Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to all the most frequently asked questions about our forest spa

Planning Your Visit to Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive

Planning a visit to Secret Spot Hot Tubs? Whether you’re wondering how to book, what to bring, where we’re located, or what to expect during your visit, you’ll find the answers here.

Nestled beside the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, just six minutes from Rotorua’s city centre, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy one of Rotorua’s most unique experiences. From private cedar hot tubs filled with fresh forest spring water to traditional saunas, cold plunge tubs and delicious food and drinks from BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen, everything has been designed to help you relax.

Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.

Booking Your Visit

How much does it cost to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

The cost of your visit depends on the experience you choose.

Secret Spot Hot Tubs offers private cedar forest hot tubs, traditional sauna and cold plunge sessions, cafe & bar offerings, and gift vouchers.

For the latest pricing, we recommend visiting our prices page. Booking online is the easiest way to secure your preferred date and time, particularly during weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

Do I need to book Secret Spot Hot Tubs in advance?

Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance.

While we occasionally have availability for walk-in guests, our hot tubs and saunas regularly book out during busy periods.

Booking ahead allows you to secure your preferred date and time, making it easier to plan the rest of your Rotorua visit.

Bookings can be made online in just a few minutes here.

Can I visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs without booking a hot tub or sauna?

Absolutely.

Everyone is welcome to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs, even if you don’t have a hot tub or sauna booking.

You can enjoy food and drinks from BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen, relax in our complimentary Shinny Dip foot hot tubs, or meet friends and family who have booked a hot tub session. Many visitors stop by for a coffee or meal before or after exploring Whakarewarewa Forest, making Secret Spot Hot Tubs a great place to unwind at any time of day.

Can I choose my hot tub?

Hot tubs are allocated as part of our booking schedule, so guests aren’t able to choose a specific hot tub when booking online.

Our hot tubs operate on a carefully planned schedule, with three hot tubs becoming available every 15 minutes. This allows us to prepare every tub to the highest standard before each session.

If you have a preferred hot tub or a special request, please call our reception team on 07 348 4442 before your visit. We’ll always do our best to accommodate requests where possible, although this can’t be guaranteed.

How long is a session at Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

A private forest hot tub & cold plunge session lasts 45 minutes.

Sauna sessions include 40 minutes in the sauna, along with access to our refreshing cold plunge tubs.

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your booking time to allow plenty of time to check in, get changed and settle in before your experience begins.

Can I buy a Secret Spot Hot Tubs gift voucher?

Yes. Gift vouchers are available for a range of Secret Spot Hot Tubs experiences and make a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or simply treating someone special.

Gift vouchers can be purchased online and give the recipient the flexibility to book a date and time that suits them. 
You can purchase a gift voucher here.

Can groups book together?

Yes. Group bookings are welcome at Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

If your group includes more than six people, we’ll allocate multiple hot tubs located beside each other wherever possible, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience together while still having their own private space.

For larger groups, birthdays, family celebrations or corporate outings, we recommend getting in touch with us directly at info@secretspot.nz or 07 348 4442.

Preparing for Your Visit

What should I bring to Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Bring your swimwear and a towel to enjoy your visit. Swimwear or activewear must be worn in the saunas and hot tubs at all times.

If you forget anything, towels, swimwear and robes are available to hire from reception, and swimwear can also be purchased in sizes XS to XXL.

Can I hire towels, robes or swimwear?

Yes. We have a range of hire items available to make your visit easy and stress-free.

  • Towels – $5 each
  • Swimwear – $5 each
  • Robes – $10 each

Swimwear is also available to purchase from our merchandise area in sizes XS to XXL.

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your booking time.
This gives you time to check in, get changed, store your belongings and make your way to your hot tub or sauna before your session begins.

Can I visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs without a booking?

Yes. Everyone is welcome to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs, even if you haven’t booked a hot tub or sauna.

You can enjoy BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen, relax in the free Shinny Dip foot hot tubs, meet friends with a booking or simply enjoy the peaceful forest setting.

Are there changing rooms, showers, and lockers at Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Yes. We have men’s, women’s and family changing rooms available for all hot tub and sauna guests.
Showers are located within the changing rooms, alongside toilets and complimentary storage lockers for your belongings.

Our changing rooms are located a short walk from the hot tubs and sauna area for your convenience.

Families & Dogs

Can children visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Children aged 5 years and over are welcome to use the hot tubs at Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

For health and safety reasons, children under 5 years old are not permitted to use the hot tubs.

All children must be supervised by a responsible adult throughout their visit.

Can I bring my baby or toddler to Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring your baby or toddler with you.

