Waitangi Soda Springs — Attraction in North Island

Awesome genuine natural geothermal baths/hot springs. This used to be just a spot you could stop on the side of the road but the trustees had to close it as it was being abused (some people leaving rubbish/broken glass etc & generally spoiling it for everyone else) and now reopened with additional facilities. There are toilets (composting) on the baths & car-park side and the whole bathing area has been built up so it's a bit deeper with stairs & a ramp into the hot water as well as changing sheds and a proper car park. The water itself is about a meter deep with a sandy bottom with the hot stream coming in on one side, cold on another and an outlet at the far end. It can be deceptively hot at the ramp area but is cooler further in. There is some weird sludge/slime floating in the water but this is a natural geothermal spring so it's to be expected and you won't be putting your head under anyway. There is no running water on-site to rinse off with but the lady in the office does have cold bottled water you can buy. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Expect that the water may stain your togs. Personally I think the $10 entry fee is a bit steep compared to facilities at Tikitere but understand there are costs and I don't mind paying for the odd visit as it's less crowded and contributes...

Well I hate to go against the trend BUT.... Coming from Whakatane we drove right past it and were nearly at the next lake before realising something didn't make sense and turned around. Found out the sign had a huge tree growing in front obscuring it. Told the chap at the desk and he said, oh yes must tell managment about that... Paid our money went to get into the water but couldn't. It must of been close to 50 degrees! So we got changed and left. The water looked dirty anyway -too many debries or something floating on top.

The chap looking after the joint seemed oblivious to everything.

What a...

I loved our soak here. This was perfect after a day on the lake. We were made to feel very welcome here and I definitely will return. It's completely natural, so expect a bit of debri in the water and to feel the earth between your toes. The water can be quite hot in parts but you can search around for your ideal temperature. Once I settled in spot that was right for me I felt like I was soaking in nature's goodness. The birds, mountains, trees, and the water trickling through, it's very serene. I left feeling relaxed in mind and body. I recommend wearing dark colours because the ground can leave a...