Wanganui River Hot Springs (West Coast)

The Wanganui River Hot Springs on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island are rare natural siliceous thermal springs accessible only by a demanding multi-day wilderness tramping route through the wild upper Wanganui River valley in Westland, where the springs emerge in remote native beech forest far from any road access, accessible only to experienced trampers willing to ford glacier-fed rivers and navigate unmarked routes in the Southern Alps' most remote western wilderness. The springs, one of the few true geothermal phenomena in the South Island's mountain landscape dominated by glacial and river processes rather than volcanic activity, provide exceptional reward for the considerable physical commitment required to reach them. The experience of soaking in natural siliceous hot spring water in the complete silence of South Island beech wilderness — with only the sounds of the river and native birds for company — represents one of New Zealand's most genuinely remote and uncommercialised natural thermal experiences.