Maruia hot springs in New Zealand have welcomed new owners, who are set to undertake major redevelopment works.

James White – a hot springs research and development consultant – is now managing director of Maruia Hot Springs, and has promised a world-class bathing and wellbeing attraction, as well as a “total renewal of the Southern Alps bathing experience which fits harmoniously into the surrounding mountains.”

White and his partner, Kim Hamilton, are planning extensive revitalising and expansion of the open-air hot pools that will help Maruia Hot Springs “become the blissful New Zealand nature escape that it should be – one which embraces traditional and contemporary hot springs features,” he said.

Australia’s Peninsula Hot Springs, also planning an expansion, is a co-investor. PHS founder and CEO Charles Davidson sits on the board of the Australasian spa and Wellness Association with White, and both have traveled extensively together, gleaning ideas and inspiration from geothermal springs around the world.

White and Hamilton have been rejuvenating what was a Japanese-style bath house into two communal indoor bathing experiences. Other eco-resort facilities soon to be developed include thermal massaging showers, heated stone beds, new changing facilities, relaxation lounges, a sauna, steamroom and more indoor relaxation experiences.

The outdoor and indoor bathing pools are fed from a natural 56 degree Celsius (133 degrees Fahrenheit) mineral spring, and the eco-resort generates its electricity from its own hydro-power station.

“It’s great to see another option for geothermal hot springs in the Canterbury Region,” said Tony Saunders, Tourism New Zealand general manager. “We know that Australian visitors find hot springs appealing, and adding an alpine element makes it a very unique experience. Given the growing trend towards relaxing and rejuvenating holidays, we'd expect participation in this experience to be high.”