In 2 hours playing cards in the room we chased 5 mice - most vanished into our bed bases then kept us awake all night in and out of our gear. The entire complex excluding the restaurant (which was surprisingly good) was run down and a health hazard, not to mention overpriced. Very disappointing, especially the rude and dishonest management.

Caroline H - Australia
Rating: 1/10 3rd April 2010
We booked a two night stay at Maruia springs for a quiet, romantic getaway. I am amazed at some of the negative comments here, especially from some of the people who have only ever placed one comment, and it is negative. Nothing nice to say? Say nothing at all is my motto. Our experience was exactly what we wanted. We were not scabby with getting the cheapest room in the joint – we opted for the ‘eco package’ which saved us some money on the better quality rooms. Room was very nice, quite spacious and the heating worked very well. We noticed there was a wall heater in the bedroom, another in the bathroom and a spare small fan heater in the wardrobe – needless to say we were not cold. Our room was soooo quiet; we did not hear a peep from anyone or any other room. The whether was dreadful – we knew it was going to be prior to booking the night before, but we still did. Snow to ground was predicted and true to form, it did, in amongst unrelenting rain and a very cold snap of about 2 degrees… This made for a very cosy and romantic 2 nights and days in, doing a whole lot of nothing… exactly what we signed up for. There is no TV. There is no radio. Internet is unreliable as it is satellite as is the phone… This is clearly on their website. The hot pools are at the demands of the environment and the elements and out of the control of the operators – we found them very nice during our stay, the outside one was very hot and we could not stay in too long. The indoor one was perfect and quiet. Dinner at the restaurant was great. Both nights they had a constant flow of tables and the service was great. We ordered the hot pot – was great. We stuffed ourselves the first night, determined to finish it – the broth was something else. Was so good that we had it the next night too but were not quite able to finish it this time. I can not imagine someone who goes to a Japanese restaurant and orders Lamb Shanks – can someone explain that to me? We have been to the springs before and we noticed that the restaurant and the rooms have been done up – very nice, neat and tidy. Oh – one very bad mishap – ordered a Panini in the Café the first day and I was forgotten… Once they realized their mistake, the apologized, corrected it quickly and offered both my wife and I two free coffees, gratis… We declined as the apology was heartfelt, genuine and was all that was required really. All-in-all, a wonderful getaway and was everything that we were expecting and wanted. We will return and we do recommend to many travelers who want a genuine experience.

Alex - Methven New Zealand
28th October 2009
Friendly staff. Clean facilities. Awesome rock pool.

Cadi - Richmond, Virginia
Rating: 10/10 7th July 2009
As NZ'ers in Aus we travel nz annually for a month - Maruia Springs s one of the few places in NZ that makes me embarrassed to be a NZer (parts of Queenstown do as well).. overpriced, tacky... sure the surrounding environment is great but the actual springs themselves - we went October 2007 - that day one pool less than tepid, one so hot you couldnt get in, thus the third had everyone in it... if you want a great hot natural spring go to Miranda

Lynda H - Western Australia
Rating: 2/10 6th October 2008
Lovely place, If you are a winger like the one below.. don't go to Mauria spring.. Its the best place on earth!!

