Relax & Refresh in Southland

Southland is filled with adventure around every corner, from jet boating and kayaking to Great Walks and scenic flights. However, sometimes finding moments of tranquillity is essential to restore our energy and well-being in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of our region, a collection of spas, retreats and hot tubs under starlit skies offer the perfect haven for relaxation and self-care. From Invercargill's urban comforts to the Catlins' remote charm and the peaceful paradise of Rakiura Stewart Island, these places invite weary souls to relax, unwind, and reconnect with the world around us.

Invercargill

Looking to unwind without straying far from the city? Invercargill offers a rich mix of wellness experiences—whether you're craving a quick escape or a full-body reset, there's something here to soothe your soul.

From float tanks and facials to beachfront saunas and bush baths, Southland's urban wellness scene blends luxury with nature in ways that are uniquely local. These experiences aren't just about pampering—they're about reconnecting with yourself.

If you're short on time but big on self-care, start with Beauty & Beyond Urban Retreat or The Beauty Bach. These city sanctuaries offer a range of services, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as dedicated "men's zones" for tailored treatments. At Beauty & Beyond, try floating therapy—a sensory experience where 600 kg of Epsom salt and 700 litres of body-temperature water create a weightless, deeply relaxing escape.

Just minutes from town, Southern Saunas brings Nordic wellness to Oreti Beach. Step into a wood-fired sauna with sweeping coastal views, then cool off with a dip in the ocean or a cold shower. Whether solo or with friends, it's a refreshing way to reconnect with nature, without leaving the city.

For a full-service experience, head to Aqua Salon & Spa in Winton. Just a short drive away, it offers everything from haircuts to revitalising facials and massages—all under one roof.

Ten minutes from Invercargill, the Otatara Fern and Feather Retreat invites you to soak in dual outdoor baths surrounded by native bush and birdsong. With hot stone massages, heat packs, and electric blankets, this peaceful haven is designed to melt stress and elevate your mood.

Have a bit more time? Treat yourself to an overnight stay at LongRidge Estate, where a wood-fired hot tub, fairy lights, and complimentary bubbles create a magical setting for stargazing and deep relaxation.

Invercargill's wellness offerings prove that you don't need to travel far to find peace. Whether it's the warmth of a sauna, the stillness of a float tank, or the serenity of a bush bath, Southland's southernmost city is your gateway to feeling good, inside and out.

Northern Southland

Looking for a peaceful escape off the beaten path? Northern Southland offers a retreat into nature where simplicity meets serenity. Whether you're craving solitude or a shared experience, the huts at Welcome Rock are designed to help you disconnect and recharge.

At the base of the mountain, The Red Shed—once a humble woolshed—is now a cosy studio for two. Twin outdoor baths invite you to soak in the sweeping farm views by day and gaze at the stars by night. Higher up, the Slate Hut sits near the summit of the 27 km loop track at 1100 metres above sea level. Getting there is part of the adventure—walk or bike the trail while your gear is delivered for you. The reward? A hot bath with panoramic views over the Mataura Valley and Eyre Mountains, and a sunset that feels like a private show.

For something truly rustic, spend the night at The Mud Hut. This back-to-basics hideaway offers another outdoor bath and a chance to slow down completely. With no distractions and nothing but the sounds of nature, it's a place to reconnect with the land and yourself.

Rakiura

Rakiura Stewart Island is the ultimate destination for deep relaxation and natural immersion. With its pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and peaceful pace, the island invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

For a truly immersive experience, spend the night in one of the island's luxurious accommodations. Rakiura Cabins and Observation Rock Lodge are nestled in lush native bush, offering a serene and private setting. Soak in an outdoor hot tub while listening to the calls of kākā, kākāriki, kiwi, or gaze up at a night sky so clear it feels infinite. At Observation Rock Lodge, fine dining is an integral part of the experience, featuring gourmet meals that showcase fresh seafood and homegrown herbs, paired with fine wines.

For something truly unforgettable, stay at the Tokoeka and Hananui PurePods. These innovative glass cabins offer uninterrupted views and complete solitude. With walls and ceilings made almost entirely of glass, you can relax in bed while watching the sunset, spotting kiwi, or simply soaking in the beauty of the island's untouched wilderness.

