Maruia Hotsprings

The drive through the Victoria Forest Park was gorgeous as the road twisted & turned through the narrow valley nestled tightly with trees. Eventually we passed through a wider valley then back in to a dark forested track towards Lewis Pass.

Our room was situated at the end on the upper floor near the pools. The exposed wood and beams belayed its mid-century origins, but finished with recent modern touches of large tile, and heated floors 🔥.

Luckily we arrived just in time to attend their evening yoga session, followed by a late dinner seating in the main building. The restaurant area was quite spacious with high ceilings and a wall of windows. On one end a domineering rock chimney and fireplace. Many mid-century design elements with exposed wood grain.

After dinner we headed to the pools for a late night soak in the outdoor hot spring pools. Although dark out with subtle lighting, the Japanese influence of large rounded river rock and greenery around the pools providing a natural experience was evident. We tried the stream room initially, but it was far to hot to stay long. The hot water for the pools were definitely naturally sourced due to the wafts of sulphur in the breeze 🫠 Not many other guests were around so we had it all to ourselves! The sky was initially clear and stars over head. Clouds then moved in and a few mist sprinkles on our faces. No possibility of seeing shooting stars 💫

The bed was very comfortable and it was a quiet night in the mountains 😴 The following morning we went for a walk along the nature trails after breakfast, followed by another dip in the hot tubs before setting off down the road 🚙Read more