Bitto - NZ
Rating: 10/10 21st September 2008
A very disappointing weekend. Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July 2008. Arrived to uncleared driveway covered in snow. Checkin was polite but no help was offered in carrying bags through snow to the room as you couldn't drive any further than main reception it was quite a 'haul' to the Mountain Veiw units. The pools were just warm on the Friday night but the Utase-yu...waterfall was cold, not hot as it states in the maruia web site description. The meal in the restaurant was pleasant even though the open fire did little to warm the air. The food was tasty and well presented on the Friday night. The unit was basic, generally clean except for the very dirty skirting board surrounding the whole bathroom. Not only did it appear to not have been cleaned for a long time but the towel rail positon meant that your towels would hang over the dirty ledge! I also noted that the wall beside the toilet had splashes over it...another obvious that it hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. Now onto the Saturday...yes we had a pleasant continental breakfast again in barely warm surroundings in the main building followed by a day of total lazing around reading as the rain continued to pour down constantly, and we had a very nice massage. We actually booked another for Sunday morning before we hit the road (we cancelled that though after the following disappointments). Another pleasant dinner on the Saturday night but service this time was poor with the waitress forgetting to bring one of the dishes. Off we went then to have an evening session in the pools. We hadn't used them during the day with the rain coming down so hard. The pools were VERY COLD! Couldn't stay in long at all so we went to the Bath House...only to find the womans inside door wouldn't open..no luck getting in there. The mens was...barely warm again and the water from the showers was cold too! Forget their 'traditions' you have to get something for your money..so my lady came into the mens for about 10 minutes of luke warm natural waters (there was no-one else in there...we know why..because it wasnt very relaxing). Oh well, back to the warm unit to have wine from the little 'juice' glasses that are provided for your drinking pleasure...no, expensive wine just isn't the same from a kiddies glass! Bed was comfy, just as well because we got up in the morning to no hot water in the unit at all...ok so there was a jug for coffee making...just as well that we could boil it and add to the little bathroom sink to have a good old victorian sponge bath! We told management about the water problem and while we had breakfast we assumed it would be fixed...but no such luck. So our bags were packed, the massage cancelled and the bill sorted. The bill, well again it was unpleasant to find that we had been charged for a 'package' weekend twice but due to our hassles they would discount one! That's hardly called a discount. More negotiating found that we were charged considerably more for the massage we had each, we finally got the charges sorted and a discount for the lack of using the pools and unable to shower! Other problems noted...hazards everywhere..power cords through walkways, a transformer directly outside the most commonly used door to the main building sheltered from the rain by an umbrella!, signs that were incorrect, heaters in units undersized to cope with the weather, services not available in several areas, no kitchen cloth or tea towels for cleaning up the coffee bench in unit...am I supposed to use my facecloth to wipe and dry my coffee cup??? The website says the unit standards include a dining table and chairs...I didn't see any...nor was there even a plate or knife to dine with! All the kitchen unit had was 2 coffee cups, 2 little glasses, 2 tsps, fly spray and a rubbish bin...oh and a fridge that we had to prop the front up so our wine bottles didn't roll out when you opened the door. On returning, I got on the web site to see just what inspired me to book into this 'resort' in the first place...only to discover so many misleading statements. Not to mention that the package we were given but not actually what I booked included private spa time...that wasn't even mentioned to us during our stay...the 3 course meal...well again when we ordered that wasn't mentioned. We thought we were paying for everying individually and only had mains and a side dish...yet we were put under a 3 course package? Obviously this is a very badly run destination that we won't be returning to nor recommending. TARGET on TV would have a wonderful time picking on this place.

Steve Parkins - Nelson NZ
Rating: 2/10 13th July 2008
These are the pools that i love to visit the most. I love them so much that whenever my husband and I stay at Hanmer springs we always travel the 2 hours to Mauria springs and spend the day there and then drive back to Hanmer. It is the most spectaur scenery bush mountains and the river , all which you can see as you bath in the pools. You just feel you are one with nature. Its so peacfull and quiet and relaxing unlike Hanmer. If you are travelling through the Lewis Pass i highly reccommend that you stop at Mauria Springs

Rachael - NewZealand
Rating: 10/10 19th June 2008
Really nice. After walking the St. James track we went to the resort and it was bliss. We had NO sandflies (winter, May) and we were the only people in the public pools. I prefer these natural pools to the crowded, commercial Hanmer and the snowy mountain view is just grand. The only tiny negative I had was the shower temperature in the Japanese bath-house; it was warm enough to comfortable shower but after the toasty hot pool I'd been in, I would have liked it hotter.

Bruce G - Auckland NZ
Rating: 9/10 11th May 2008
anonymous
Rating: 9/10 11th May 2008
LOCATED ON THE WEST COAST NOT MARLBOROUGH!!!

Pete - ChCh
Rating: 8/10 18th April 2008
Best spot, quiet, no crowds. A fantastic find.

Trevor Smith - Callala Beach NSW, Australia
11th March 2008
After reading the lengthy and intensely negative review I feel compelled to defend Maruia. I spent a lovely afternoon there in December. It was charming. The smiling staff were very friendly and helpful. The pools were more natural when compared to Hanmer and had so much more character. My lover and I found it was a very romantic experience and we long to return together to rent a private bath in the winter someday. As for the sandflies, they seem to be a South Island/New Zealand wide phenomenon, not exclusive to Maruia. These less commercialized, laid back pools are a gem.

V. - Canada
Rating: 9/10 1st February 2008
I have watched the condition of this pool complex decline over the years, while conversely Hanmer Springs has improved greatly (admittedly they have far more resources so you can't really compare). However the setting of Maruia Springs is wonderful and the Japanese bath-house is unique in NZ and has large window overlooking the river and mountains. Not up to its usual standards recently (early January '08). Pool water was black with algae floating it it (may be caused by environmental conditions rather than a lack of cleaning), some pools only lukewarm, and water pressure of showers much weaker than usual. Worth going if you haven't been before though. Winter possibly the best time to go (e.g. less sandflies).

anonymous - Christchurch
Rating: 3/10 11th January 2008
We had a wonderful weekend away at Maruia Springs. Having never been there before, it turned out to be everything we hoped it would be and more. The pools were wonderful (and open 24hrs! for in-house guests), the accommodation warm and comfortable, and the staff very helpful. We'll definitely be going back!

