Our Story and Sustainability at Secret Spot
Secret Spot Hot Tubs began, like many good ideas do, outdoors.
Brothers Keith and Eric grew up on a farm beside the Kaituna River, spending their days exploring the bush, rafting, biking, and chasing adventure. At the end of those days, there was always a ritual, finding a hidden hot stream, a quiet place to soak, share a drink, and relive the day’s stories. A secret spot.
That feeling of connection, to nature, to each other, and to the moment, is what Secret Spot is built on today.
Now nestled in the Whakarewarewa Forest, Secret Spot offers a chance to step into that same experience. Secluded cedar hot tubs, fresh forest air, and the simple pleasure of slowing down. But creating a place like this also comes with responsibility. When you operate in such a special environment, sustainability at Secret Spot is not a side initiative. It’s part of how everything is done.
A considered approach to sustainability
Sustainability at Secret Spot is approached as an ongoing journey, shaped by many small, thoughtful decisions over time.
From the beginning, the focus has been on working with the natural environment rather than against it. Keith and Eric transformed what was once an overflow carpark and blackberry patch, into the Secret Spot it is today. Over 3,000 native trees have been planted across the site, helping to restore and protect the surrounding landscape. Ongoing work with Pest Solutions supports native flora and fauna, contributing to a healthier ecosystem within the forest.
This commitment is reflected in formal recognition too. Secret Spot holds Qualmark Gold accreditation, demonstrating a strong focus on low-impact operations and high-quality visitor experiences. The team is also part of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter and the Tourism Sustainability Commitment, working alongside other local businesses to make measurable progress toward shared sustainability goals.
Recognition as a finalist in the Environmental Awards at the Rotorua Business Awards further reflects this ongoing effort, though for the team, the real focus remains on continual improvement rather than one-off achievements.
Water that’s better for people and the environment
Water is central to the Secret Spot experience, and it’s also where careful choices have been made.
Each hot tub is filled with fresh forest spring water sourced from an aquifer high in the forest. This non-geothermal water is heated to a comfortable 39.9 degrees Celsius and treated using the Enviroswim system to meet New Zealand Pool Water Quality Standards.
Importantly, the treatment process keeps chemical use to a minimum. Chlorine levels sit at just 0.25ppm, around half that of typical municipal drinking water. The result is water that feels gentler on skin, while also reducing environmental impact.
Each tub operates independently, meaning the water does not flow from one tub to another. It is continuously filtered and refreshed during each soak, ensuring a clean, high-quality experience while maintaining efficient water use.
Reducing waste and supporting local
Sustainability at Secret Spot also shows up in the everyday details.
Across the site, energy-efficient LED lighting is used to reduce power consumption. Upcycled materials have been incorporated where possible, helping to minimise waste and extend the life of existing resources.
The café and bar focus on sourcing products locally, working with trusted regional suppliers wherever possible. This not only reduces transport-related impact but also supports the local economy and community. Even the merchandise available onsite reflects this approach, with items created by local artisans and small businesses.
Secret Spot is also part of the RefillNZ initiative, providing a free water refill station for forest users and helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
More than a destination
For Keith and Eric, Secret Spot has always been about more than hot tubs.
It’s about recreating a feeling they grew up with, being outdoors, slowing down, and sharing time with the people around you. Sustainability is a natural extension of that mindset. When nature gives you so much, it makes sense to look after it in return.
As the business continues to evolve, that approach remains the same. Small, consistent steps. Thoughtful decisions. A long-term view.
Because nature here isn’t just something to enjoy, it’s something to protect.
And it’s something worth preserving for generations to come.
