Rotorua’s Favourite Hot Pools

A special place, where geothermal waters flow, creating a unique haven to soak, stay and explore the natural wonders.

Crafted by nature

Tucked away between Rotorua and Taupo, Waikite Valley sits in the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

Soak in our pure geothermal water, explore the eco-trail to Te Manaroa Spring, or stay with us in our campground to experience the raw wonders of nature. 

Hot Pools

Public Geothermal Hot Pools

Immerse yourself in pure geothermal hot pools and spectacular natural surroundings. 

Private Pools

Private Geothermal Hot Pools

Indulge yourself with a secluded soak, exactly as you want it, in our private hot pools. 

Camp

Campground

Stay with us and enjoy a beautiful natural location and access to our hot pools.

Explore

Eco Trail

Explore our eco-trail to Te Manaroa Spring, and follow the story of our geothermal water from the source. 

Eat

Eat

A visit to Waikite Valley Hot Pools is a treat for all of your senses. Don't forget to treat your tastebuds!

About

About Us

A special place, created by community, cared for by us, and embraced by visitors from near and far.

A special place

Geothermal water flows through this special place, bringing the valley to life with rare plant and birdlife, and creating a haven to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

The journey of our water starts at Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. It flows continuously through the pools and out through the valley. The water you bathe in has been cooled, but not treated in any way, it's exactly as nature intended. 

 

To share and protect

Waikite Valley Hot Pools and Campground has been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, and now attracts visitors from near and far.

As guardians of this unique environment, we honour our responsibility to protect and enhance this place, so it can be an oasis to wildlife, locals and visitors alike for years to come.

Plan your visit

We’re off the beaten track. When you get here you’ll see why it’s worth the short drive.

Opening Hours

We are open daily from 10.30am to 8pm. Last entry is at 7pm as we start to drain pools at 7.15pm.

Location

Waikite Valley Hot Pools
648 Waikite Valley Road, Waikite Valley 3077

GPS co-ordinates:
Latitude -38.327164, Longitude 176.302929

Drive Time

Waikite Valley Hot Pools are just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua and 45 minutes from Taupo.

From Rotorua, travel south towards Taupo on SH5 (the same route as Te Pā Tū, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland). Turn right onto Waikite Valley Road (opposite the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland turn-off) and follow the Waikite signs for 6km.

Lovely place tucked away surrounded by farms and bush.

They have several pools with different temperature. A luxurious way to wind down.

Shirley Hodge April 2025

Well worth a visit or stay

Very tidy well kept facilities. Nice selection of pools. 

C Rose May 2025

LOVE this place.

 Like a little slice of heaven carved into the bush.

Melissa Stone June 2025

It is absolutely divine.

The worst thing about Waikite is leaving and not knowing when you will be back. The pools are the best I've ever been to.

The beef nachos were delicious and would absolutely go back for seconds if I could...

P P June 2025

Love this place set in beautiful nature.

Great pools great campspots 10 out of 10 will go again

Paul Haimes July 2025

Highly recommend a visit.

Visited the Waikite Hot Pools today. A lovely experience. Beautiful, lush & peaceful setting. Very friendly staff & tasty food in the cafe! 

Romie Saunders July 2025

We will be back.

We stayed two nights in our Motorhome with our grandchildren aged 4 & 5. We loved the pools and the location and the facilities.

Nikki July 2025

Highly recommend!

Stunning location, slightly off the beaten track. The pools are clean, beautifully warm and the amenities are well maintained. The staff were friendly, and the café served good food at reasonable prices.

It’s not a high-end spa like you might find in Rotorua but the relaxed, family-friendly vibe and quiet setting make it feel less touristy and create a really enjoyable experience. The short walk to Te Manaroa Spring is well worth it.

Georgia Thompson July 2025

Visiting the hot pools was a truly relaxing experience overall, offering a serene escape.

The various pools, each with a different temperature, provided a diverse range of comfort. The natural setting surrounding the pools was stunning, enhancing the sense of tranquility. I would highly recommend a visit to these hot pools for anyone seeking relaxation.

Pratik Sankhe July 2025

Love this place set in beautiful nature.

A must visit when we are in the area.

Mari Oquist July 2025

Beautiful spot.

Came here not sure what to expect. What a great place, very clean, staff were awesome and very welcoming. Bonus having a small cafe here. We will be back.

Tony and Kathy Gray August 2025

Staff were amazing, courteous, helpful and friendly. Pools were clean, they get emptied and refilled every night. Facilities are clean tidy. Resort level tidy.

The nature walk just adds to the experience If you stay in the campground to get access before the public which is a nice an peaceful way to begin the day. Amazing, this is a well kept secret, worth the drive from Rotorua.

Aaron Paki August 2025

Love these pools.

So clean and plenty to choose from.

Andrew Ivey September 2025

An absolute must place to visit

An absolute must place to visit, lovely hot pools and a variety of temperatures. Another must is to walk up the track, 10 minutes to see the source of the boiling water 98 degrees.

Roland September 2025

Beautiful spot.

Amazing thermal pools with adjoining campground. Daily charge includes access to pools - multiple times if desired.

Elizabeth Russell September 2025

The hot pools? Undeniably healing.

 But the carrot cake? Just as divine. Being a camper and having early access, absolute treat.

George Bubb September 2025

A favorite!

About 28 km from Rotorua, mostly up a paved rural road off the highway from Rotorua to Taupo. A series of pools, getting warmer as you proceed uphill towards the source of the hot spring. The water has to be cooled because it comes out of the ground at 99C. The pools are nicely built and the views are great. After you've soaked, walk the eco trail and read the informative panels along the path.

Gang Warily Jan 2024

Frequently Asked Questions Customers often ask...

Waikite Valley Hotpools FAQs
What is the cost of admission?

You can see all of our pricing and make an online booking here

What are your opening hours?

We are open 7 days a week 10:30am - 8pm. Last entry is 7pm as we begin to drain the pools at 7:15pm.

Is there food available on-site?

Yes, our café is open 11.30am to 6pm daily. 

What are the temperatures of the pools?

The pools vary from 30°C-41°C. Temperature ranges for each pool can be found here. Private pools have individual temperature controls. 

Can I put my head under the water?

As these are natural geothermal pools we recommend that keep your head above water while bathing.

Do you hire towels?

Yes, you can add on towel hire when you book online.

Can we do bombs in the pool?

Sorry, we don't allow jumping in or diving into our pools. 

How can I make a group booking?

You can book for groups of 20-60 people directly on our website under Book a Soak.

Can I use the pools if i'm pregnant or have a health condition?

We recommend that you get advice from your medical provider using our hot pools.

Do you offer deals for Rotorua locals?

Yes! We do offer local discounts for Rotorua residents who present ID at reception. Acceptable ID includes a Rotorua Mai Card, a driver's license with an address or a bill with an address (as well as photo identification).

Each adult is required to have an acceptable form of ID in order to receive the discount.

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