Summer memberships available here

Faq

We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to enjoy a relaxing experience at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa. If you cannot find what you need in our frequently asked questions below, please reach out to our friendly staff who will be more than happy to assist you.


General
Session Times
Pools
Day Spa
Retail
Food & Beverage
Can I pay with cash?

We are a cashless facility, which means we only accept card payment or Paywave.

How long can I stay for a soak?

When you book, you can choose between a 2 or a 4 hour session to soak for that amount of time. Our team will advise when your session is coming to an end, and there are clocks available for you to keep an eye on the time in the pool. The session timeframes include checking in and getting changed.

Can I be late to my booking time?

Yes that’s no problem, however a late arrival will affect the amount of time you can spend in the pool. If it’s looking like you may be very late, we recommend that you give us a call as we may be able to move you into another session (depending on capacity).

How do I book?

Please book via our website. If you have any questions, give us a call on 03 261 6800 and one of the friendly team will be able to help.

Can we access the café without a booking?

Yes, our café is open to the general public as well as our pool guests.

Can I buy gift vouchers?

Absolutely! Vouchers can be purchased online and emailed to you, or you can pick up a physical voucher onsite.

How do I redeem a gift voucher?

If the gift voucher amount is the same value of your booking, then you can redeem it online. Simply enter the voucher code into the gift voucher box in the shopping cart section of your online booking.

If the gift voucher amount is more than the value of your booking (and you require change) then you can redeem your voucher directly with us – please phone or email to make your booking.

Do you have wheelchair accessible facilities?

We have an accessible changing room, complete with shower and toilet. Two of our pools (x1 in Discovery and x1 in Tranquility) are accessible to people requiring wheelchair access – we have an aqua wheelchair.

Are there non-gendered and disabled toilets/changing facilities available?

All of our changing rooms in Discovery are non-gendered and we have a toilet/shower space available for people with disabilities in that space. We also have a non-gendered toilet/changing room available in Tranquility, as well as toilet/shower area for people with disabilities in the male and female changing rooms.

Where is Ōpuke located?

You’ll find us on the edge of Methven township at 35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven 7782. Keep an eye out for the sign on the left as you’re driving towards Mt Hutt.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is for Ōpuke guests. Our carpark is locked following the last session of the day.

Is there E-vehicle parking available?

Yes we have four E-vehicle parks available. Please bring your own charger.

Why are there session times at Ōpuke?

This is to limit capacity, ensuring guests can enjoy a relaxing soak without getting in each other’s space and ultimately enhancing the experience for everyone.

What if I can’t make my booked session?

Let us know as soon as possible. If you let us know prior to arriving for your booked time, we may be able to offer a reschedule or refund. Please refer to our terms & conditions for more information.

What are your session times?

Our session times on Sunday – Monday are:

  • 10:00-12:00
  • 12:30-14:30
  • 15:00-17:00
  • 17:30-19:30 On Saturdays we have an 8pm session as well.
Do I need to book?

Bookings are highly recommended, as we often sell out at popular times. You can arrive at the session time and make a booking, however this is subject to the capacity of the session. Our website will reflect whether there’s space available.

How do I book?

Please book via our website. If you have any questions, give us a call on 03 261 6800 and one of the friendly team will be able to help.

I really want to come to a particular session, but it’s fully booked. Do you have a waitlist?

We don’t have a waitlist – your best option is to select another date and time. \n\nIf you are unable to make another session time, please email soak@opuke.nz or give us a call on 03 261 6800.

Do you have a senior/student discount?

We don’t currently offer a discount for seniors or students.

What are the ages that a child ticket applies to?

Ages 3 to 16 years old. We offer a free infant ticket for children aged three and younger.

Can children come to Ōpuke by themselves?

Yes, if they are 14 years or older. Take a look at our T&C’s here to understand the regulations around supervision of children.

Your website shows that you are full. Should I call you to make a booking?

Our website shows a true reflection of availability and if we have any cancellations, the cancelled tickets immediately go back on our website for resale. This means you are better off keeping an eye on our website by refreshing the page, or booking ahead for a different day, rather than calling.

What are the pool rules?

Our pools are shared spaces with other guests. For the enjoyment and safety of others, we ask that you respect other’s space and always listen to the lifeguards while experiencing the pools. Please refer to our terms & conditions for overall expectations while using our facility.

What are your rules around the supervision of children?

We encourage you to read our terms and conditions before you enter the pool. Children aged 4 years or younger must be always within arm’s reach of a supervising adult older than 16. One supervising adult can look after no more than two children aged 4 or younger.

Children aged between 5–8 years must be actively supervised in the water by a responsible caregiver older than 16 years. This means watching your child at all times and swimming in the pool with them to provide immediate assistance.

Children aged 8–13 years must have a supervising adult in the facility at all times.

Do you use chlorine in your pools?

Yes, we produce chlorine onsite directly derived from salt to minimize the amount of chlorine needed and maintain the cleanest water.

Can I put my head under the water?

Yes, our water is sourced from the Rangitata River and is chlorine and salt based. This means there are no minerals or sulfar so it’s safe to fully immerse yourself.

Is it safe for pregnant people to use the pools?

Check with your health care provider, but in general we recommend that pregnant people avoid or limit time in the hottest pools to avoid dehydration and overheating.

Can I bring my young baby to the pools?

Yes, as long as they are able to snugly fit into a swim nappy. We recommend that you don’t take young children in the hottest pools to avoid overheating.

What temperatures are the pools?

Our Discovery pools usually sit around 36⁰C, while our Tranquility pools are around 38⁰C. Our Solar Tubs are the hottest at about 41⁰C.

Can I hire swimsuits or towels?

We offer a towel hire service for our guests and we don’t offer swimsuit hire. We do sell a range of swimsuits for adults and children.

As part of our Tranquility package complimentary robes and towels are supplied.

Can I wear jewellery in the pools?

Our pool water is fresh water with chlorine and shouldn’t affect your jewellery. However, there are complimentary secure lockers available if you would prefer to store any valuable jewellery while you swim.

Can I bring my own drink bottle?

Yes absolutely, as long as it isn’t made of glass and only contains water.

Is pregnancy massage available?

At this stage we do not offer pregnancy massage.

Is there an age limit for the day spa?

The minimum age for a day spa treatment is 18 years old.

Are the massages deep tissue?

At this stage we do not offer deep tissue massages. Our massages are relaxation massage with firm pressure.

Do you sell swim nappies?

Yes, we sell Little Swimmers swim nappies, which generally fit average sized babies from around four months old.

Can I bring my own food into the pools?

Please don’t bring in external food as we have our café readily available.

Can we access the café without a booking?

Yes, our café is open to the general public as well as our pool guests.

How many alcoholic drinks am I allowed to purchase from the swim up bar in Tranquility?

Due to liquor licencing requirements, each guest is able to purchase up to 2 alcoholic beverages each during a 2 hour period. If you would like to purchase more than 2 alcoholic beverages during your session, you may sit outside of the pool to do so but can’t return to the pool for your safety.