With Easter break just around the corner, what better way to fight off the autumn chill with hot pools?
Travel writer Tim Roxborogh joined TVNZ1's Breakfast today to discuss his "controversial" top five list.
5. Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo
The recreation centre is a "major destination which makes you feel like you're in Canada or Oregon".
Surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains, the swimming complex is a surreal experience for anyone looking to make the most of their long Easter break.
4. Welcome Flat Hot Spring, West Coast
If a quiet destination is more your thing, why not visit Welcome Flat Hot Spring near Fox Glacier?
The hot spring boasts one of the best views in the country.
However, with a seven-hour hike and the need to book the Department of Conservation hut to get to the pools, it's not for the faint-hearted.
3. Kawhia Springs / Te Puia Springs and Hot Water Beach, Waikato
If adventure sounds more like you, how about heading to Kawhia Springs and Hot Water Beach?
Near the Waitomo glow caves and Hot Water Beach, Kawhia Springs has dig your own spa pool - just like Coromandel's Hot Water Beach.
You can go visit Waitomo's "amazing bush walks" and "natural land bridges" before taking a much-needed break at the springs or beach.
2. Spa Park, Taupo
A free spring located 20 minutes into the walk from the Taupo bungee jump to Huka Falls, the park is every local's best-kept secret.
1. Parakai Springs, Auckland
Mr Roxborogh's top pick is this hidden gem located 40 minutes away from Auckland's CBD.
The recreation centre boasts large indoor and outdoor pools and two hydro-slides - the springs' main attraction for decades.
"It's just those childhood memories of defying my parents - which hardly ever happened - because you'd ride the hydro-slide and then you'd beg for one more slide, then it's time to go. Then you beg for one more slide and then they'd say, 'OK' and then you'd do one more and then you'd say, 'I'm doing another one.'"
But if you do decide to take a dip in a hot pool this Easter break, Mr Roxborogh has warned against putting your head underwater - even though it may seem tempting.
"Apparently, amoebic meningitis is not much fun, so don't put the head under," he said.
"I think I've put my head under when I was a child 'cause you get told 'don't do something,' and so you think, 'Oh, I'll just try it.'
But really don't - amoebic meningitis is not good ... It's fun, but don't do it."
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