A guide to hot pools in Taupō

The Taupō region is home to several natural and commercial hot pools, each offering a different experience, providing the perfect post-adventure therapy. 

• Otumuheke Stream 
• Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
• AC Baths & Thermal Hot Pools
• Tokaanu Thermal Pools
• Taupō Debretts Hot Springs
• Tūrangi Turtle Pools

Otumuheke Stream, Spa Thermal Park

Warm up in the waters of Taupō town's beautiful natural hot spot, Otumuheke Stream at Spa Thermal Park. Warm geothermal waters from the Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River, providing a hot spot where bathers can relax in healing mineral water.

Soak under a waterfall or in the natural rock pools whilst taking in the stunning views of the deep green, crystal-clear waters of the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. The Otumuheke Stream area has had a significant upgrade in 2018 including new changing rooms, lockers and toilets, river edge lounging platforms, a hot spring seating area and storyboards explaining the historic and cultural significance of this unique area.

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Experience the healing nature of the region’s waters at Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, an adults-only geothermal resort situated below magnificent silica terraces just north of Taupō town. Silica-enriched water cascades over the terraces from a geyser above, depositing large amounts of silica to form these amazing terraces.

Bathe at the bottom of the terraces and beneath a waterfall in a series of pools that vary in temperature. The water is naturally rich in minerals and striking in colour. Feel relaxed amongst rising steam, melodic birdsong and the soothing sounds of cascading water and a gushing geyser. Add on a therapeutic massage by appointment and rejuvenate and balance your body and mind.

AC Baths & Thermal Hot Pools

Take a post-adventure soak at AC Baths Hot Pools or plan an enjoyable day out for the whole family. The AC Baths is an all-weather, family-friendly destination with many pools and enjoyable experiences.

Bath in the large outdoor leisure pool with two toddler areas, exercise in one of the 25-metre lane pools, teach your children to swim in an indoor learn to swim pool, have some fun on two large enclosed hydroslides and rope swing, or relax within a private thermal mineral pool, take a sauna or warm up with coffee and cake at the café. All the pools are thermally heated using natural hot water.

Tokaanu Thermal Pools 

Blessed with natural geothermal activity, the small southern village of Tokaanu offers up glorious, steaming hot pools and the perfect stopover after a day of snow play on Mount Ruapehu or hiking adventures within the Tongariro National Park.

The natural geothermal pools in this area have long been recognised as having wai ora (healing waters). Tokaanu Thermal Pools are great for the whole family, with both public and private bathing options available. The private, natural mineral pools are recommended before enjoying the large public pool that is heated with fresh chlorinated water. Little ones can splash around in the outdoor heated children’s pool.

Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs

Soak away your worries in a warm mineral-rich thermal pool at the ever-popular Taupō DeBretts - a Taupō institution for locals and visitors alike. Located at a natural geothermal hot spot known as Onekeneke the springs are filled with health-enriching minerals.

Set in a steaming thermal valley, relax and soothe tired muscles in the two large outdoor pools, private indoor pools or freshwater pools and spas. The kids are incredibly well catered to here with a thermally heated freshwater children’s pool, an interactive warm water playground with water pop-ups, streaming jets, and showers.

Then, there is the giant dragon hydro slide and two curved racing slides, which will keep them entertained for hours! Adults can also indulge in a relaxing massage or pamper yourself with one of the luscious beauty treatments at the Day Spa.

Tūrangi Turtle Pools

You will find the Turtle Pools located in the heart of Tūrangi, an easy 40-minute drive from Taupō town. A perfect way to entertain the kids on a cool weekend or warm up after exploring one of the local trails.

The complex is a fully enclosed facility with four heated pools, including a 25-metre lane pool, a deep bombing and aquarobics pool, a learner’s pool, and a toddler’s pool. The new aquatic climbing wall is a fun activity for kids. The wall stands 3.5 meters above the water and has climbing holds attached, where you can grip and climb up and down the wall before re-entering the pool below.