Whether you choose a starlit soak, a quiet moment in a glass cabin, or simply the stillness of the bush, Stewart Island offers a sanctuary for the senses. In this place, relaxation and rejuvenation come naturally.

The Catlins

With its spectacular coastline, native forests, deserted sandy beaches and cascading waterfalls, The Catlins is another excellent destination for a serene getaway. At the top of Table Hill, Beresford Heights offers a private magical hideaway. This lodge is off the grid and has everything you need for a luxurious escape, including a lovely hot tub outside offering sweeping panoramic views for you to enjoy. 

Nearby Tiromoana awaits; a coastal retreat with stunning vistas of the ocean. A spa pool on an extensive sun-drenched deck is the perfect place to sit, relax, and reconnect with nature's beauty. Close to Curio Bay and situated high on the hill above Waikawa, you will find Niagara Ridge Retreat. The coastal views are absolutely breathtaking, and you can enjoy them even better from their outdoor spa bath.

The Catlins offers travellers a unique experience of peace and tranquillity, rare wildlife, rugged coastlines and beautiful scenery. Combine this with fabulous accommodation facilities, and you can be assured of a great visit to The Catlins, leaving you feeling fully refreshed and recharged.

Fiordland

When it comes to finding the ultimate oasis to relax and unwind, Fiordland's beauty presents a breathtaking backdrop. By now, it should be apparent that our love here in Southland for outdoor hot tubs is quite evident. In our humble opinion, there's just no better place to soak and relax while taking in the natural beauty around you or the awe-inspiring sky of stars above.

There is abundant accommodation where you can unwind in the outdoor hot tub. Holiday parks like Te Anau Top 10 and Tasman Holiday Park are budget-friendly options in town, where you can soak your cares away. Blue Ridge Studios and B&B is a lovely place in the heart of Te Anau with an outdoor hydrotherapy heated spa pool. 

A little further out of town, you will find Alpine Rock B&B, where the quiet location and private hot tub offer you the perfect remedy for weary travel and tramping muscles. Fiordland Eco Retreat is a sustainable, relaxing stay where guests can simply drink in the unobstructed 360° panoramic views overlooking Lake Te Anau and the majestic Fiordland mountains beyond the outdoor hot tub.

Cabot Lodge is a beacon of peace and luxury, bordering the Fiordland National Park and overlooking Lake Manapouri. Sit back and indulge in everything this place can provide, from cocktail hours with drinks and canapés to gourmet cuisine, massage services and a spa pool. Everything you need to restore can be found right here while surrounded by Fiordland National Park's natural grandeur.
Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation in the area of Milford Sound. The luxurious rooms offer amazing views of the river, rainforest and mountains. Relax in a comfortable lounge as you watch the sparkling waters of Cleddau River tumble by outside your window or lie in the super king size bed and gaze in awe at the towering peaks rising up above the lush temperate rainforest.

In Manapouri, Kepler Mountain View Cottage is a place with magnificent views of the Kepler, Hunter and Takitimu Mountains. Soaking in the spa pool while the galaxy of wonders unfolds above you is the ultimate way to relax. As the warm, bubbling water envelops your body, the worries and stresses of the day melt away, leaving you in a state of blissful calmness. To top it off, you can meet the gentle and endearing alpacas that live here. With their calming energy and adorable antics, they are the perfect company for your relaxing getaway. 

If you want to indulge in a relaxing massage, perhaps after one of the many walks in the area, Fiordland Massage Clinic in Te Anau is the place for you. They offer a variety of massage treatments, including relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone treatment, couples' massages, hiker recovery and more. At their calm and refreshing space, you can take a break from your busy life and truly float away during your massage. 

Embarking on a cruise through the majestic Milford Sound while luxuriating in a hot tub is an extraordinary experience combining nature's spectacular beauty with the ultimate indulgence of relaxation. Feel Fiordland's crisp, pure air on your face while soaking in the warm, bubbling water. Aboard the boats of Fiordland Discovery or Pure Salt and let them take you on an unforgettable cruising experience. So far from civilisation and in tune with the natural rhythm of the sun and tides, you'll truly relax.