Free Natural Hot Pools & Springs In North Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s North Island is a geothermal wonderful and there are many natural and free hot pools and springs to be enjoyed. You just need to know where to find them!

In this article you will discover the best free natural hot pools and springs to visit across the North Island of New Zealand. I’ve got 10 of the best free natural hot pools and springs to share, what you can expect and what it is actually like to bathe in them!

I absolutely love visiting and relaxing in hot pools and hot springs, so if you’re the same you will certainly enjoy traveling across the North Island.

Visiting these free hot spring spots is a great way to experience unique natural features of New Zealand, get the benefits of hot mineral water and enjoy the gorgeous nature and outdoors.

1. Coromandel Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato

The most famous of New Zealand’s free natural hot springs in the North Island is Coromandel Hot Water Beach. 

Located at Hot Water Beach on the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the natural hot springs are located underneath the sandy beach.

Dig a hole in the sand and the steaming hot water will rise to the surface. If it gets too hot, time your visit right and the tide will fill your hole, creating a mix of cooler sea and hot geothermal water.

Many visitors to New Zealand take advantage of this free and unique experience. Therefore it is an incredibly busy tourist spot and so if you visit there will probably be loads of other people there too.

Due to its popularity, a visit to Hot Water Beach is not a very relaxing experience because of the crowds and noise. But a visit to a hot water beach is an interesting and unique New Zealand experience that you should try.

Fiachra and I visited Hot Water Beach only once during our time in New Zealand (one visit was enough). If you’re visiting Coromandel, I would recommend stopping at Hot Water Beach for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing and off-the-beaten-path hot water beach experience, I have other recommendations later on in this article!

How To Access The Hot Springs At Coromandel Hot Water Beach

The best time to go to Hot Water Beach is 2 hours either side of low tide.

You will need to dig a lot to create a pool deep enough to sit in. It is likely you will run out of effort, so the pools will be shallow and you’re just going to be sitting in a puddle of hot water.

Take your own shovel and bucket or kindly ask to borrow equipment from someone who is already there. Locals do hang about at Hot Water Beach trying to rent out shovels and buckets for lots of money ($10+ for one hour).

The hot spring water can be incredibly hot, so you need to be careful not to get burned. If you can, allowing some sea water into the pools to cool them down is a good idea.

Many visitors also like to run into the sea to cool down, but be careful of the sea at Hot Water Beach. The surf can be strong and rip tides and deep water is present, so be careful and tell a friend if you do decide to go into the ocean.

Facilities At Coromandel Hot Water Beach

There is a public toilet and rinse showers available at the car park.

It is paid parking in the car park, but there are usually some free options available nearby on the road.

The car park is small and offers very limited parking space, considering the popularity of the attraction.

How To Get To Coromandel Hot Water Beach

Getting to Hot Water Beach is really easy, just a short detour from the main peninsula ring road (State Highway 35 and 2).

Once at the car park, the hot springs can be accessed by a short walk along the beach. Just follow the crowd!

The Coromandel Peninsula is a great road trip and scenic attraction destination in itself. There are lots of great walks to do in the Coromandel Forest Park, such as The Pinnacles (DOC) and Cathedral Cove (check out this cruise tour). Coromandel has adventure activities like water sports, caving, and ziplining. There are scenic coastal towns and villages on the peninsula as well.

If you’re stopping in Auckland and visiting Coromandel for a day trip, here is a well-planned tour that will take you to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.

Location: Hot Water Beach 3591, New Zealand

2. Kawhia Hot Water Beach, Kawhia, Waikato

If you’re looking for a Hot Water Beach experience without the crowds, then you need to check out Kawhia Ocean Beach, also known as Hot Water Beach.

This off-the-beaten-path free natural hot springs spot became one of my favourite destinations in the North Island.

Kawhia Hot Water Beach is located on the opposite side of the North Island to Coromandel Hot Water Beach. Being on the western side of the island, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets across the Tasman Sea while relaxing in your own natural hot pool!

For many months I lived in Pureora Forest in the centre of the North Island, and Kawhia was my nearest beach!

On our days off, Fiachra and I would visit Kawhia to go to the hot water beach. One year we also attended the annual Kawhia Kai Festival, which is a great opportunity to try Maori food. The Kawhia Regional Museum is also well worth a visit if you take a trip to this quiet and picturesque coastal community.

The views at Kawhia Hot Water Beach are spectacular and the beach is so long and expansive. It is a great place for a walk and just to enjoy New Zealand’s nature in peace and quiet.

