The Onsen Hot Pools experience is all about unwinding and relaxing while soaking-up the spectacular scenery looking out over the Shotover River. I booked the Onsen experience as a surprise for Kingsley on New Years Day.  Kingsley typically does not handle surprises very well so he was incredibly anxious about what was in store for him.  I probably didn't help matters by telling him to bring a flashlight,  his swim trunks and the GoPro camera. After swimming with wild dolphins a few days earlier I'm sure his head was spinning trying to figure out what we would be doing, especially with all the crazy adventure activities available in Queenstown.  I am pretty sure he was convinced that I had planned some extreme nighttime whitewater rafting excursion (which actually sounds really fun!).

On our way to the Onsen, I did mis-lead him a bit by making him drive into the entrance of the Shotover river water sport activities center just to keep him guessing (and freaking out for as long as possible). I am sure he was incredibly relieved when we finally arrived at the Onsen.

There are 6 private pools at the Onsen - each one is a large cedar tub that seats about 4 people - with a retracting window. I booked the candlelight package from 9pm - 10pm which was cozy and romantic. The view from our tub out over the Shotover River was stunning and very peaceful. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is spending a few days in Queenstown.