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Rotorua Hot Springs Guide

Polynesian Spa

Ranked in the top 10 spas in the world in the natural, medical and thermal category in 2004-2007 and again in 2009 this spa is centrally located and easy to find.

There are pools for the kids, adults and the whole family including private pools with amazing views overlooking Rotoruas great lake. Adults can try out the fabled ‘Priest Pool’ which is believed to have curative properties to ease your aches and pains. If you don’t believe so much in the fabled properties of the water, then try the amazing spa therapies on offer sure to have you feeling great in no time!

You’ll hear more about the minerals in the spa of you ride the Duck but also make sure you check out the Hot Springs Café and after your spa therapy try a little retail therapy at the gift shop.

Directions from the Isite: Head down Fenton Street away from the lake until you find Hinemoa Street. Take a left and you will see Polynesian Spas located at the end of Hinemoa Street, very easy to spot!

 

The Bridge Aka ‘Hot n Cold’

50-pic3-waiotapu-streamIf you are going to see the Waiotapu thermal wonderland (which quite frankly you should be) you should check out the nearby hot pool. Even if you aren’t going to Waiotapu this hot pool is still a great spot to relax, and its FREE!

What makes this area so special is that it is where a hot spring and a cold river combine so if you like you water not too hot or very hot there is something for everyone, just move around until you find a temperature that suits you!

This spring can get fairly busy at peak times but is great when the sun goes down or a great place to meet travellers and locals alike!

Directions from town: Follow the signs to Taupo and continue towards Taupo for around 20-30 minutes until you see signs for ‘Waiotapu Thermal Park.’ Turn down that road (which is a loop road) until you come to a one lane bridge. Park on either side of the bridge and walk down the stairs located right next to it to find the water.

 

Kerosene Creek

Image result for kerosene creekOne of the more famous free Rotorua hot springs. Enjoy this hot stream that flows down through natural bush providing an excellent relief for aches and pains as well as being amazingly relaxing. If you’ve just hiked Rainbow Mountain, or any of the other amazing trails out in that area, make sure you visit this spring on the way back to town.

This is a remote location so make sure you don’t leave any valuables in your car while you’re in the springs.

Directions from town: Heading south from Rotorua on the road to Taupo (about 30km), pass the turn off to Murupara on your left, pass a lake on your right, then take the next left turn, just past a small bridge (only about 1/2 km from the Murupara turnoff). The signpost is Old Waiotapu Road. You’ll most likely see other cars parked about 5-10mins down the dirt road and you’ll see the trail by this carpark that leads to the spring.

 

Hot Water Beach, Wairua Stream and the Champagne Pool

The gems of Lake Tarawera! The best way to access these spots is by boat or water taxi but you can do a 5ish hour walk to get to hot water beach if you’d prefer. (see our upcoming ‘hiking’ blog for more information).

Hot Water Beach requires a spade, dig a hole and watch it fill up with natural hot water, just be careful of the temperatures!

Image result for wairua stream

Wairua Stream and the Champagne Pool can only be accessed by boat, simply park up near to these spots (see the directions below) and people have separated geothermal areas with rocks and sandbags so there are natural hot springs ready to go right on the side of the lake including amazing views of Tarawera and our native bush. If you have the means to get there then it’s a must do!

Directions to the Landing: Head out of Rotorua towards the lakes, pass the blue lake and continue until you see a sign for the Landing Café and Clearwater Cruises and take a right. You’ll find the landing at the bottom of this road

Directions from the landing to the springs: Launch your boat or jump on the water taxi and head straight for the volcano. You’ll see, as you get close, that the lake opens up to the right in a semi narrow channel, follow this for a short time and watch the lake open back up into a wider area. Hot water beach is the visible beach to the left side, the Champagne Pool is in the middle of the 3, you’ll see a very small beach, keep a keen eye to find this secluded spot and the Wairua Stream is down to the right side as far right as you can go. Park your boat and head down the trail to find this bush pool.

The Duck drivers love the Rotorua springs so if you want any further information have a chat to us and we will do our best to point you in the right direction!

#ROTORUADUCKTOURS

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