Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Complex guidelines

For the safety and enjoyment of all please adhere to the following rules:

  • The natural geothermal water used in the pools can contain naturally occurring organisms and Waikite Valley Hotpools recommends patrons to please keep their head above water while bathing, as ingestion of the water can result in illness.
  • Children 8 years old and under must be actively supervised by a caregiver 16 years and older. The caregiver must be able to provide immediate assistance to the child if required.
  • No children under the age of 16 will be permitted entry without an adult.
  • There must be a minimum of 2 adults, aged 16 years +, in a private pool at all times.
  • Consecutive 40 minute private pool sessions are not permitted. 
  • No diving or jumping into the pools.
  • No running around the complex.
  • No lifting (shoulder riding) in the pools.
  • Swimwear/appropriate clothing must be worn at all times whilst in the pools.
  • Infants must wear swimming nappies, these can be purchased at reception.
  • No food or drink in the pools (beside drinking water).
  • No sportsgear in the pools.
  • No smoking or vaping.
  • No pets are permitted inside the pool complex. Exceptions will be made for guide dogs and others of the like.
  • No BBQ’s or cooking apparatus to be in the pool complex.
  • All picnic food must be consumed on the picnic tables by the settlers pool, not in the cafe.
  • The use of cameras must respect the privacy of other pool users.
  • No drones.
  • All danger signs in and around the complex must be adhered to and restricted areas must not be entered.
  • This is a Family Friendly Complex. In the event of excess noise after 9pm (21.00hrs ) or anti social behavior occurring, your campsite occupants will be asked to leave without the option of a refund. 
  • Customers are not permitted to bring their own alcohol into the complex.
  • No braziers or open fires in the campground. 
  • Always stay on the path provided and refrain from climbing on the fences or barriers when doing the Eco Trail.
  • Children are not to be unaccompanied on the Eco Trail. 
  • Campers are not to swim before 6am and must not swim alone before 8:30am before staff arrive.
  • Strictly no late check outs.

For the safety and enjoyment of all please adhere to the following recommendations:

  • Rehydrate with water while using pools.
  • Any patrons with underlying medical conditions get in contact with their doctor if they have any reservations about using our hot pools.
  • Check the depth and temperature of the pool before entering.
  • All clothing/valuables be left in lockers. Waikite Valley Hotpools does not accept responsibility for any damage or loss of belongings.
  • Treat all surfaces as slippery, take extra care.
  • Do not to swim after consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • Exit the pools if you feel unwell.
  • Request medical attention if unwell.

Visiting Groups Risk Assessment and Management

Given that this is a water-based activity, we require a ratio of 1:2 (Adults : Children 4 years old and under) and a ratio of 1:4 (Adults : Children 5 - 11 years old). Active supervision at all times is the responsibility of the group organiser/leader. Active supervision means watching the child at all times and being able to provide immediate help. The adult/s must be close enough to see the child, be seen by the child, hear the child, be heard by the child and reach the child immediately if they need help. Supervision at all times is the responsibility of the group organiser/leader. The group organiser/leader must first see management for instructions before the children enter the pool premises. School groups will generally be restricted to the splash pool.

 

Risk Assessment & Management Form

You can view and download out Risk Assessment & Management Form here. 

Download Form (PDF)

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
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