Rotorua is located on the North Island of New Zealand, about a two hours drive South of Auckland. The popular destination is home to an abundance of geothermal activity, Maori Culture and a number of outdoor activities.
With active volcano vents almost everywhere you look, it is one of the best places to indulge yourself in one of the many geothermic spas, mud pools and heated rivers making it the perfect cross over between enjoying the outdoors and relaxing. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive as many of the geothermic pool destinations charge a pretty penny to access.
Thankfully, about 30 minutes south of Rotorua, within the Waikite Valley, there is a camp ground in which is not only free for campers to access limitless times, but also home to the biggest geothermic vent within the region. The destination is also tucked away in the rolling hills and is surrounded by lush greenery, which in my opinion enhances the beauty of this natural phenomena.
Checking in
Despite being somewhat of a hidden gem, it is best to book your stay at Waikite Valley hot pools prior to arriving to guarantee a camp site. It is becoming increasingly popular and there isn’t a lot of camping sites to spare, making it a relatively intimate stay. Furthermore, if you don’t plan on camping overnight, you can still access the thermal pools and pay on entry.
It is only $25 NZD per camp site, which can be paid online or on arrival. This also covers the use of amenities including showers and toilets in addition to sitting areas, a BBQ area and powered camp sites. As suggested before, this price includes limitless access to the hot pools which reside next to reception.
Although it is recommended to come prepared with food and drinks of your liking due to being in a relatively isolated area, the canteen does sell convenience drinks and food, in addition to swimwear.
The thermal spas
Now the most important part of visiting is the thermal spas!
The best part about Waikite Valley hot pools is that there are a plethora of hot pools to be experiences which allows you to fully indulge yourself into the experience without the bother of being surrounded by too many people.
All pools are heated, however there are two ‘natural’ infinity geothermic pools which are surrounded by beautiful fern gardens and soaring views of the surrounding landscape and steaming hot spring that the heat is generated from. Although the water is shallow within these pools, there are indented rocks in which form seats for you to sit on, lay back and just enjoy that ambiance that engulfs you.
There is also a 25 metre ‘swimming pool’ in addition to a smaller blue swimming pool. Both in which are surrounded by picnic tables and safe zones, making these areas more suitable for families and children alike.
Lastly, just due East of the pool area is a trail that leads to a hot spring, the biggest within Rotorua. Although this cannot be accessed in addition to the surrounding streams due to being approximately 99 degrees celcius, you can admire the sheer beauty from the decking that resides next to it.
Wander Mak 
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