How to Get to Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Whether you’re travelling from overseas or exploring New Zealand, getting to Secret Spot Hot Tubs is easy. Located just minutes from Rotorua’s city centre and nestled on the edge of the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is accessible by guided tour, shuttle, car, taxi, rideshare, bike or on foot.
If you’re wondering how to get to Secret Spot Hot Tubs, this guide covers the best transport options to help you plan your visit.
Join a Guided Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel
One of the most enjoyable ways to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs is as part of a guided Rotorua day tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
Departing from Auckland, their ‘Rotorua Highlights including Wai-O-Tapu and Secret Spot Hot Tubs’ tour combines some of the region’s most iconic attractions into one unforgettable day. Along the way, you’ll explore the spectacular Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland before relaxing in your own private cedar hot tub surrounded by native forest.
Cheeky Kiwi is known for its passionate local guides, who share fascinating stories about New Zealand’s culture, history and landscapes while taking care of all the driving and planning for you. It’s a stress-free option that’s perfect for visitors wanting to experience more of Rotorua without hiring a car.
Book the tour here:
https://www.cheekykiwitravel.com/tours/rotorua-highlights-including-wai-o-tapu-and-secret-spot-hot-tubs
This option is ideal if you are:
- Visiting Rotorua without a rental car.
- Looking for a full-day sightseeing experience.
- Wanting to combine geothermal attractions with a relaxing hot tub experience.
- Travelling internationally and wanting knowledgeable local guidance.
Travel with Ready 2 Roll Shuttles
If you’re looking for transport without hiring a car, Ready 2 Roll Shuttles offers convenient shuttle services throughout Rotorua.
They provide transport to many of the region’s attractions and can include Secret Spot Hot Tubs as part of your journey, depending on your itinerary. It’s a practical option for visitors staying in local accommodation who would prefer not to drive.
We recommend contacting Ready 2 Roll Shuttles directly to discuss your travel plans and arrange transport.
Self-Drive to Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Driving yourself is one of the quickest and most flexible ways to visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located at the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park (13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua).
We’re only 2 minutes south of the Te Puia roundabout on State Highway 5.
Driving directions
- Head south on State Highway 5 from Rotorua.
- Continue approximately 2 minutes past the Te Puia roundabout.
- Turn onto Waipa State Mill Road.
- Follow the clearly marked Secret Spot Hot Tubs signposts.
- You’ll find us inside the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park.
Free parking is available on-site, making self-driving an easy option for visitors exploring Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty region.
Many guests combine a visit to Secret Spot with nearby attractions such as Whakarewarewa Forest, Redwoods Treewalk, Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu.
Take an Uber or Taxi
If you’re staying in central Rotorua, taking an Uber or taxi is a quick and convenient option.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located approximately 6 minutes’ drive from Rotorua city centre, making it an affordable trip for most visitors.
Uber operates throughout Rotorua, and several local taxi companies also service the area.
This option is perfect if you’d like to enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about driving afterwards.
Walk or Bike from Te Puia
If you’re already visiting Te Puia or staying nearby, you can easily reach Secret Spot Hot Tubs on foot or by bike.
The most direct route is via the Hemo Gorge Trail, a scenic shared-use path connecting Te Puia with the Waipa Car Park.
The trail is:
- Approximately 1.3 kilometres long.
- Around 20 minutes’ walk.
- Just 5 to 10 minutes by bike.
The trail passes through beautiful native bush and offers a peaceful way to reach Secret Spot while enjoying Rotorua’s outdoor environment.
Many mountain bikers also visit us before or after riding the world-famous trails in Whakarewarewa Forest, with bike stands and a relaxed café atmosphere making Secret Spot an ideal place to unwind.
Which Transport Option is Best?
The best way to get to Secret Spot depends on your travel style.
- Guided tour – Ideal for visitors wanting a full Rotorua sightseeing experience without driving.
- Shuttle – Great for travellers without a rental car.
- Self-drive – The most flexible option with free parking.
- Uber or taxi – Fast and convenient from central Rotorua.
- Walk or bike – Perfect if you’re already exploring Te Puia or Whakarewarewa Forest.
No matter how you choose to travel, you’ll arrive ready to relax in your own private cedar hot tub beside the forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Secret Spot Hot Tubs located?
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located at 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, within the Waipa Mountain Bike Car Park, just two minutes south of the Te Puia roundabout on State Highway 5.
How far is Secret Spot from Rotorua city centre?
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is approximately a 6-minute drive from Rotorua city centre.
Can I visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs without a car?
Yes. Many visitors arrive via guided tours, shuttle services, Uber, taxi, or by walking or cycling from Te Puia via the Hemo Gorge Trail.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available for all Secret Spot guests.
Which Rotorua tour includes Secret Spot Hot Tubs?
Cheeky Kiwi Travel offers a Rotorua Highlights tour, allowing visitors to experience geothermal attractions before relaxing in a private forest hot tub. For a customisable Rotorua tour, get in touch with Ready 2 Roll Shuttles. Alternatively, if you’re after a bespoke, VIP luxury tour then Tohu Experiences is a great option.
Can I cycle to Secret Spot?
Absolutely. Secret Spot is connected to Te Puia by the Hemo Gorge Trail and sits beside the internationally renowned Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike network.
Ready to Relax?
However you choose to get here, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is easy to reach and well worth the journey. Whether you’re joining a guided tour, driving yourself, catching a shuttle or arriving by bike, you’ll soon be soaking in fresh spring water surrounded by native forest.
We recommend booking ahead, particularly during weekends, school holidays and the busy summer season, to secure your preferred time.
We look forward to welcoming you to Secret Spot Hot Tubs!
