Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Waikato is a lush region known for its farmland, bushland and natural mineral hot pools. Created by the volcanic activity below the earth’s surface, Waikato’s hot pools offer soothing waters with healing minerals direct from nature. You’ll find a variety of hot pools and hot springs in Waikato that give you scenic surroundings, a luxurious spa atmosphere, additional day spa services, child-friendly activities and poolside service, so you can choose the best experience. Find out more about the hot pools in Waikato and see what you can expect from your trip.
Waingaro Hot Springs for kids' amenities
Waingaro Hot Spring is a fun spa destination with activities for the whole family. You’ll find sulphur-free hot mineral pools with poolside canopies, a hot pool and a waterslide for the kids to play. The resort also has a toddlers’ pool for the little ones to get in on the fun. You can visit for the day to take advantage of the healing waters, or book accommodation on-site to enjoy the mineral pools for your whole holiday.
Te Puia Springs for bush walks
Te Puia Springs is a vibrant travel destination with an abundance of activities that centre around mineral hot pools. You could take a guided geothermal walk through natural bushland with geysers and mud pools along the Te Whakarewarewa geyser terrace. Te Puia also has a beach with a natural hot spring that forms at low tide. All you have to do is bring a shovel and dig your own bath to relax in the soothing waters.
Te Aroha Mineral Springs for a luxurious experience
Te Aroha Mineral Springs are one of the most popular spa areas in the Waikato region. Flowing from Mount Te Aroha, the mineral springs offer a luxurious experience on your trip. You’ll find traditional wooden tubs for therapeutic bathing, as well as leisure pools, an outdoor spa pool and a large heated pool that’s open to the public. You could also bathe in a restored Edwardian geothermal bathhouse or take the kids to the toddler pool.
Okoroire Hot Springs for healing soaks
Constructed in 1880, the Okoroire Hot Springs contains manmade pools designed to capture the geothermal waters near Blue Spring. The Okoroire pools are renowned for their warm sand and silica waters with purported healing properties. The bottom pool also has a colony of glowworms on the banks and illuminates in low light.
Opal Hot Springs for family fun
Located in Matamata, also known as Hobbiton, Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park is a beautiful spa location with features like the Wairere Falls and several indoor and outdoor hot pools. You can relax in the heated outdoor pool with kid-friendly features like slides and shallow areas, but there’s also a set of outdoor mineral pools for a relaxing soak. If you want time to yourself, you’ll find a private indoor spa pool with natural mineral water and an outdoor mineral pool surrounded by bamboo and native ferns.
Miranda Hot Springs for swimming with the kids
Miranda Hot Springs is a historic mineral pool complex with 3 pools for different types of visitors. The largest pool features hot thermal mineral water that’s accessible by an aqua lift. There’s also a children’s pool with cooler temperatures, so you can bring the kids along on the trip. You’ll also have access to an adult-only sauna pool with hot water for a soothing soak. If you want space to yourself, the complex offers 4 private spa pools. Other spa amenities include eateries, picnic areas, and an ice cream shop. Families can also use a jumping pillow, game room and adventure playground for kids.
The Lost Spring for a natural spa experience
The Lost Spring is one of the best hot pools in Waikato. Surrounded by native bush, the Lost Spring offers mineral-rich, geothermal waters in bedrock pools where you can soak and soothe sore muscles or relax on your trip. You’ll have a touch of luxury at the pools as well, such as poolside cocktails and grazing platters. You’re welcome to bring your own robe and towel, but they’re also available for hire at the resort. If you want more pampering, there’s a day spa with a full menu of spa treatments set in the treetops of lush native bush.