4 | DEVELOPMENT Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa Warming up in Methven from page 3 An interconnected network of tranquility pools, complete with star lit caves and swim up bar, is a premium adults-only experience. Locally sourced water, flowing from the mountains, passes through an industry-leading treatment system to deliver the pools’ clean, pure water. Pools are heated to a consistent temperature, adjusted through the year to align with local seasonal conditions. Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa occupies a different place in the market to other hot pools in the region. Rather than replicating what is already available, the emphasis has been on creating something unique with a real focus on ensuring the transition from arrival to pool entry is as comfortable as possible. Changing rooms are beautifully designed with under-floor heating and lockers are conveniently sited inside. The superb array of pools has across-themarket appeal. An interconnected network of tranquility pools, complete with star lit caves and swim up bar, is a premium adults-only experience. Solar tubs are a tranquil and private option for soaking away stress while enjoying panoramic alpine views. Those wanting a more energetic, family friendly experience will have a lot of fun exploring Ōpuke’s discovery pools with a crazy river, leap of faith 2.5m deep plunge pool, as well as starry caves and relaxation pools. Adding to the allure is Ōpuke’s day spa with a line-up of uniquely tailored treatments including signature inclusions like the Rasul Steam Room for cleansing and relaxing and dry flotation full-body treatment. Visitors with an appetite will find they are well catered for at Ōpuke, which offers wholesome options produced by local chef Oliver Luxton. This is also a great spot for a coffee and a catch-up. Savvy corporates can book Ōpuke’s private central mezzanine for their next function, (available for group bookings of up to 25). Packages can be tailored to include dining, pools and spa experiences. James is also the ski area manager at nearby Mt Hutt and sees good synergies between ski slope and thermal pools with ‘ski and soak’ packages poised to be a big drawcard this coming winter. “As the days get darker, we are planning to offer a later two-hour session finishing at 10pm that we’re sure will be immensely popular. It’ll be exciting to show off our pool lighting design, which really is impressive. Having an extra 150 people a night here will be a big boost for the town.” The idea of developing thermal pools in Methven was first mooted many years ago. It gathered momentum after Methven Adventures re-visited the concept and evolved the sustainability vision, (‘sourced from the mountains, powered by the sun’). A gamechanger for the project in 2019 was receiving a $7.5 million loan from the Government’s provincial growth fund. That persuaded more investors to come on board, with most of that investment coming from Canterbury businesses with a shared appetite for growth in the region. “Everyone who has been a part of this, including the construction and design team and our staff, is really proud of what we’ve got here now.” Some 6000 to 7000 people visited Ōpuke in its first few months of operation, producing flow-on benefits for other local businesses including accommodation providers. Numbers are projected to climb substantially once international visitors start coming into the country again. In the meantime, New Zealanders are making the most of this beautiful thermal pools and spa destination. Proud to be associated with the Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa project in Methven
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