15 minute read
Soak it up
from henry | Winter 22
by ninetyblack
The definitive winter hot pools road trip
Road trips are sewn into the fabric of New Zealand life. But there’s no need to reserve them for summer and hot weather – the Central North Island can be beautiful during winter too. And why not stop off at some world class hot pools and geothermal spa experiences to warm up? We’ve put together the perfect itinerary for relaxing, rejuvenating hot pools when you’re travelling from Tauranga to Taupō - or start from the bottom and drive up!
Harri Sharman
Mount Hot Pools - Tauranga
Relax and unwind in the only hot ocean water pools in the world at Mount Hot Pools. Enjoy the natural healing properties of bathing in heated saltwater in three outdoor pools, two outdoor spas and three indoor private pools. Ocean water is pumped from nearby Pilot Bay and geothermally heated underground 600m beneath Mauao (Mount Maunganui). The pools vary in temperatures from 27 to 40°C, so there’s a pool for everyone, including a kids’ pool with slide for the little ones. Top off your visit with a massage treatment from an experienced therapist and receive 20% off swim entry.
Awakeri Hot Springs - Awakeri
Situated in Awakeri just outside Whakatāne, Awakeri Hot Pools is a beautiful bushland sanctuary. The natural spring-fed mineral hot pools are part of the family-run Holiday Park, so you can stay the night and enjoy a relaxing soak in the 37-39°C hot pools (free for holiday park guests). The hot pools area is partially covered with large shade sails, and there are pools for children and toddlers too.
Hell’s Gate - Rotorua
Hell’s Gate, to the northeast of opportunity to indulge and experience the wonder of geothermal healing properties with its mud spa experience. Unwind and recharge while enjoying the sounds of the mineral spring-fed waterfall as you overlook Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve. Covering your body in mineral-rich geothermal mud removes excess oils from within the skin’s pores and leaves you feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s only geothermal mud spa complex, so it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs - Rotorua
The secret is out about these nestled beside the breathtaking Whakarewarewa Forest. Soak in your own spring-fed cedar hot tub, surrounded by native ferns. Umbrellas are available for wet weather, and if you go at night, you’ll soak in a magical illuminated setting complete with outdoor campfires. Take relaxation to the next level with their delicious range of craft beer, cider, and steaming mulled wine delivered directly to your hot tub at the push of a button. New additions this year include live music on Saturdays and the BaseCamp kitchen, serving tasty burgers, fries, and street food.
Wairakei Terraces - Taupō
Snuggled in the geothermal the Wairakei Terraces is a silica-rich, geothermally heated paradise. Four pools span the silica terraces, each at four different temperatures. There’s even a flowing waterfall of heated water refilling the pools, providing a peaceful background sound as steam rises around you. The silica in the mineral water is good for the skin, leaving you feeling silky smooth afterward. Make a day of it with a relaxing massage, reflexology, or facial treatment. Note that the tranquil pools are for adults only.
Hell’s Gate, to the northeast of Rotorua, offers the perfect opportunity to indulge and experience the wonder of geothermal healing properties with its mud spa experience. Unwind and recharge while enjoying the sounds of the mineral spring-fed waterfall as you overlook Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve. Covering your body in mineral-rich geothermal mud removes excess oils from within the skin’s pores and leaves you feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s only geothermal mud spa complex, so it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs - Rotorua
The secret is out about these secluded hot tubs, nestled beside the breathtaking Whakarewarewa Forest. Soak in your own spring-fed cedar hot tub, surrounded by native ferns. Umbrellas are available for wet weather, and if you go at night, you’ll soak in a magical illuminated setting complete with outdoor campfires. Take relaxation to the next level with their delicious range of craft beer, cider, and steaming mulled wine delivered directly to your hot tub at the push of a button. New additions this year include live music on Saturdays and the BaseCamp kitchen, serving tasty burgers, fries, and street food.
Snuggled in the geothermal Wairakei valley just to the north of Taupō, the Wairakei Terraces is a silica-rich, geothermally heated paradise. Four pools span the silica terraces, each at four different temperatures. There’s even a flowing waterfall of heated water refilling the pools, providing a peaceful background sound as steam rises around you. The silica in the mineral water is good for the skin, leaving you feeling silky smooth afterward. Make a day of it with a relaxing massage, reflexology, or facial treatment. Note that the tranquil pools are for adults only.
A: 9 Adams Avenue, Mount
Maunganui W: mounthotpools.co.nz
A: 1363 State Highway 30, Awakeri W: awakerisprings.co.nz
A: 351 State Highway 30 Tikitere,
Rotorua W: hellsgate.co.nz
A: 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road,
Whakarewarewa, Rotorua W: secretspot.nz
A: 671 Wairakei Drive, Wairakei,
Taupō 3377 W: wairakeiterraces.co.nz
15
reasons to enjoy winter
LoveTaupo.com
Huka Honey Hive
Live beehive, New Zealand’s largest range of honeys, mead and liqueurs, natural skincare, wellbeing products, homewares and an amazing range of unique gifts for everyone.
Free entry! Free honey and mead tastings! Open 7 days or shop online!
