Photo by Mikael Dubarry on Pexels
🇳🇿 New Zealand · Waikato, North Island
Photo by Mikael Dubarry on Pexels
🇳🇿 New Zealand · Waikato, North Island
♨ Temperature
99°C
⛰ Altitude
390 m
⚗ pH
8.9
💧 TDS
1700 mg/L
🌊 Flow rate
100 L/s
📅 Established
Māori tradition
✓ Verified on 2026-07-22
Te Manaroa Spring at Waikite Valley is one of New Zealand's most prolific natural hot springs, producing highly alkaline silica-bicarbonate water. Unlike many thermal pools diluted with cold water, Waikite's pools are fed purely by natural spring water cooled only by open-air channels. The pools sit in a peaceful farming valley with geothermal steam rising from multiple vents.
| Silica | 380 mg/L |
| Bicarbonate | 680 mg/L |
| Sodium | 440 mg/L |
| Chloride | 320 mg/L |
| Sulphate | 48 mg/L |
Te Manaroa Spring at Waikite Valley has been used by Māori of the Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa hapū since time immemorial. The spring is mentioned in Māori oral traditions as a source of healing and sustenance. The surrounding Waikato River catchment is one of New Zealand's most culturally significant river systems, with the Waikato River recognised as having its own legal personhood.
For Māori, water from natural hot springs is wai ora — life-giving water. Bathing in natural hot springs for healing is a traditional practice (rongoā Māori) still practised today. Waikite Valley's small-scale, family-operated character preserves the experience of natural thermal bathing close to its original form — without the commercialisation of larger resorts, making it culturally authentic.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are managed by the same family for generations, maintaining a philosophy of minimal intervention. The pool water is cooled only by open-air channels — no refrigeration or chemical treatment beyond standard pool management. The family participates in the Waikato Regional Council's water quality monitoring programme to ensure the spring ecosystem remains healthy.
Phone+64 7 333 1861
Websitewww.waikite.co.nz
Address648 Waikite Valley Road, RD 1, Rotorua, New Zealand