Japanese style hot pool complex opens in Queenstown

An innovative hot pool complex that has just opened at Arthurs Point in Queenstown takes its inspiration from the traditional Japanese bathhouse known as an Onsen – hence the name Onsen Hot Pools.

Directors UK born Tony Williams and his Japanese wife Mitsi, recognised a gap in the market in Queenstown for a hot pools development for both locals and tourists.

“When we first arrived in Queenstown the first thing we looked for were hot pools. We had previously lived in California and used to escape at the weekends to hot pools near San Francisco,” says Mr Williams. “We really missed them and decided to investigate setting up our own venture in Queenstown.”

The key to the project, which has taken two years to develop, was to source the ideal site.

“The location was all important and we believe we have found the perfect site on the cliffside at Arthurs Point,” says Mr Williams. “It took a while to find but the feedback we are getting is that the secluded location is in the perfect position.”

Onsen Hot Pools, which is en route to the Coronet Peak Ski Area, incorporates six cedar lined private pool rooms. Each caters for up to four people and has its own shower and changing facilities.

The pools have an indoor-outdoor setting with stunning views of the Shotover River backdropped by the Remarkables Mountain range. Retractable walls and ceilings showcase the dramatic scenery and at night the lights are dimmed to enhance the starlit southern skies.

A state-of-the-art water purification system fills and constantly refreshes the pools while temperature and air flow is personally controlled in each bathhouse.

“We are delighted with the finished project and no detail has been overlooked,” says Mr Williams. “I don’t think there is another complex like it in the Southern Hemisphere where there is so much emphasis on the surrounding environment. The pools are tranquil, peaceful and above all invigorating.”

The Onsen Hot Pools open to the public on Thursday July 26. A free shuttle bus will operate from Queenstown to the Onsen Hot Pools and a local residents’ membership will be available.

For more information, visit Onsen.co.nz.