While children under 5 years old cannot use the hot tubs, you’re welcome to bring a pram or stroller and park it beside your private hot tub while you relax.

This allows parents and caregivers to enjoy their visit while keeping little ones close by.

Is Secret Spot Hot Tubs family friendly?

Yes. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is a popular destination for families visiting Rotorua.

With private hot tubs, family changing rooms, BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen and complimentary Shinny Dip foot hot tubs, it’s a relaxing place for families to spend time together.

Are dogs welcome at Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout most areas of Secret Spot Hot Tubs, provided they remain on a lead at all times.

Water bowls are available around the site, and dog treats can be purchased from reception.

Where can my dog go?

Dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas of Secret Spot Hot Tubs, including:

  • BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen
  • The safari tent
  • The Shinny Dip foot hot tubs
  • Beside your private hot tub

Dogs must remain on a lead at all times and are not permitted in the water, including the hot tubs and Shinny Dip foot hot tubs. Dogs are not permitted in the Sauna Corner.

Accessibility

Is Secret Spot Hot Tubs wheelchair accessible?

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is partially wheelchair accessible.

Many areas of the site are accessible, including BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen, the bar, toilets, Shinny Dip foot hot tubs and the main pathways. However, the private hot tubs, saunas and cold plunge tubs are not wheelchair accessible.

If you have specific accessibility requirements, we encourage you to contact our team before your visit. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and help you plan your experience.

Which areas of Secret Spot Hot Tubs are wheelchair accessible?

The following areas are wheelchair accessible:

  • BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen
  • Reception and cafe
  • Toilets
  • Shinny Dip foot hot tubs
  • Main visitor pathways

Our team is always happy to assist if you have any questions before your visit.

Is there accessible parking?

Yes. Accessible parking spaces are available within the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park, right outside Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

The car park also offers more than 3,000 free parking spaces, making it easy to visit by car.

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes. Accessible toilets are available on site for visitors to use.

How accessible are the hot tubs?

To access our hot tubs, guests must cross a small swing bridge, climb three steps up to the hot tub, and be able to swing their leg over the side. For those with restricted mobility, please call us on (07) 348 4442.

Getting Here

Where is Secret Spot Hot Tubs located?

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located at the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park, 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.

We’re just a two-minute drive south of the Te Puia roundabout on State Highway 5 and approximately six minutes from Rotorua city centre.

How do I get to Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is easy to reach by car, guided tour, shuttle, taxi, rideshare, bike or on foot.

For detailed directions and transport options, including guided tours with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Ready 2 Roll Shuttles and walking or cycling from Te Puia, visit our guide: How to Get to Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Is there free parking?

Yes. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located within the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park, which offers more than 3,000 free parking spaces.

Mobility parking and campervan parking are also available, making it easy for all visitors to access the site.

How far is Secret Spot Hot Tubs from Rotorua city centre?

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is approximately a six-minute drive from Rotorua city centre.

Our location beside Whakarewarewa Forest makes it easy to combine your visit with other popular Rotorua attractions, including Te Puia, Redwoods Treewalk and the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike trails.

Can I walk or cycle to Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Yes. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is connected to Te Puia by the Hemo Gorge Trail. The scenic shared-use trail is approximately 1.3 kilometres long and takes around 20 minutes to walk or 5 to 10 minutes to cycle.

Bike stands and free lock hire are available on site for guests arriving by bike. 

Seasonal Visits

Is Secret Spot Hot Tubs open all year?

Yes. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day and Christmas Eve from 4pm.

Whether you’re visiting Rotorua in summer, winter, autumn or spring, our private forest hot tubs, saunas and BaseCamp Street Food Kitchen are ready to welcome you.

Is winter a good time to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs?

Yes. Winter is one of the most popular times to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Soaking in a warm cedar hot tub or relaxing in a private sauna while surrounded by the crisp forest air creates a memorable experience. Many guests also enjoy warming up after exploring Rotorua or riding the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike trails with a free Shinny Dip Foot Hot Tub.

Can I visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs when it's raining?

Yes. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is open in all weather conditions.

Many guests say that soaking in a warm hot tub while listening to the rain falling through the forest is one of the most relaxing ways to experience Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Large umbrellas provide partial cover over each hot tub, and umbrellas are available for the short walk between reception and your hot tub.

What are the opening hours?

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

We recommend checking our website before your visit, as opening hours may occasionally vary on public holidays or for special events.

Where can I find more information?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our friendly team is here to help.

You can contact us by phone on (07) 348 4442, email us at info@secretspot.nz, or ask our chatbot.

We look forward to welcoming you to Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Rotorua's Forest Spa, on the edge of the Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua's Forest Spa