Hot Spring
Campsite
⚠️ Hidden Gem Alert !!
Nestled down a scenic drive between Rotorua and Taupō, is one of the North Islands best kept secrets:
📍 Waikite Valley Hotpools
We've stayed for a weekend a few years ago & again mid 2026, and honestly had the best weekends camping and hot-pooling with friends. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and one of those places that still feels like a bit of a secret. Think infinity pools overlooking native bush, beautiful private and public pools, a great café, an amazing geothermal walk to the hot spring source, riverside camping, and genuinely lovely staff. It somehow manages to have everything without feeling overdone, and it’s surprisingly affordable too and isn't overcrowded . The owners take such pride in this venue and make sure it never gets too busy ensuring every visitor will have a great visit.
🌊 Campground for RVs & tents (overnight stay from only $65 for 2ppl including pool entry!)
🌊 4 private pools to hire
🌊 6 public thermal pools total (with varying temperatures) (pool entry $27.50 adult)
🌊2 infinity pools overlooking the geothermal stream/native bush
🌊 2 beautiful cooling tubs
🌊 10 minute geothermal trail to the hot spring source. AMAZING walk
🌊 All pools are drained/scrubbed every night and refilled daily with fresh geothermal water
🌊 Family-friendly soaking areas
🌊 Café with great coffees, hot food and the best carrot cake!
🌊 Private access to the pools for overnight stayers between 6am-10:30am daily (public access from 10:30am)
❤️ We are soooo in love with this venue and currently planning yearly visits with friends.
If you’re road tripping through the North Island, this is one of those spots that’s super easy to miss but well worth planning a stop for.
*Prices from mid 2026
Others reviews:
'"My family stayed overnight at the Waikite Valley Hot Pools in a campervan site just metres away from boiling geothermal waters — such a memorable experience! Just like the photos on the website, the pools were beautifully landscaped with stunning views of the valley, creating a true connection with nature. This became our favourite spot of the trip — a peaceful and unique stay that we thoroughly enjoyed. The short 10min eco-trail walk is a must! Staff were friendly, great coffee, and clean facilities." - Roam19289127689, Tripadvisor
"This a lovely peaceful thermal pool experience that’s perfect for families. It’s further out from Rotorua than others but definitely worth the 30 minute scenic drive. Our family spent over 3 hours there, drifting from pool to pool and hanging at the cafe having a coffee and some hot food. A short walk from the pools and you can get up close to the pool where the boiling water bubbles from .. right in front of your eyes. We loved that we could connect our pool experience with the source. Our kids are a bit sensitive to the sulphur smell and we didn’t detect any at Waikete, which meant we could relax and enjoy for several hours. The changing room facilities were clean and spacious and the general vibe relaxed and unpretentious, with a mix of tourists and locals. Even better is the price. Great value for money for a half day out." - Stephanie, Google Reviews
'"booked online the night before .. easy as. drove campervan straight into the allocated park .. and then went to the office to confirm all good. very positive staff .. upbeat and professional. felt welcomed and appreciated. pools were great .. not loads of people to wade thru and mostly had the pools almost to ourselves. great pools .. varying heats .. sooo relaxing. no fumes to contend with, and the facilities threw out were excellent. as a business, they want the pool complex to remain small and accessible .. not looking to draw in coach loads that overload the experience for other users. good philosophy to ensure continuance of complex for local community and staff employment. at most commercial pools we've used .. we've not felt felt appreciated.. have tended to be just a number thru their turnstiles. not here. this was our 2nd visit and certainly won't be our last .enjoy!" - Journey51129923704, Tripadvisor
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