Amy and Jason - New Zealand
Rating: 10/10 29th July 2007
The high naturalistic standard of these pools makes many other commercial pools in NZ look cheap and nasty. No tv screens or talkback blaring. Beware the sandflies,if you squash any they follow the pheromones and hunt you down. The bar could do with some organic beer from Westport. Stunning location.

hugh - New Zealand
Rating: 8/10 28th July 2007
After two long years of hard graft we were looking forward to a relaxing holiday which included Maruia Thermal Resort............BIG, BIG MISTAKE. At a distance the resort looks great including their website pics. but at a closer look the upkeep of the accomodation is appalling. Our chalet (no.5) was cramped and in need of some basic TLC. The wash basin was cracked and crazed and totally unhygenic, so was the toilet unhygenic, which was badly stained beneath the water line. The paintwork on the woodwork was second rate, but the price of the accomodation wasn't, they are asking five star rates for two star service. The shower unit is woefully small, so if you are a little on the large side you will be constantly knocking the water control off or knocking the water either onto hot or cold. The service in their resteraunt has little to be desired too, being the only eatery for miles around you are at their mercy! There were four of us for dinner, two of our main course orders arrived before the starter, which finally arrived ten minutes later with the waitress stating "It went to the wrong table, no worries", then TWENTY FIVE minutes later the other two main courses arrived. There was no management available to talk to until the morning of the next day, and when informed that one of the owners was on site and we asked to see her, she didn't want to see us! We eventually were recompensed 10% (the price of the starter!) and offered a voucher of $60.00 to use for a free spa at the resort!! We fully recommend that anybody wanting to unwide and relax at the Maruia Springs Thermal Resort NOT to waste their money and time there but to go to Hamner instead, which by the way has no sand flies that are ready to attack you the moment you are in the open! PS. Be warned, if you do risk going to the resort, the rocks that lead to the pools are very, very slippery.

anonymous - New Zealand
Rating: 1/10 20th May 2007
Yes I am a conisour of thermal water and Maruia is extremely good. My only compliant is the sandflys, they are enormous and very hungry.

Maree - New Zealand
Rating: 9/10 24th October 2006
Best hot spring on NZ. Wonderful Japanese experience.

Laura and John - Auckland
Rating: 10/10 23rd October 2006
The best hot springs and traditional bath house we have found in New Zealand. Just like being back in Japan.

Noel and Sumiko Fisher - TePuke New Zealand
Rating: 10/10 16th July 2006
Absolute Bliss. Is this the best hot spring in NZ? I think so. First time there we arrived almost by accident - it was snowing and we were thinking, how are we going to cross Lewis Pass? We saw the springs and checked into a room - then sat outside having a hot soal as the snowflakes fell around us. Gorgeous. Loved the Japanese Bath House also - the luxury of sploshing around in hot water as you look out over the mountains. Mwah!

Duncan Stuart
Rating: 10/10 19th April 2006
Why anyone bothers wilth Hamner Springs when they could have Maruia is beyond me. Fantastic mountain scenery, almost halfway to the coast and great japanese indoor bathouse.

Michael Varekamp - Australia
Rating: 9/10 6th September 2005
Does it get any better ? We stayed for a couple of days at the Hotel around Xmas 2004. The spectacular scenery - blue skies & clouds rolling down the mountainsides - is enhanced by the creation of japanese style rock pools, plunge pools & the bath-house which is so tranquil & traditional japanese it all works together so amazingly to lift the spirit to the next level... In the evening we booked the full-on banquet by the master chef from Japan at the restaurant attached to the Hotel. Amazing experience - we hooked up with a couple from Wellington in the pools earlier & spent an evening of fine wining and dining at value-for-money pricing which puts our Auckland restaurants to shame...

David Woodhouse - Auckland, NZ
Rating: 10/10 13th August 2005
Utterly spectacular setting. We sat in the various pools in the middle of a misty winter day and looked around at a rather freezing day, warmed both by the water and the surroundings. We had been at Hamner the night before, with the masses, which was barely enjoyable. We were passing Maruia, didn't know it was there, stopped to have a look, and spent the entire afternoon there.

SM - Auckland, NZ
Rating: 10/10 11th August 2005
A beautiful place to stop and enjoy a soak. We were on honeymoon and stopped in for the night. It was really enjoyable to sit an relax in the natural setting. I couldn't believe the scenery was so nice. While lazing in the pool with my head resting back I lay there looking straight up to snow covered mountains just across the valley.

Gary M - Hamilton, New Zealand
Rating: 8/10 23rd June 2005

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