Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa — Attraction in South Island

Incredibly expensive for what you get ($60 per person) safe to say that we will not ever be back, even though we are in Methven regularly.

Staff on reception we’re quite rude and the check in process was laborious with a number of people waiting to get in line. Michelle being pretty dismissive and not very welcoming on entry. Gave no real clear instruction on the process of starting the session and felt the whole experience was quite stressful , not relaxing in the slightest Signage in the place is very confusing and not well marked making it difficult to find your way around the place There is only real one adult pool and it is the same temperature. So many people were getting into the plunge pool that it was not that cold. Pool is deep in places and catches you off guard. The Cave system was small and a bit tacky. Big echo in there so you can hear every conversation . Not to mention the noise from couples making out in full PDA No form of hydro jets or anything in the pools to help relax. View was okay but there is a weird water fountain that has two balls with water spouting out of it. Not great for a photo Changing rooms were weirdly designed. The whole locker system was not explained well by staff at the front desk.only two toilets and you cannot get changed in front of your locker, you have to get changed in booths. Checkout at the end was annoying. Why do I have to que again with others just to drop off the locker band? Can’t I just leave? No seating near the front of the building so if you get our earlier then others, be prepared to sit on the lawn.

I honestly think they put more effort into the design of the building and forgot about the whole purpose - the hot pools.

In summary, be prepared to be confused. We overheard almost all of the comments above being said by other guests multiple times - we heard a number of people leaving early. Thank goodness we didn’t purchase the four hour slot.

Saving grace was that the races were going on at the track nearby and we could see them racing from the pools.

Hamner springs is $35 and you have access all day to multiple pools. Don’t bother, go to Hamner or He Puna Taimoana in...

In summary, a great place to visit. Highly recommend for couples. To clarify a few items that we were a bit confused about when booking. • Time limits are a good thing – the pools are not huge, but it is okay having limited numbers at all times. • Booking for Discovery is only booking for the ‘family’ area. The pools are similar to tranquillity, but kids are allowed and there is no bar/food in the pool. The lazy river is located here and has water guns and a jumping spot – ideal for kids. • Booking tranquillity means that you can access the ‘adults’ area which does have drinks and food service in the pool, but you can also access discovery – so free roaming between all pools, although you are likely to stay on the tranquillity side most of the time. • Booking the private tubs give you just that – you could go to the tranquillity pools, but it’s the same temperature and not much point. Food and drink is available at the private tubs anyway, so this is the best way to have your privacy. • I love hot pools, and usually spend all day at them. We booked 4 hours, and that was actually enough. All the pools are ~38°. There are a couple of ‘cave’ areas and you can eat/drink in the pool. You also have robes, so can enjoy the outdoors too. It’s a different type of hot pools compared to Hanmer. • When you arrive, give your booking number (you really need to book in advanced) and you will be directed to the changing rooms. Tranquillity and Discovery have separate changing rooms. Heated floors make it nice to walk around on. There are changing booths, separate showers and a large locker supplied. You can put all your items in this locker and grab your robe and towel. There is another set of cubby holes (also supplied) for you at poolside for phones, jandals etc. • Full café menu available in the tranquillity pool. • Solar panels are interesting to look at. • Gift Vouchers are a good buy for friends/family who want some R&R. • Great views on a nice day. A nice place to spend some time away from our...

Tldr: Discovery pools not a lot of bang for your buck. Need to revisit pricing. Visited 18/11/23

I was in Methven for the weekend on a solo trip for my 33rd birthday. Planned on going to the 'adult' tranquility pools on Monday 20th. Decided to go to the Discovery pools Saturday night as well. When someone did come to reception she seemed annoyed from the start. I'm soft spoken and she got quite angry with me to the point where I considered leaving. I explained that I wanted to visit the Adult pools Monday and asked if my ID would be accepted (my renewed licence was still in mail so only had temp) and she said it would depend on who was on the desk as to whether I could visit or not. Then when I went to the pools after paying $31 for 2 hrs there are only 2 pools and a lazy river plonked in the middle as the only 'kids' area. The kids that were there spilled out into the lower pool and there is a cannon ball pool right next to the wee cave area so there was really only the top pool. I expected kids + noise but the issue here is really the layout. I assume it's been done so tranquility ppl aren't disturbed by kids and parents can watch kids from the cafe but it means that ultimately you feel like you have no option but to spend more for adult pools to relax. For $32 I should still be able to relax and enjoy discovery. I might try the adult pools one day but this time... instead of 4hrs in the tranquility pools I decided to spend one dollar less to get the MONTH PASS to new Brighton hot pools.

Pricing suggestions:(apologies if you already have these, couldn't see on website) 1.Discount for Methven residents. 2.Weekend pass 3.Cheaper tranquility tickets that don't include access to...