Turangi Hot Pools at Tokaanu

Natural Hot Pools, Lake Beaches & Swimming

From Turangi Hot Pools to Rotorua there are some of the best options in NZ for a thermal swim in either a natural public hot spring, commercial thermal facility or aquatic centre. In summer there is good lake swimming near Turangi, on the way to Taupo or right on the Taupo waterfront.

Turangi Hot Pools: Tokaanu Thermal Pools Riverstone Recommendation

A ‘must do’ when is Turangi is a trip to the atmospheric and simple Tokaanu Hot Pools, a commercial pool facility with a large outdoor bathing pool (34 degrees) and open roof private pools (39 degrees). This is a perfect solution after a day on the mountain or river, and can be combined with a look around Tokaanu Village, and the geothermal area next to the pools.

Turangi Aquatic Centre

Turangi Aquatic Centre

Turangi Aquatic Centre

Ohauanga Rd
Accross from the I-Site

Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre is located in the centre of Turangi, opening hours vary please check the Council website.

The indoor heated facilities has 25m leisure and training pools, a 1.8m-deep activity pool, a learner’s pool and a toddler’s pool. A range of pool toys are also available.

Lakeside Swimming Spots

Pukawa Village & Kuratau Riverstone Recommendation

Pukawa Beach

Pukawa Beach

SH41 through Tokaanu Village, turn off on straight at top of Waihi Village hill (15min drive)

The small native bush fringed Pukawa Village beach and larger Kuratau beach are good summer swimming spots. Maybe combine a trip to the beach with a drink or some food at the Oreti Village Resort Restaurant on the hill above Pukawa Village.

Between Turangi & Taupo

Motutere Bay

Motutere Bay

SH1, various locations from roadside between Tuarngi and Taupo

Freathy Rd on the left as you leave Turangi (5 min drive) gives access to Stump Bay and a fine stretch of white sand with shallow swimming water.

There are also good swimming spots at Mission Bay (15 min drive), Bulli Point from the rocks (20 min drive), Hallets Bay (25 min drive). The Taupo township Lake front also has good swimming all the way to the Waikato River outlet to the west of the town.

Taupo Hot Pools & Aquatic Centre

Taupo Hot Springs Riverstone Recommendation

Set in a spectacular tropical garden location in a gully Taupo Hot Springs is a must especially for those traveling with children. There are several large pools of different temperatures and a large slide. Private pools are also available.

Otamuheke Stream

A favorite for backpackers on the walk along the Waikato River to the Huka Falls, or as a return trip from the carpark on Spa Rd. just past Taupo Bungy (10mion walk).

Taupo AC Baths

Taupo AC Baths

Taupo AC Baths

The excellent AC Baths facilities includes a large outdoor leisure pool with two toddler areas, two 25-metre lane pools, an indoor learn-to-swim pool, two hydro slides, a bombing zone, a tarzan swing, four private thermal mineral pools, a sauna and a café. All the pools are thermally heated using natural hot water providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Hot Pools Between Taupo & Rotorua

The Butchers Pool

Butchers Pool

Butchers Pool

Broadlands Road, 1.8km south of Reporoa township – look for sign on road and follow gravel track 400m to the right.

Free hot mineral pool in a large concrete bathtub with toilets and changing rooms set in the county. The pool fills from hot and cold internal blue, non-smelling mineral springs and water exits continually so the pools are clean and well maintained.

Kerosene Creek Riverstone Recommendation

Kerosene Creek Waterfall

Kerosene Creek Waterfall

Turn off SH5 to the east near the Waiotapu Tavern down Kerosene Creek Rd. After 2.2km park on the grass verge to the right and follow the path beside the stream for 200m.

A very popular thermal bathing pool set in natural surroundings. There are a few different pools set along the creek. After heavy rain the run off can discolor the creek and cool the water temperature, so best after a long dry spell.

Waiotapu Stream – The ‘Secret’ Spot

Turn off for Waiotapu Thermal Park, continue 500 meters past the facility to a small bridge

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