65 Karetoto Road, Taupō 07 374 8553 hukahoneyhive.com
Taupō Museum
Find out more about the history of the Taupō District. Visit the Ora Garden of Wellbeing, art galleries, Māori wharenui - meeting house and gift shop.
Open seven days, 10am – 4.30pm
Story Place, Taupō 07 376 0414 taupo.govt.nz/museum Lil Something – Spa Park
Cafe kiosk at Spa Thermal Park, on the edge of the Huka Falls walking track and the iconic Otumuheke Stream. Ice-creams, award-winning coffee, milkshakes and fruit smoothies.
Mention henry to get all the trimmings when you buy a $5 sundae
Spa Thermal Park, Spa Road, Taupō 021 311 984 lilsomething.co.nz
AC Baths
An all weather venue that is fun for the whole family. Enjoy our thermallyheated pools, hydro-slides, tarzan swing, private pools, sauna, cafe, swim shop and hire equipment.
Mon to Fri: 6am – 9pm. Sat, Sun and public holidays: 7am – 7pm
Cnr of Spa Rd and AC Baths Ave, Taupō 07 376 0350 taupo.govt.nz/acbaths Craters of the Moon
Explore geothermal features often wreathed in clouds of steam from the heat just below your feet! One hour walk traverses the unique landscape around this cratered valley.
Part of the largest geothermal field in NZ. Open daily, small admission fee
171 Karapiti Road, Wairakei Park, Taupō 027 656 4684 cratersofthemoon.co.nz
The Bay Taupo
The Bay offers the perfect destination to socialise, dine and unwind. We invite you to be our guest, to enjoy the new fresh and tasty food and drinks menu.
20% off brunch menu when mentioned “henry magazine” 703 Acacia Bay Road, Taupō 07 378 8886 thebaybar.co.nz
Rapids Jet
Enjoy 35 minutes of exhilarating fun for all ages, 5 to 93 (and up!), on NZ’s only white-water jetboat ride and Taupō’s #1 boating activity. Soak up the thrills, excitement and striking scenery.
Paradise Valley Springs
Get up close with NZ’s wildlife, birds and farm animals. Purchase food and hand-feed the alpacas, emus, deer, goats, wallabies, trout and more. Open 7 days. See our website for new park updates
Deals available! Check our website for more info. Gift vouchers available.
3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Aratiatia, Taupō 07 374 8066 or 0800 727 437 rapidsjet.com
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through the trees and experience ancient NZ forest like never before – in two unforgettable zipline adventures. This is a must-do multi award-winning adventure not to be missed!
Voted the world’s best experiences by TripAdvisor.
147 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 0800 226 679 or 07 343 1001 canopytours.co.nz
Velocity Valley
Live out your wildest dreams with an array of unique NZ adventure activities. Agrojet, Shweeb, Freefall Xtreme, V-Force, Swoop & Rotorua Bungy. Solo and family packages also available.
Mention henry to receive 10% discount. Lion Feeding at 2:30pm every day. 467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua 07 348 9667 paradisevalleysprings.co.nz
Lakeview Golf & Country Club
Lakeview Golf & Country Club is a unique free-draining 18 hole, par 72 course with undulating fairways and challenging greens where everyone is welcome! Contact us to book your tee time.
Mention henry to get a $10 discount on our $40 green fees
704 State Highway 5, Hamurana 07 357 2341 lakeviewgolf.co.nz
Skyline MTB Park
Skyline MTB Park gives riders easy access to 12-kilometre of world-class downhill mountain biking, featuring trails with varying terrain for all ability levels.
Mention henry to receive a 10% discount on packages.
1335 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua 0800 949 888 velocityvalley.co.nz NZ’s first all-season Gondola assisted bike lift park. Open from 10am daily.
178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 07 347 0027 skyline.co.nz
Unless stated otherwise, all deals expire 03 September 2022.
Rotofobia
Escape your troubles and enter a world of excitement! Do you have the brain power to solve your way through our rooms? Find out now!
Get 15% off booking total by using code henry15 at checkout on our website
1282 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua CBD 027 527 9660 rotofobia.co.nz
Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park
Offering the best of both worlds, Blue Lake TOP 10 is close to the city and the famous Redwoods Forest mountain bike trails, while still being able to enjoy the peace and quiet away from it all.
Mention henry to get free half hour fun bike hire
723 Tarawera Rd, Lake Okareka, Rotorua 0800 808 292 bluelaketop10.co.nz
Off Road NZ
Adventures that are perfect for everyone. From our self-drive 4WD Bush Safari, to the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride, and heartracing Raceline Karting, this truly is the adventurer’s playground of their dreams.
Book in your “Christmas Event”.
193 Amoore Road, RD2, Rotorua 07 332 5748 offroadnz.co.nz
Celebrating 50 years
of Polynesian Spa
Harri Sharman
Since its establishment in 1972, Polynesian Spa has been an icon of the Rotorua tourism industry and a famous destination to bathe and enjoy the healing properties of geothermal waters. As they celebrate 50 years in operation, we decided to look back at the history of this renowned relaxation spot.
