I went here with the Canterbury University Tramping Club (CUTC) in about 1994 as one of my first tramps. The hot pool is in the true right branch of the riverjust downstream from an island in the middle. I guess it changes all the time and every time there is a flood. We went in and enjoyed the hot pools at night, it was fantastic! The pool was big enough for about a dozen people I guess, maybe more. We put up some fly sheets and ground sheets and slept in the area beside the river on the true right. This was very uncomfortable because there was no flat ground so I had tree roots in my back… Anyway, overnight the rain came down and in the morning the river was flooded! We had to stay an extra day because it was not safe to cross. Luckily a newbie had put a kilo of rice in his backpack so we pooled our leftover food and made a big pot of flavoured rice stew. Walked out the next day. Hot pools probably get washed out every flood and need to be rebuilt/dug out. Only suitable if river is low/normal. [Benjamin Franzmayr, New Zealand]
Otehake River Hot Springs
In Nature
Description
Directions
From Arthurs Pass, drive SH73 to Aickens Corner. Park on right hand side. Walk to Otira river and cross over if safe to do so. Expect a waist-deep crossing!NOTE: if you do not have rivercrossing experience, park further towards Arthurs Pass where there is a swingbridge. This adds time to your walk but is worth it for safety\’s sake. My sister in law was in a party of not-very experienced people who lost their footing, got washed away and one of the party drowned on that exact spot. Don\’t risk it.Once on the other side it\’s an easy walk up the Taramakau valley and turn right into Pfeifer Creek, the first small valley. Follow track past Lake Kaurapataka. There is a short steep climb and descent over a saddle and then turn right up the river. After several more relatively deep river crossings you come to the steaming hot pools beside/in front of the island in the river. Total time of about 3-4 hours. [Benjamin Franzmayr, New Zealand]