How To Access The Hot Springs At Kawhia Hot Water Beach

The same rules apply as Coromandel Hot Water beach. Head down to the ocean two hours either side of low tide.

Dig your hole in the sand and hot water will rise to the surface.

However, there are no locals trying to rent you shovels and buckets here, so make sure to take your own!

The best place to find the hot water under the sand at Kawhia is to go straight down to the ocean from the sand dune path, and dig in the sand along the foreshore.

Facilities At Kawhia Hot Water Beach

The car park has plenty of space in comparison to the number of visitors and it is FREE.

There is a small changing room with toilet and running water there too.

How To Get To Kawhia Hot Water Beach

From Kawhia village, the drive to Kawhia Ocean Beach/Hot Water Beach is sealed the whole way down Te Puia Rd, and goes through scenic forestry.

Kawhia’s hot water beach is hidden on the other side of a massive sand dune which you’ll have to climb and descend to access the beach from the car park.

Location: 3331 Te Puia Road, Kawhia 3889, New Zealand

3. Kerosene Creek, Waiotapu, Bay Of Plenty

Another fascinating free natural hot springs experience in the North Island is Kerosene Creek.

Kerosene Creek is a steaming hot river located in woodland, a short 20-minute drive from Rotorua in an area called Waiotapu.

Nearby Rotorua is a gem for geothermal activity and has some of the best hot pools and springs in the North Island.

Waiotapu is well known for its very active geothermal features, including bubbling mud pools, blue hot spring pools and sulphur stained mountains.

Kerosene Creek is a strange name for this place, but I suspect maybe that is to do with the strong sulphur smell of the river.

Kerosene Creek is no longer a ‘hidden gem’, as it has grown in awareness and popularity over the years, with plenty of tourists knowing about this free natural hot spring now.

In addition to the river’s sulphur smell, unfortunately the area can be dirty as some people visiting the creek don’t take their rubbish away with them.

However, don’t let this put you off! Kerosene Creek is still a very interesting and relaxing experience for those who decide to give it a go.

Fiachra and I visited and had a wonderful time at Kerosene Creek! We have visited many free and paid hot pools and springs in the North Island, and our experience at Kerosene Creek is still one of the best.

How To Bathe In The Natural Hot Pools & Springs At Kerosene Creek

Kerosene Creek is located in a natural bush and forest setting, so you are completely surrounded by nature. It is very peaceful and relaxing once you find a good spot to sit and enjoy the water.

From the car park, walk into the forest towards the steaming hot creek. You may need to dodge tree branches and roots, because this is a wild area and not manicured.

I recommend to change into your swimsuits before going to the creek, wearing water shoes and only taking a towel, water bottle and camera with you. There isn’t many places to leave your things at the creek (tree banches are really the only option) and the banks can be a little muddy.

Even though Kerosene Creek is now popular, it is still possible to find your own private section of the creek to enjoy the hot water. There are small pools dotted along the river, with places to sit on rocks. Walk alongside the creek to find your private hot pool.

Once you get into the river, you’ll find that the water at Kerosene Creek is a nice temperature (about bath temperature) so it is not too hot and not too cold – it is just right!

Keep in mind you are bathing in the river so there will be natural debris in there.

There are also waterfalls along the river. One of the best is the amazing big hot spring waterfall where you can swim in the large pool below it.

The big hot spring waterfall is of course the busiest section of the creek and many visitors gather there. So to avoid others, find your own spot somewhere else along the creek.

Facilities At Kerosene Creek

Remember that you are bathing in a forest completely for FREE, so there are no changing rooms or showers here.

There is a very smelly and basic Department of Conservation drop toilet next to the parking area.

How To Get To Kerosene Creek

Kerosene Creek is around a 20-minute drive (26.3 km) from Rotorua down the Thermal Explorer Highway (State Highway 5).

The road is gravel to get there, so be mindful of this especially if you have a rental vehicle.

Take the turn off the Thermal Explorer Highway onto Old Waiotapu Rd (gravel unsealed road). Kerosene Creek is located a short drive down this gravel road.

There is free parking available close to the hot creek. If you have valuables either take them with you, well hidden in your vehicle or leave them at home.

Unfortunately the area has been a site for break ins (you’ll see signs), but we didn’t have any trouble and our whole life was in our little campervan home!

