Okay, let me be real with you. The hot pools at Wairakei Terraces are nice and relaxing, but they're also kinda crowded, touristy, and definitely not the cleanest or most modern. I don’t mean to be a hater, but I just want you to have the right expectations. It's still a chill experience, just not the serene, off-the-beaten-path hot spring vibe you might be hoping for.

The good news is they’re super affordable. A regular adult entry is $27, but if you check out the Bookme app, you can usually get a discount (I paid $14). Plus, it’s adult-only, which means no kids running around, so you can actually relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The setting is still really beautiful though, with these awesome terraced pools above a thermal river. The ones at the top, near the bridge, are the hottest, and as the water flows down, the temperature drops. It’s a pretty sweet spot to chill, just don’t expect total seclusion.