There’s a lot to love about swimming, it’s relaxing, it’s refreshing, and it sometimes makes you feel like you’re a mythical creature.
Immersing yourself in water is an excuse to check out (and log off) for a while; a chance to reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit.
Having travelled to, and swam in, many a pool, spa bath, river, and ocean, we can confirm that many places in the world boast bodies of water that deliver desirable benefits, and New Zealand is no exception.
From Kerosine Creek in the Central North Island to Kaiteriteri Beach on the South Island, New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. But there’s nothing quite as special as resurfacing from the depths of a luxury swimming pool, and being met with a visually-striking vista.
Just in case you’d like to take a deluxe dip on your next NZ getaway, we’ve made you a list of 8 pools with the best views of New Zealand.
ARO HA, SOUTHERN ALPS
Surrounded by the towering Southern Alps and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, wellness retreat Aro Ha offers breathtaking views from its sub-alpine terrace. So as to properly accommodate welcoming swimming conditions all year round, the retreat features an icy plunge pool as well as an outdoor hot tub, both filled with water from the onsite spring.
Because we all know the urge to take a dip can hit at any time, rain, hail or shine.
CAPE KIDNAPPERS, HAWKE’S BAY
If you find swimming laps as relaxing as we do, this one’s for you. Set amongst 6,000 rolling acres of green pastureland, Cape Kidnappers ’50ft heated infinity pool is the definition of luxury.
When you’re not enjoying the depths you can take in 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and while away the hours under the shady poolside cabana. Who could possibly resist?
DELAMORE LODGE, WAIKEKE ISLAND
If you’d like to feel at one with the sky and the sea as you swim, we’ve found you the place to do it. Famed for its wineries and white sand beaches, Waiheke Island is also famous for the pool at Delamore Lodge.
The resort’s luxury outdoor swimming pool boasts a view across Hauraki Gulf that’s so beautiful it’s almost wrong, except it can’t be, because it feels so right.
The pool is so famous it’s even received international acclaim. Just take one look at the pictures, and it’s easy to see why.
EAGLES NEST, RUSSELL, BAY OF ISLANDS
So, this pool makes you feel like you’re literally swimming in scenery. And we kind of love it. Awarded an accolade for one of the World’s 10 Best Cliff-Edge Pools, Rahimoana Villa at Eagles Nest offers a 25-metre horizon-edge pool.
From its hilltop perch, you can absorb 320-degree views of the beautiful Bay of Islands.
You may end up staying in the water longer than your sunscreen is formulated to last, but a slightly darker tan is a small price to pay.
HUKA LODGE, TAUPO
There’s something about a cantilevered infinity pool that leaves you feeling immediately impressed, and the one at Huka Lodge’s Owner’s Cottage is particularly fantastic. Boasting spectacular views over the deep turquoise waters of the Waikato River, this swimming spot was initially opened as a fishing camp in the 1920s.
We’re told that guests can even enjoy fly-fishing straight from their bedroom. If that doesn’t plunge you straight into holiday mode, we’re not sure what will.
KAURI CLIFFS, MATAURI BAY
Nothing makes you feel like you’re on holiday quite like having access to secret shorelines. Located at Matauri Bay, Kauri Cliffs’ main lodge overlooks the Cavalli Islands, one of the top dive sites accessible via the North Island.
For the duration of their stay, guests can also enjoy the luxury lodge’s three private beaches, and a stunning infinity pool, at their leisure.
RIVERSIDE LODGE, BLACK BARN VINEYARDS
Riverside Lodge 1 is just one of Black Barn Vineyards’ 17 unique properties, the perfect place to stay for those who enjoy feeling more at home, and less at hotel, when they’re on holiday.
Sitting pretty above the natural water, the lodge’s pool overlooks the eastern side of the Tukituki River, and offers its own pavilion for pre and post-swim lounging.
SPLIT APPLE RETREAT, ABEL TASMAN
Built into a cliff face on the ocean’s edge, Split Apple Retreat looks out onto the breathtaking Tasman Bay. And if the words “built into a cliff face” weren’t enough to get your attention, you really need to hear about their luxurious amenities.
The retreat’s stunning saltwater infinity pool overlooks the rugged shores of the Tasman Sea, allowing ample opportunity for gazing into the distance while lost in wistful daydreams.
For those who like to be spoilt for swimming choice, The nearby Abel Tasman National Park is also home to some of New Zealand’s best secluded beaches, offering further enviable views.
