Soak up the views in our healing waters
Aotearoa’s incredible array of thermal pools and hot springs are the ‘hottest’ attractions around the country, writes
It is rare that a tourist attraction is just as popular with locals as it is with visitors, but everyone loves Aotearoa’s thermal hot springs. The springs are littered around the country, and are most prevalent in the central North Island’s Taupo¯ volcanic zone, a strip of volcanic land stretching from Whakaari/White Island to Ruapehu.
That said, they are also hidden in the bush, bubbling under beaches, and even surrounded by glaciers. For locals, they provide rest, relaxation, and a dose of luxury. And for visitors, they are the perfect accompaniment to our other major tourism drawcard – outdoor adventures.
Not only are they the perfect place to recuperate after a hike, but they offer a dose of culture and history too. The springs are deeply rooted in Ma¯ ori culture; many come with stories, atua, and notable people and events attached to them.
One Te Arawa narrative tells of Nga¯ to¯ roirangi, who came to Aotearoa on the Arawa waka and attempted to conquer Tongariro. However, when the cold on the mountain threatened to overwhelm him, he prayed to his sisters in Hawaiki to send fire to save him. They sent the fire taniwha¯ (or goddesses of fire) Te Pupu and Te Hoata, who swam to Aotearoa, surfacing at Whakaari/ White Island before making their way to Tongariro. They surfaced many times on their way, at each point bringing fire up through the earth, creating Taupo¯ ’s volcanic zone.
For centuries, Ma¯ ori – like many indigenous peoples – have been making use of thermal pools and their healing powers. The pools are created when rainwater seeps through rock to be heated deep in the earth before rising again. The water contains minerals from the rock which, along with the heat of the water, are where the pools’ healing properties come from. Thermal hot pools were, and often still are, used to treat everything from skin and digestive issues, to arthritis and insomnia.
They were also used for more mundane purposes such as bathing, relaxation, cooking, and even navigation. Just like you know you are close to Rotorua when its aroma fills the car, people could follow their noses like a GPS.
Daily life for early Ma¯ ori was centred so much around the springs that Pa¯ keha¯ settlers couldn’t help but notice, and wasted no time in testing – and claiming – the waters for themselves.
This led to their commercialisation in the 1880s, when settlers began building spas, marketing them as natural healing wonders and tourist attractions, as was all the rage in Europe at the time.
Where to find Aotearoa’s hot pools Northland
In the heart of Northland, Nga¯ wha¯ Springs boasts 16 public geothermal pools and eight private pools. It is closed due to Covid, but when it reopens, it is unquestionably worth a visit.
Great Barrier Island
Mix exploring with relaxing at Kaitoke Hot Springs, an easy, 45-minute walk through nature, and a lovely day out. If you are after more of a challenge, and a more exclusive reward, further down the track is the Peach Tree Hot Springs, which isn’t so easy to find, but well worth the extra effort.
Auckland
Well known to Aucklanders is Parakai Springs. It has everything from private spas to hydro slides and it is only about half an hour’s drive from the city. Palm Springs is right across the road. It is smaller and more suited to those after a more lowkey experience.
Waikato
You can visit establishments that have been drawing tourists for more than 100 years in Waikato. Te Aroha Springs, which draws its water straight from Mo¯ kena Geyser, and the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, which boasts allnatural springs, with an organic sand bottom.
Or go old-school, and dig your own pool at
Ka¯ whia’s own hot-water beach.
Bay of Plenty
There is no going past the world-famous Hot Water Beach in Coromandel where, at low tide, you can dig yourself a spa pool in the sand.
In Whitianga, The Lost Spring offers more luxury, with poolside service and a day spa.
There is also an impressive selection of pools in Taupo¯ , such as Wairakei Terraces; the natural rock pools and waterfalls at Otumuheke Stream; the thermal area, stream and pools at Tokaanu; or for a taste of resort luxury, Taupo¯ DeBretts.
In Tauranga, you can visit Oropi Hot Pools, where the water is sourced from an on-site bore; and the famous Mount Hot Pools, where seawater is heated by hot bore water from saltwater streams, 600 metres under Ma¯ uao.
And, of course, Rotorua is Aotearoa’s hub of thermal activity. Soak in the wild at places such as Kerosene Creek or Lake Tarawera’s (Te Ra¯ ta¯ Bay) hot water beach. Or check out one of the more spa-type experiences such as Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, popular Polynesian Springs, and experience mud and sulphur pools at Hell’s Gate.
Taranaki
Taranaki Thermal Spa is home to the historic Tarawhata Mineral Baths, with spa and beauty
treatments, private pools and an infrared sauna.
Hawke’s Bay
Mangatutu Hot Springs takes a long drive and a short walk to get to, but it is worth the effort. There are thermal pools to enjoy, and a popular DOC camping, picnic and fishing spot in beautiful Kaweka Forest.
West Coast
If you are a keen hiker, Welcome Flat Hot Pools is for you. You have to work to get there, but you will be rewarded with a hot soak surrounded by some of Aotearoa’s most beautiful scenery. If you want the treats without much mahi, there is Maruia Hot Springs in the Lewis Pass national reserve.
Canterbury
Canterbury has thermal springs with postcard views. Visit uber-popular Hanmer Springs for pools and spa experiences, or head to Tekapo Springs for a soak while you gaze at the stars in the Dark Sky Reserve. In Christchurch, New Brighton’s visit He Puna Taimoana hot saltwater pools.