Public Geothermal Hot Pools

A choice of hot pool for everyone

The public hot pools offer a range of bathing experiences in a spectacular natural setting. Geothermal water flows into the pools after being cooled over the cascades to the perfect bathing temperature.

Entry to the pools includes access to our eco trail to Te Manaroa Spring, so you can follow the journey of our water straight back to the source. 

The geothermal water is ‘alive’ and can contain naturally occurring organisms. For the health and safety of everyone, we ask that visitors please keep their head above water while bathing, as ingestion of the water can result in illness.

 

 

Book a Soak

Prices and Temperatures

General Admission

Includes access into the 6 general pools. The prices below exclude online booking fees. 

Adults $25.00
Children
(5 - 15 yrs)
$13.00
Infants
(under 5 yrs)
$4.00
Spectators/Eco Trail $4.00
Family Concession
(2 adults and 2 children)
$66.50
Senior Citizen
(Super Gold Card or photo ID required)
$18.00

Book online to reserve your spot during busy seasons. At peak times, we do operate controlled entries if we are at capacity. 

Bringing a sports team, school group or tour group? For group bookings, please email manager@hotpools.co.nz

Book a Soak
Season Passes

We offer 12 month season passes for families, couples and individuals.

Family Season Pass
(2 adults and up to 4 children)
$385
Additional child $45
Couple Season Pass
(2 adults)
$285
Individual Season Pass
(1 adult)
$175

(Prices subject to change at any time and Terms/Conditions apply)

Towel/Tog Hire Available

Subject to availability

Towel hire $18*
Men's shorts hire $18*
Women's one piece swimsuit hire $18*

*All hire fees include a $10 deposit which will be refunded upon return

Add to your booking when you book online.

Pool Temps
The Settlers Pool 36°C-38°C
The Soak Pool 39°C-41°C
The Garden Pool 37°C-39°C
The Pergola Pool 35°C-38°C
The Tubs 30°C-34°C
Private Pools (individually controlled) 36°C

Our Hot Pools

The Settlers Pool

The Settlers Pool is the foundation of the Waikite Valley Hotpools complex. It marks the beginning of bathing in the Te Manaroa Spring Waters, whereby settlers to Waikite Valley devised a means to divert and cool the boiling waters of Te Manaroa. A series of cascades were built to flow the thermal waters over, with the intention of using air temperatures to cool the water from the spring to suitable bathing temperatures .Once this was achieved they set about to build a pool which was opened on 1st July 1972. Today the Settlers pool sits between 36°- 38° Celsius for all to enjoy.

The Settlers Pool
​The Pergola Pool

Enjoy stunning views overlooking the boiling Otamakokore Stream and Waikite Valley beyond while soaking in the 35°- 38° Celsius covered Pergola Pool.

​The Pergola Pool
The Garden Pool

Our Tranquil Garden Pool overlooks the boiling Otamakokore Stream and out across the Waikite Valley through native bush. Enjoy nature’s ambience at its best during the day or soak under the stars at night in the 37°- 39° Celsius pool.

The Garden Pool
The Tubs

Relax in the outdoor tubs for a cool off in 30°- 34° Celsius water while watching the action in the main Settlers pool.

The Tubs
The Soak Pool

With an average temperature of 39° - 41° Celsius, it's easy to soak away stress and worries whilst taking in the fresh country air and listening to the pure geothermal water flowing over the cascades. 

The Soak Pool
Private Pools

Get away from the crowd and seek some peace and quiet with someone on your wavelength.

Read More
Private Pools

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.

Perfect thermal pools off the beaten track.

Wanna soak in a real NZ thermal pool and not pay a fortune?

We found Waikite thermal pools by accident and, though there are adequate public pools, opted for a private pool.

Perfect for an escape and a relax without overinflated Rotorua prices, Waikite had lovely, friendly staff and, though off the beaten track, was well worth it.

Rob S May 2023

Worth the drive from Rotorua

Such a great place to visit, well worth the 30min drive from Rotorua.

A range of pools to soak in and a large enough area for the kids to splash about without bothering those in the hottest pools. Had food there too, Nachos were spot on and the hot chip were good.

Will be getting an annual ticket so we can come back every month.

Les Jul 2023

Relaxing couple of hours.

We had a great time relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, soaking up the natural waters of splendid temperatures of 36°...Wonderful!

The young staff were so very helpful and pleasant.

Pauline O Sep 2023

A relaxing day

Wonderful relaxing quiet day. With 6 pools to choose from which were surrounded by beautiful plants it was a lovely day. The food was good and plenty of cool water to drink to keep hydrated.

Sandra W Nov 2023

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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