Location: Old Waiotapu Road, Waiotapu 3073, New Zealand

4. Hot ‘n’ Cold At Waiotapu Stream, Waiotapu, Bay Of Plenty

Located a 7-minute drive from Kerosene Creek further down the Thermal Explorer Highway is Hot ‘n’ Cold, a free natural hot springs bathing area where two rivers meet in the North Island.

The Waiotapu stream meets a smaller stream, mixing cold fresh water and hot geothermal water.

At this spot, the river blends the hot and cold flowing waters which locals have grown to enjoy.

Tourists now visit the spot too, but it is not as popular as other natural hot spring locations in the North Island.

The area is peaceful and quiet, and there was no one there when we visited. We didn’t get in, as we had just been to Kerosene Creek.

How To Bathe In The Natural Hot Pools & Springs At Hot ‘n’ Cold

The spot where bathers usually get into the Hot ‘n’ Cold River is at beside the bridges. You can view the river and stream from above on the bridges.

There is a rocky area in the river where the streams meet.

The water can be muddy in parts and shallow too.

I have heard that the geothermal water can be very hot in places, so be careful where you place your feet.

Additionally, there is natural clay on the banks of the river that people use as mud masks.

Unfortunately the location can be dirty as some people don’t take their rubbish away with them.

As with natural hot springs, Hot ‘n’ Cold has a sulphur smell.

Facilities & How To Get To Hot ‘n’ Cold

Hot ‘n’ Cold natural hot pool is located on the Waiotapu Loop Road. It is a 7-minute (5.3 km) drive from Kerosene Creek.

The parking area at Hot ‘n’ Cold is very tight and small, so only a couple of cars can park there.

Parking alongside the narrow road may block passing for other people. This is good to know to be mindful of if you do decide to visit.

Also on this road is the Waiotapu Visitor Centre which is a paid entry reserve for geothermal activity. Waiotapu is famous for the Lady Know Geyser and the beautiful Champagne Pool. (Take a look and get entry tickets here via Get Your Guide).

To see a FREE and very interesting geothermal attraction you can visit the Waiotapu bubbling mud pool roadside also located on the Waiotapu Loop Road (Google Maps).

There are no facilities at all at the Hot ‘n’ Cold hot pools and springs at Waiotapu Stream.

Location: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Waiotapu 3073, New Zealand

5. Lake Rotowhero, Waiotapu, Bay Of Plenty

Lake Rotowhero is a warm geothermal lake located next to the Thermal Explorer Highway (State Highway 5). It can be accessed along the same gravel road that leads to Kerosene Creek (Old Waiotapu Rd).

I haven’t bathed there myself but it has become a spot for tourists to take a dip in the warm lake in recent years.

The lake has emerald green waters and a high acidic content. The acidic content can sting your skin, so keep in mind if you do decide to swim there.

The temperature is similar to that of Kerosene Creek, around low 30s or bath temperature.

It is advisable to stay close to the shore because the lake’s depth can drop quickly.

There are no restrictions for swimming here and it is open 24/7.

A small parking area is next to the gravel road beside the best access to the lake.

There are no facilities.

Location: Lake Rotowhero, Waikaremoana Road, Kaingaroa Forest 3073, New Zealand

6. Te Rata Bay Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera, Bay Of Plenty

If you’re looking for a relaxing reward at the end of a long hike, then the Te Rata Hot Water Beach could be everything you dreamed of. 

Located on the shore of Lake Tarawera, the Te Rata Bay Hot Water Beach is only accessible by hiking for 5-6 hours (15 km), or taking a water taxi.

The Tarawera Trail (DOC) starts at Te Wairoa – the buried village that was destroyed in the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. From there, it meanders along the lake shore and over hills and bushland to finish at the Hot Water Beach Campsite (DOC).

You can visit the Te Wairoa Buried Village and the archaeological site with a paid entry ticket (learn more here on Viator). If you’re interested in hiking the beautiful Mount Tarawera, an active volcano, you can only do so as part of a guided tour (recommended tour here on Viator).

How To Access The Hot Springs At Te Rata Hot Water Beach

The natural hot springs at Te Rata are located by the lake’s edge, from under the sand in the lake and the streams flowing into it. The lakes surface is steaming in this spot due to the geothermal activity.

Take care when going into the water and start slowly. You should test the water first because the temperature can be very hot.

Then you can let more hot water in by digging into the sand and build a rock pool to keep the hot water in.

The temperature of the sand can get up to 86 °C and is hot enough to cook food buried beneath it.

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How To Get To Te Rata Hot Water Beach & Facilities

You could visit Te Rata Bay Hot Water Beach for a day trip or stay overnight at the Department of Conservation campsite.

