Hot pools
Aotearoa New Zealand is home to a wide variety of hot pools, including both geothermal and non-geothermal pools. Both types of hot pools play an important role in tourism, and health.
Investing in hot pools is important for tourism in New Zealand. Hot pools are a unique and valuable asset that can attract visitors from all over the world, extend the tourist season, and encourage visitors to stay longer – supporting local communities.
Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
The Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa received a $7.5 million Provincial Growth Fund loan to develop a wellness and tourism complex, which heats water straight from the mountains using its own solar panel farm.
Completed in November 2021, the tourist attraction is creating sustained jobs in Methven, making it easier for local people and their whānau to stay in the area, while also contributing to the local economy, with the accommodation and retail businesses reaping the benefits of tourism all year round.
Find out more about Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa.
(Te Waiariki) Ngawha Springs
While a basic facility was initially established to transform Ngawha Springs in to a commercially viable resource for Te Tai Tokerau, Northland and to safeguard the waters, the last major renovation took place in the 1970’s. The facilities required substantial upgrades to ensure it could continue to safely host visitor’s and uphold the Parahirahi Ngāwhā Waiariki Trust’s (The Trust) kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and wairuatanga (spirituality) of this taonga (treasure).
The Trust received a $1.79 million Provincial Growth Fund grant to redevelop and enhance a geothermal hot springs complex - further boosting the region’s tourism market, generating employment, benefitting local businesses, and elevating a significant local landmark.
The project was co-funded by Kānoa, Foundation North, Lotteries, Te Puni Kōkiri and Northland Inc.
Find out more about Ngawha Springs.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa provides a 5-star wellness orientated spa/bathing situated on the edge of Rotorua’s lakefront and in the heart of the existing CBD. This tourism attraction was opened in June 2023, following a 5-year development and a $38 million investment from the Government, employing up to 250 people through construction and supporting a number of local businesses.
This is New Zealand’s only spa owned by mana whenua and offers services that incorporate the long standing and unique Ngāti Whakaue practices and culture into their environment and services. A facility like this, combined with the manaakitanga provided by Ngāti Whakaue and the team onsite providing the services, is a tourism offering of significant potential value for the region.