The facilities at Waiwera Thermal Resort have changed in the last 165 years, but the water’s drawn from the same natural aquifer. I visited Waiwera recently, to check out the facilities.

Waiwera now boasts many pools – including a movie pool which screens three movies daily. It’s the perfect way to relax and soak up a the mineral-rich waters – and more fun than meeting friends at the local mulitplex again. 

Waiwera's movie pool

It was a busy day in the school holidays, so the water slides were very popular!

A kid's waterslide at Waiwera. Splash! Two people race down a water slide at Waiwera.Splash! Two people race down a water slide at Waiwera.

For those who feel the waterslides are a little too exciting, there’s also a Lazy River to relax in.

Waiwera's Lazy River

I’m sure the dentist was the last thing on these kid’s minds, but Waiwera does boast a dental clinic! It serves the community… including local children.

Smile! It's Waiwera's resident dentist.

It’s reached by a separate entrance, tucked away by the gorgeous spa facilites.

Many of us think of Waiwera as a summer destination. It’s easy to see why! Kiwis love swimming, plus Waiwera has plenty of BBQ and picnic spots for the DIY alfresco dining we love.

But internationally, thermal pools like Waiwera are Winter spots. What better way to escape the chill than by soaking in naturally hot water?

Taking a dip is warming, relaxing, and a great way to catch up with friends. In some circles, it’s also meant to be medicinal! Soaking in hot, mineral rich spas for health is called Balneotherapy, and people have been doing it for thousands of years to help with conditions such as arthritis – and just because it’s fun! People have been “taking the water” at Waiwera since 1848.

Relaxing on a beautiful day at Waiwera.

Waiwera has a range of indoor and outdoor pools, ranging in temperature from 30 to a toasty 48 degrees. And, like the slogan says, they’re “100% Naturally Hot”! The water’s sourced from a geothermal aquifer located 1,500 metres underground. No water is reheated; all pools contain nothing but natural, geothermal water.

 

Relaxing on a beautiful day at Waiwera.

So why not take a trip to Waiwera this winter? It might be good for your health!