Top 5 places to get into hot water
“We're so lucky, as we have tiny natural mineral water 'hot spots' all over the
Waikato.” –Michele Laurie
Michele has lived in Te Aroha for 18 years with her husband and their children. Michele is the manager of the Te Aroha i-SITE, and one of her favourite pastimes is getting into hot water in Hamilton & Waikato's hot pool retreats.
Te Aroha Mineral Spas – Pure, natural soda water is the most pristine silky water you'll find in the country. People have been "taking the waters" in Te Aroha since before early European times and Maori would use the curative hot waters to soothe their wounds after battle. The water still flows crystal clear from the mountain and these private mineral hot pools are open until late every day. Bookings are recommended, especially when the weather turns chilly.
Te Aroha Leisure Pools – A modern leisure pool complex under the "Mountain of Love." There's a warm tepid pool for play and relaxation; a toddlers’ pool and rain umbrella; and a hot spa pool tucked in the corner where Mum and Dad can retreat and relax. Well-supervised and located in the beautiful Te Aroha Domain, the Leisure Pools are a perfect spot for a picnic and a swim after a walk in the forest park.
Te Puia Springs – Take State Highway 31 to Kawhia and follow the signs to Ocean Beach. Feel around with your feet by wriggling your toes in the sand until you find a hot spot. If you don't find one straight away, keep digging around. Rising steam is a good clue. You have two hours on either side of low tide to dig your own hot pool. Ask at the Visitor Centre or check a tide chart for the best times to go.
Opal Hot Springs – As Kiwi as it gets! This campground and hot pool complex is Kiwi camping as it used to be. There’s heaps of space to set up camp, room for the kids to play, and three pools ranging from tepid (for swimming and water play) to hot (for soaking and relaxing). The real gem, down a little pathway, is the Ramaroa pool. For a few extra dollars you can hire this 'Romanesque' pool for a private soak.
Waingaro Hot Pools – Make a weekend of it at Waingaro Hot Pools. There are tent and campervan sites, a BBQ area and a children’s play area, as well as three hot-pools and two hot-water hydroslides to keep the kids (and kids at heart) entertained for hours!