Te Rata Bay can only be accessed by walking or boat taxi.

To walk there, you need to take the 5-6 hour (15 km) hike along the Tarawera Trail alongside Lake Tarawera from Te Wairoa to get to Te Rata Bay.

If camping overnight, you can camp at the campsite for the night before walking back out or taking a water taxi back to Punaromia Beach (near Te Wairoa).

The campsite has facilities such as a cooking area, changing rooms and toilets.

Bookings are required for the campsite all year round and it is very popular so plan ahead. You can find more information on the DOC website here.

Alternatively, you could visit Te Rata Hot Water Beach for a day trip by walking and take the water taxi back out, or just take the water taxi there and back.

The tour company Totally Tarawera has options for tours and boat taxis to Te Rata Bay.

Location: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, Waimangu 3076, New Zealand

7. Otumuheke Stream, Spa Thermal Park, Taupo, Waikato

Located at the Spa Thermal Park north of Taupo there is a small area of the Otumuheke Stream has hot spring water flowing in it.

Similar to Hot ‘n’ Cold at Waiotapu, the water here is a mix of the cooler river water of the Waikato River and the hot spring water of the Otumuheke Stream. 

This free natural hot springs spot is quite well known in the North Island and has become a popular place for bathers.

Fiachra and I came to the spot in the Spa Thermal Park to try out the hot/cold water, but as there were only a few other bathers in the pool and it seemed quite cramped, we decided to give it a miss.

Thankfully the park is interesting to take a walk around and it is only a short walk from the car park to the location of the hot spring.

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How To Bathe In The Hot Springs At Otumuheke Stream, Spa Thermal Park

In the last few years the area has been redveloped and there are now timber platforms beside the hot bathing area in the river.

The pool with the waterfall of the Otumuheke Stream is the best place to get in. It is surrounded by rocks to create a small pool and keep the warm water in.

The temperature of the water may not be as expected as it changes depending on conditions. Many describe it as only lukewarm!

Unfortunately the area which is suitable for warm water bathing is so small and therefore it is not possible to use unless there is no one else around.

If there are others, it can be cramped and uncomfortable as people want to get close to the small waterfall which has the warmest water.

It is also quite a shallow pool and the water comes about waist height when sitting down in it.

The hot bathing area is next to the cooler Waikato River which is the biggest river in New Zealand. Be careful when entering the water because it could be fast flowing and pose a danger.

If you’re in the area and feel disappointed by your visit to the free natural hot springs, then you could make a visit to the AC Thermal Baths also located at the Spa Park.

Walk To Huka Falls From Spa Thermal Park

From Spa Park you can also walk along the easy trail beside the Waikato River to view Huka Falls – one of North Island’s most visited natural tourist attractions. The walk takes around 40-minutes one way (2.7 km).

Once at the falls there are viewing platforms to see the waterfall.

Huka Falls is also a great place to try a thrilling jet boat ride which is a popular adventure activity in New Zealand.

Facilities At Otumuheke Stream, Spa Thermal Park Taupo

Facilities have been built in the park to accommodate for visitors using the Otumuheke Stream hot spring.

There are public toilets next to the hot springs with changing facilities.

Toilets are also located at the car park.

How To Get To Otumuheke Stream Hot Springs

Spa Park and the Otumuheke Stream hot springs are located just 5-minute drive (2.5 km) from Taupo town centre.

From the free car park (Google Maps) follow the trail on the Huka Falls Path north to reach the Otumuheke Stream.

There are many signposts and maps in the park in case you are not sure of the direction!

Location: 281 Spa Road, Tauhara, Taupō 3378, New Zealand

8. Lake Taupo Hot Water Beach, Taupo, Waikato

Alongside Lake Taupo, just south of the town centre, there are small sections where the sand at the edge of the lake is very hot.

The best section to try is the Taharepa location next to the Taharepa Reserve. There are public toilets here and a car park.

Another spot to try is further south along the lakeside walking path near 199 Lake Terrace road.

At both of these locations there is hot sand beside the lake foreshore. We saw people sitting in the steaming hot water when we visited but we didn’t get in for a dip ourselves.

The best place to swim at Lake Taupo is at the Lake Taupo Swimming Beach, north on Lake Terrace road. There is parking here and good safe locations to enter the water. I do not guarantee the temperature will be hot though!

