Established right next to Mt Hutt is a new hot pool spa that NZ residents and tourists can now enjoy. Located in Methven, the Opuke Thermal Pools are solar powered and represent a first for New Zealand. The goal is to draw up to 150,000 tourists each year to visit the hot pool.
The water for the hot pools are being drawn from the Rangitata river and is heated by 500 PV solar panels. The result is that the Alpine town is hoping to balance its draw of tourists year-round.
After hiking or mountain bike riding, amongst many activities, in the summer to a hot place to relax after skiing on the nearby slopes through winter. Add to this some beautiful accommodation not far away with motel style units thanks to Mt Hutt lodge who has excellent dining for the apres skier. The new hot pool is designed to provide a full experience for the tourist.
How the Pools At Mt Hutt Work
The solar powered hot pool has been a long-term project. Having been completed after a decade of work, two years added due to the COVID pandemic, it has now opened to allow bathers a chance to enjoy the hot pools. The solar powered panels are quite different compared to the normal means of heating water for a hot pool, which is usually a geothermal source.
The panels themselves each provide enough electricity to heat a typical tea kettle. But when 500 are combined, they can easily heat the large hot pool. The pool itself is kept clean and clear thanks to cycling the water every thirty minutes. This makes the pool easy to maintain and ready for guests anytime of the year.
The construction of the hot pool drew a $7.5 million government loan which was augmented by regional and private funding. The first thing you notice is the large stone building entrance which greets you with running water. The changing rooms are nearby, so you can get straight to the hot pool without wasting much in the way of time.
What The Hot Pool Offers
The 1200 square meter building sits on roughly two hectares, providing plenty of space. The pools themselves are divided into two separate areas, the discovery and tranquility pools. The discovery pools are an aquapark complete with caves, water cannons, and plunge pools. While the tranquility pools are connected to the spa itself.
The tranquility pools provide private, solar hot tubs made of wood along with a choice of different treatments. One of the more interesting features is the swim-up bar, which provides a new take on how to relax in the hot pool.
The relatively simple design will most likely attract tourists to the area. This is because the saltwater hot pools located in Te He Puna Taimoan in Christchurch draws in 75,000 visitors on average each year.
Add to this Mt Hutt Lodge with motel and unit accommodation, exceptional dining. The scenery is incredible from the balcony and from the many hiking trails and other fun activities to do around Mt Hutt. The hot pool alone is quickly becoming a desired attraction in NZ, especially for the winter months when skiers need a place to heat up after a long day on the slopes.
Contact Mt Hutt Lodge for a unique experience.