Taupo DeBretts Hot Spring is a large holiday resort full of entertaining activities for all ages in one of the most active thermal regions in New Zealand. It sits in the middle of the North Island near the beautiful Lake Taupo.
Open 365 days a year, the waterpark, hot pools, spa, and cabins can take a lake trip in any season and make it even more memorable.
History
The mineral-rich thermal waters come from the Onekeneke Valley which was a popular spot for early Maori to relax and take advantage of the healing properties of the water. People have been coming to spring that feeds Taupo DeBretts for more than 100 years.
Sir William Fox was the first European to come into contact with the water. While he wrote about it in a letter to the Premiere in 1874, he made no moves to turn it into a more commercial establishment.
The pool complex in place today was erected by Sir Henry O’Callagher implementing some very modern concepts for the time. Barry and Carol Kirkland, the current owners took over in 1987 after the property was condemned and began their massive renovation project.
Today, with a focus on preserving New Zealand’s natural spaces, the resort has many eco-friendly initiatives in progress: composting, an herb garden used by the cafe, retaining tree waste for mulch, the use of environmentally-friendly and biodegradable cleaning agents and spa products, and many more.
Pools, Slides, and Playgrounds
Arguably, the main attractions in the park are two massive outdoor mineral pools outlined with tropical palms, waterfalls, and water curtains. Volcanically-heated water is cooled to a range of 100-106℉ (38-41℃) for maximum comfort. Guests can also relax in air loungers and massage seats in the area to soak in the sounds of the native birds flying above the treetops.
Indoors, 12 private mineral pools are available for those wanting a more intimate setting. Other pools, including freshwater options, two jacuzzis, a children’s hot water playground, and three hydroslides are set to 93-106℉ (34-41℃). Slides are considered add-ons to pool passes.
Cafe and Spa
On dry land, guests can enjoy a giant game of checkers, a traditional–aka dry–playground, and the many picnic areas around the property. Coffee, ice cream, and snacks can be purchased from the Savour Cafe near the front parking lot.
To leave even more stress behind, a spa near the pool complex offers a range of treatments fit for royalty with plenty of areas for private viewings of the lushly landscaped grounds akin to a botanical garden. Off-site, things like bungee jumping, lake activities, skiing, golfing, etc. can entertain even the curmudgeons of the group for extended periods.
Lodging and Camping
There are accommodations for every kind of traveller at this resort from tent and motorhome camping to 42 standalone units that include budget cabins, chalets, lodge rooms, and lake villas. On the upper end of the budget, expect luxurious surroundings with panoramic mountain and lake views.
Campers can access a communal kitchen and lounge, barbeque and picnic areas, bathrooms, laundry facilities, recycling facilities and dump station, and children’s play areas like the Big Bounce Air Pad. Those overnighting in the Holiday park can get discounted admission to the waterpark to sweeten the deal.
Check prices, availability or book Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Getting There
It’s about 170 miles (274 km) from Auckland to the resort. Take SH 1 south for 102 miles (164 km). Then, turn right on Horahora Road in Piarere. You should see signs for Waikato River Trails. Turn left on Arapuni Road in eight miles (13 km) then right on Old Taupo Road shortly after.
Follow Old Taupo Road for 20 miles (32 km). From there, continue onto Kinleith Road before taking a right on SH 1 again, taking the second exit at the roundabout to continue on the same road. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Napier Road and follow the signs for the resort.
Details
Address: 76 Napier-Taupo Road, State Highway 5, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 378 8559 ext. 2
Season: Year-round
Website: taupodebretts.co.nz
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