4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Secret Spot Hot Tubs Christchurch T T Karen Phelps Hot tub experience coming to Chch Keith and Eric Kolver - excited to be bringing their Hot Tub attraction to Christchurch. “It is exciting to be part of the momentum happening across Christchurch. We have confidence in the site, and believe it will become a destination in its own right.” Secret Spot Hot Tubs, the Rotorua-based forest bathing and sauna experience, is set to expand to Christchurch, with plans to open a new site at Christchurch Adventure Park in autumn 2027. The development will bring its signature cedar hot tubs, saunas and cold plunge tubs to a redwood forest setting on the city’s outskirts, offering visitors a way to unwind after mountain biking, ziplining or exploring the surrounding tracks. Set amongst native bush and close to central Christchurch, it is expected to operate seven days a week, from morning through to late evening, providing both park users and casual visitors with a new way to experience the forest environment. “We created Secret Spot because we wanted to share the experience of growing up in the great outdoors,” says Eric Kolver, who founded Secret Spot Hot Tubs with brother, Keith. Eric says those early experiences, including a formative canoe trip in challenging conditions, helped shape the concept. “On a trip deep in Te Urewera, while canoeing in torrential rain and wind, we talked about how incredible it would be to soak in warm cedar tubs with a mulled wine at the end of the day,” he says. The Christchurch site will feature an initial stage of 12 cedar hot tubs, four saunas and multiple cold plunge tubs, alongside the brand’s popular ‘Shinny Dips’ foot soak. A second stage of expansion is planned for the years following opening. Eric says Christchurch Adventure Park, already known for its mountain-biking trails, forest setting and adventure activities, is considered an ideal location for the expansion, offering a natural synergy between outdoor recreation and relaxation. He says the team has spent three years planning the Christchurch project and working with local businesses to bring it to life. “It is exciting to be part of the momentum happening across Christchurch. We have confidence in the site, and believe it will become a destination in its own right.” Since launching in Rotorua in 2019, Secret Spot Hot Tubs has built a strong following among locals, tourists and the mountain-biking community. It has received multiple international tourism awards and recognition for its forest bathing experience, as well as maintaining an active social media presence. The experience focuses on informal relaxation in a natural setting, with tub-side drinks service with forest views. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, connect with friends and family, and enjoy time in nature after a day of adventure. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Secret Spot Hot Tubs to Christchurch Adventure Park,” says Paul Milligan, the park’s CEO. “They have built something truly special in Rotorua, and we believe their concept is a natural fit for what we offer here. This is a wonderful addition to our park and to the wider Christchurch visitor experience.” Eric says further details on bookings and facilities will be released closer to opening as construction progresses over the coming months ahead of launch. e2environmental.com Stormwater, wastewater and water supply • Hydrology & Hydraulic Modelling • River Management • Land Development • Environmental Consents Proudly supporting Secret Spot on a successful project
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