A generous gift…
The site that Polynesian Spa now occupies has a long history of geothermal bathing, dating back to pre-European arrival. Local Te Arawa Māori utilised the thermal waters for cooking, washing, and bathing, and in 1880 Ngāti Whakaue gifted the Crown 20 hectares of land containing several thermal springs. For many years after, iterations of Government-run baths were built to attract overseas tourists seeking spa treatments before Polynesian Spa as we now know it came to be.
A tale of two springs…
Perhaps the most special part of a visit to Polynesian Spa is the option to bathe in not just one, but two separate geothermally heated mineral water springs. Visitors often take a dip in one before swapping to another and back again. These two springs have a storied past. The first, known in English as Priest Spring and Te Pupūnitanga to local Māori, has slightly acidic water known for relieving tired muscles, aches, and pains. The name Priest Spring comes from the tale of Father Mahoney, a Catholic Priest who journeyed from Tauranga to ‘cure’ his crippling arthritis by bathing in the waters in 1878. The alkaline Rachel Spring, on the other hand, features the antiseptic action of sodium silicate, which nourishes the skin. Historically it was claimed that bathing in these waters would bless the visitor with ageless beauty.
…A world-famous experience
Today, Polynesian Spa still celebrates those humble roots, with several protected historic sites around the resort. It has also evolved into a world-famous experience, featuring 28 hot mineral pools fed by the Priest and Rachel springs, spa treatments, day and weekend retreats, health and wellness therapies, and an onsite café and shop.
Unless you’re a ski bunny or planning to head to the tropics, the winter months are often a time to hunker down and stay close to home, while looking forward to summer holidays ahead. But, as Groundhog Day sets in and the days get shorter, we all crave a change of scene and possibly one that won’t break the bank or use up all that annual leave. Recently crowned supreme winner at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards, Whakatāne has plenty to offer for a short winter break. The bustling town centre has everything you need, from boutique shops to a diverse range of eateries and easy access to spectacular walk and cycleways. A good place to start is at one of Whakatāne’s most historic buildings, brought back to its former glory. Referencing the original Commercial Hotel, the Com Plex offers both heritage suites and modern studio accommodation. On-site you’ll also find all-day dining at The Comm, featuring Good George brews. Other CBD eateries worth a try include, White Island café, Café 4 U, Volk & Co coffee brew bar, Havana and Cigol - one of Whakatāne’s newest eateries - easily sitting alongside the latest and greatest in larger cities. Meandering along The Strand (Whakatāne’s main shopping precinct), is a must after all the wining and dining. With just the right number of shops to get around in a day, no traffic or parking to worry about, and picturesque gardens at every turn, you’ll find yourself forward planning a second visit to New Zealand’s most beautiful place.
If time allows, the breathtaking Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walking trail is a stone'sthrow from the town centre. The trail captures the essence of the Whakatāne District. It includes an historic pā site, unsurpassed coastal views, and diverse native forest, with many rare native bird species, including over 300 wild Kiwi. The full circuit covers 16 kilometres, or the trail can be completed in shorter sections. For a more relaxing, but equally scenic trail, head along the Warren Cole walk and cycleway which follows the Whakatāne River skirting the town. Arts and heritage lovers will enjoy a stop at Te Koputu a Te Whanga a Toi – Whakatāne’s Library and Exhibition Centre. With regular exhibitions and artefacts of Whakatāne’s past, it’s a great option if the weather’s not playing ball.
Visit Whakatane.com for more to see and do. White Island Rendezvous
Enjoy a relaxed stay only a five minute stroll along the river from the restaurants and bars. Departure point for tours to Moutohorā. Great coffee and food from the popular onsite café.
39 units – studios, 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms.
15 The Strand, Whakatāne 0800 242 299 whiteislandrendezvous.co.nz
The Comm. Whakatāne
Home of Good George, we bring great beer, cider, and good food to Whakatāne the Sunshine capital of NZ. Check out our Facebook to see what entertainment and live music is on Friday and Saturday nights.
Check out our daily rituals
45 The Strand, Whakatāne 07 307 0449 thecomm.co.nz
Cadera
Cadera Mexican bar and restaurant is a casual dining right on Ōhope Beach. With tapas, tacos, nachos, cocktails and more it will satisfy all your friends and family. Tues - Fri 4pm till late Sat - Sun 11am - late White Island Cafe
Discover fresh, tasty food prepared daily by our team of chefs. There is a great selection of menu items and cabinet food, or simply enjoy a coffee in the sun while taking in views of the Whakatāne wharf and river.
Sweet treats or fresh healthy salads, something for all tastebuds!
15 The Strand, Whakatāne 0800 242 299 whiteislandcafe.co.nz
Javaman Cafe
A relaxed, family-friendly cafe in the heart of Whakatane. Enjoy great food and coffee with a full café menu, daily specials and prepared cabinet food.
We cater for gluten free and keto, check out our blackboard specials
214 The Strand Whakatane 027 378 1053 javamancafe.co.nz
Whakatane Golf Club
Five minutes from Whakatāne town, this championship course offers a great golf experience and is one of the finest golf courses in the Bay of Plenty.
