Waitangi Soda Springs is tucked into the rural countryside a short drive from Rotorua, one of the most active geothermal areas in New Zealand. Set between Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu in the Bay of Plenty, minimal light pollution means a fantastic environment for gazing at the night sky.
Two springs, Ngarongoiri and Reihana, combine with the cool stream water from Waiwhero to create a cozy place to soak. It’s open seven days a week, so there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the healing waters.
History
The land itself has 1200 beneficiaries but is managed by the Waitangi No.3 Trust on their behalf. Historically, the springs are very important to the local tribes Ngāti Tamateatutahi Kawiti, Ngāti Te Rangiunuora and Ngāti Pikiao Whanui.
They created economic opportunity, a space for cooking food and preparing weaving materials, and a place for healing and relaxation. Today, many descendants of local tribes are employed at the spring and hope to protect the land for future generations.
West of the pool, there was once a thermal hole spewing lethal gas that, as stories would have it, killed any bird that dared to fly over it. In late 1881 or early 1882, a man named Reihana of Ngai Te Takinga was tracking down a lost pig. When the pig fell into the hole, Reihana went after it and was killed.
While trying to get Reihana’s body, his brother was nearly asphyxiated from the gas. The carved post was erected by the pit to serve as both a memorial and a warning, and the hole was later filled in to mitigate risk.
Natural Springs Pool
The large natural pool is surrounded by plenty of wide open grassy lawn before butting up against the forest. There’s plenty of space for a picnic or a cricket pitch on a nice day.
The water itself has a high iron content that can stain swimsuits, so guests should wear gear they don’t mind getting dirty. Changing sheds are located nearby. While the pool isn’t deep, it’s perfect for sitting and soaking. Bathers can enter by climbing over one of the retaining walls or simply use the wheelchair-accessible ramp
Getting There
From Tauranga, take State Hwy 2/Pacific Coast Hwy towards Mt. Maunganui. Follow State Hwy 2 for 24 miles (38 km) before turning right on Pongakawa Station Road. Continue on and merge left onto Old Coach Road. At the second fork stay right on Rotoehu. In 11 miles (18 km), stay left onto Pongakawa Valley Road. When the road becomes Manawahe Road, Waitangi Soda Springs will be on the right.
Details
Address: 59 Manawahe Road, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 362 0788
Season: Year-round
Website: waitangi-sodasprings.nz
Pitt River Hot Springs – Alvin, BC, Canada