Places to go
Bay of Plenty year round attraction, hot pools winter embrace or summer soak from Athenree to the iconic The Mount Hot Pools there are accommodation options, picnics in bush setting at Fernland Hot Pools and rustic campgrounds in Awareki. What a perfect combination with the Bay of Plenty top 5 beaches. Sun, sand, saltwater or natural warm mineral water. Swimming gear is all you need for a great holiday.
Winter, nothing like a slow embrace of warm mineralised hot springs. A pool with a sky lit by stars is a magic kiss to a romantic evening. A pool with a toddlers slide, less than a metre’s depth encourages all family members to give it a go. A pool with warm jets of water, shade and beautiful bush settings creates a memorable experience. Year round the Bay of Plenty attractions have resourced nature’s geothermal wealth for everyone to take the plunge. Several attractions offer accommodation so every day is a day soaking away the cares of the world.
THE MOUNT HOT OCEAN SALT WATER POOLS
A must-go attraction in Tauranga / Mount Maunganui is the classic doyenne of hot pools, the Mount’s salt water open air baths. There are massage jets, shade sails and pool seating. The toddlers pool is safe and lots of fun for little people. Enjoy a private pool with a massage.
Admission fees apply.
Dedicated hot pool fans check out the VIP Pass includes unlimited all-day access to the Mount Hot Pools and to all the photos taken on site by Magic Memories. A great way to capture your holiday moment.
ATHENREE HOT SPRINGS
Athenree Holiday Park hot pools are very popular with guests and visitors travelling in the area. The well landscaped grounds, clean facilities and care to detail attracts people year round to Athenree to soak in the mineral water. The pool water is fed from an underground aquifer and treated before the pools are filled. There are two pools. The larger pool is at an average temperature of 33-35c. The smaller pool is 39.5c for a relaxing soak in the steamy water. There is a continuous flow of water bubbling over skin, heavenly. For resort guests the pools are free, for visitors admission fees apply. Check What’s so great about Athenree for more ideas on what to do in the area.
OMOKOROA HOT POOLS
Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park sources water from a hot water underground stream. The water is naturally alkaline creating a silky smooth feel. There is a real healing element to this mineral water and a good soak will do wonders for aches and pains. The largest pool is 10 metres long and around 4 foot deep. This pool is heated to around 35c There is also a large hexagonal pool (ideal for children, at about waist height) heated to 37c.
The pool is open daily with visitors welcome. Guests of the holiday park have free entry with visitors being charged an entry fee. Exclusive for guests is a pool 39c designed to relax the senses.
OROPI HOT POOLS, CAFE & GARDEN BAR
The Oropi rural setting is home to hot pools with an onsite cafe. The temperature ranges from 28-30c with an increase in temperature to 34-36c in winter. Water is sourced deep underground over 400 metres from a naturally warm aquifer. There are private pools, indoor spas and easy access to the main pool via a ramp. The landscaped grounds include bouncy castles, play equipment and hammocks to lounge in. The cafe serves standard kiwi brunch / lunch fare and is experienced at catering for large groups.
Admission fees apply.
LOCATION
1 Warner Road, Ōropi, Tauranga
FERNLAND SPA MINERAL HOT POOLS
Lush bush creates a natural setting in suburban Tauranga. Fernland has camping / cabin accommodation and a hot pool attraction. The punga ferns thrive in the moist humid air of the pool frame, the pool complex softening the concrete pathway around the pool. The natural 100% non-chlorinated soda water is cleansing and with its constant flow clean and safe. There is a main pool and a private spa. The pool’s built-in seating encourages bathers to relax and enjoy the landscaped setting. Temperature ranges between 37-39c.
Admission fees apply for visitors. Guests of the complex get free admission.
For visitors arriving on Wednesday check out A gentle water exercise class run by a qualified exercise teacher, Wednesdays 10.45am -11.45am school term times.Enjoy the benefits of exercise in pure thermal water which supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. Check exercise class details beforehand to avoid disappointment.
LOCATION: 250 Cambridge Road, Tauranga
AWAKERI HOT SPRINGS
A rustic, basic camping ground has a hidden charm. The pool temperature, chemical composition and the therapeutic benefits are carefully documented on a hand-written blackboard next to the pool’s store and ticketing office. The bush canopy walk sets the scene for a series of pools well-maintained although they are not modern. There is a sense of seclusion and authenticity to the pools creating a pleasure of discovering pools that are true to their original purpose of relaxation and therapy. Water is described as a “weakly mineralised, neutral, chloride-bicarbonate water”. The main pools are chlorinated to comply with health regulations while the private spa pools use natural unchlorinated water direct from the bores. Shade is available over half the main pool, and a shallow pool for children is also on site.
One of the best walks in the district finishes at the hot pools. Latham’s Track – a 2 hour loop track that takes in stunning native bush, the site of an ancient Maori Pa and spectacular views right over the Eastern Bay Of Plenty and out to White Island. For more information check here for Bay of Plenty short walks.
LOCATION: SH 30, 16km from Whakatāne
WELCOME BAY HOT POOLS & HOLIDAY PARK
The campgrounds have had natural thermal mineral pools for a number of years. There are three interconnected pools with various temperatures. The main pool and the toddler pool are tepid and comfortable, with a depth of 70cm on one side to 1.2m at the deepest end. The small spa pool is the hottest, at around 39c. There are also plenty of BBQs and picnic tables around for socialising with your family and friends. The basic campground offers powered and non-powered sites as well as cabins and chalets using shared facilities.
Admission fees apply.
LOCATION: 409 Welcome Bay Road, Tauranga
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