Location: Waipahihi, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

9. Mangatutu and Mangatainoka Hot Springs, Kaweka Forest Park, Hawkes Bay

A fascinating set of two natural hot springs in the North Island is hidden in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawkes Bay region.

I didn’t even know about this place until I was researching for this article. After years of living in New Zealand I had not heard about these natural hot pools located deep in the forest.

Surrounded by bush and with river views, the Mangatutu Hot Springs and Mangatainoka Hot Springs can only be accessed via a 1-hour difficult drive along a gravel, unsealed road, and/or on a 1-2 day hike through the Kaweka Forest Park.

If you’re looking for a unique and interesting hot pool experience in the New Zealand wilderness then a hike and visit to these two natural and free hot springs would be a memorable adventure!

How To Get To Mangatutu Hot Springs

To reach Mangatutu Hot Springs, there is Makahu Rd 75 km north-west of Napier. The road is steep, narrow, slippery and unsealed gravel and there is a river ford to cross.

At the end of the road is the Mangatutu Hot Springs and Department of Conservation campsite that is free to stay at.

The Mangatutu Hot Pools are set up as two pools (white fiberglass tubs) filled with hot geothermal water on a wooden decking area platform. You can use these for free and cool down with a dip in the river as well. The views look absolutely stunning in this remote and isolated hidden gem in the New Zealand forest.

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How To Get To Mangatainoka Hot Springs

To reach Mangatainoka Hot Springs, you can begin the hike at the end of the Makahu Rd.

The Te Puia Track follows the Mohaka River north-west to Te Puia Hut Lodge (DOC). This hut is available to stay overnight and is first come, first served.

From the hut, the hike to the Mangatainoka Hot Springs take around 45-minutes. 

Once you reach the Mangatainoka Hot Springs you will find 3 pools (deep black tubs) surrounded by a timber decking area. Interestingly the pools have been set up with valves to control the water flow and empty the tubs. Fill the pools on arrival and wait for them to cool a little bit before slipping in.

There is a Department of Conservation campsite next to the Mangatainoka Hot Springs to stay overnight as well – again it is free to camp here (DOC).

For more info on the Te Puia hiking track and the hot springs, check out this blog from A-Maverick who did it and has the photos and story to prove it!

Location: Mohaka River, Kaweka Forest Park, Hawkes Bay, 4179, New Zealand

10. Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre, Kawerau, Bay Of Plenty

The last free hot pool on this list is a surprise and maybe also a bit of a cheat because it is actually not a wild and natural one but it is an amazing FREE hot pool facility in the North Island.

A wonderful surprise for Fiachra and I while driving from Rotorua to Whakatane was discovering the Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre in Kawerau.

This public swimming and hot pool facility is FREE for everyone (including visitors to New Zealand)! I think this is amazing for a public facility and clearly the locals agree.

The pool is popular with local families and children. When we visited there were families holding events and birthday parties at the swimming pool complex.

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The hot pools and swimming pools are filled with water heated from geothermal steam. There is a deep water swimming pool, spa pool with jets, and a smaller shallower pool for kids.

The pools are outside, and some have sun shades and covers.

The pool temperatures range from 32 to 38 degrees C in winter and 28 to 31 degrees C in summer.

As well as the free pool, there is a large recreation and play area with BBQs (charge to rent) and picnic tables. There is also a splash pad and a jumping pillow for kids.

The Maurie Kjar swimming pool is a great place to visit if passing through the area on the drive between Rotorua and Whakatane.

The environment is really relaxing and I found the changing rooms to be clean and modern. From the pools, there are views of Mount Putaukai.

The staff are friendly and there is lots of free parking right by the entrance.

The pool complex is named after a New Zealand man – one of the founding fathers of Kawerau.

I highly recommend the Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre in Kawerau if you want to enjoy a hot pool with modern facilities and you are on a budget so looking for a free option.

Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre Important Info

• 📍Location: Corner of Glasgow and Plunket Street, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand
• ⏰ Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 8 am – 6 pm
• Mauri Kjar Aquatic Centre Website

Free Natural Hot Pools & Springs In North Island, New Zealand – Thanks For Reading!

For lovers of natural free hot springs, New Zealand’s North Island is a paradise. As shown in this article, there are many wonderful places to relax in geothermal mineral water whilst enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful outdoor wilderness. Get out there and enjoy your adventure across New Zealand! – Lauren x

Where to next? If you love hot springs, then check out the best hot pools across the North Island of New Zealand (paid entry, but great for those on a budget!).

Read my New Zealand Travel Guide for all my blog posts and tips for travel in New Zealand!

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