Local brothers Keith and Eric Kolver live for adventure. Growing up on a farm alongside the Kaituna River, the pair could be found white water rafting, biking, kayaking, and exploring nearby lakes and bush. At the end of each expedition, they would seek out a natural hot stream, a secret spot only a few locals knew about, where they would retell the day’s stories and share a drink and a laugh.

On a recent canoeing adventure deep in the heart of Te Uruwera National Park, the brothers were caught in a storm. Battered by wild, driving rain and gale-force winds the pair paddled on, dreaming of steaming hot tubs to chase away the chills. When Eric and Keith returned home, they hatched a plan to recreate the secret spot of their youth, a place they could share with fellow adventurers and visitors to their patch of paradise.

It took five years of hard work for their dream to become a reality. The brothers based their unique design on their love for the outdoors and were involved in every step of the process, from planting over 3000 native plants to designing their unique Shinny Dip foot hot tubs. With over 20 years of adventure tourism and business development experience, it had been a lifelong dream of Keith’s to operate a tourism business of his own. Together he and Eric, who had previously created multiple agricultural start-up companies, pooled their knowledge and worked together to overcome obstacles, implement systems, and create a secret spot worthy of being shared with others.

“We never gave up, we kept finding solutions to the challenges that faced us. It took a lot of effort to get to the start line, but once you get there that’s when the real marathon begins.” says Keith.

Secret Spot Hot Tubs opened its doors in October 2019, inviting locals and tourists alike to connect with nature, family, and friends. Visitors were treated to everything from cedar hot tubs on the edge of the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest to outdoor campfires and complementary Shinny Dips.

With a focus on friendship and togetherness, Keith and Eric’s business ethos is closely linked to the community; they support local forest groups and source their craft beverages and artisan bakery goods locally.

There have certainly been a few bumps along the way. A few months after opening came the first nation-wide lockdown and with borders closed, the brothers faced an uncertain future. Just as they had done in the past, the pair rolled with the punches, adjusted and welcomed the supportive New Zealanders that were exploring their backyard. Secret Spot kept its doors open from 9am to 10pm every day and made sure their many offerings would draw forest users and locals back to the experience again and again. Over the past three years, Secret Spot has received QualMark Gold standard, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2021, and was a finalist in the Rotorua Business Awards 2021.

What once was an idea on a wet riverbank has now become an exceptional Rotorua experience, attracting people from around the country, and Keith and Eric are delighted to share their experience of growing up in the outdoors with everyone who visits Secret Spot.