Waiwera Hot Pools

36.5450°S 174.7060°E / -36.5450; 174.7060

Waiwera Hot Pools in 2006

Waiwera Hot Pools is a hot springs system located in the small coastal village of Waiwera, just north of Auckland, New Zealand. They were known to the Māori people for centuries before being developed. In the 1960s and 70s overproduction and overpumping of the geothermal aquifer led to significant loss of pressure and desiccation of the springs in the late 1970. A decade later the thermal springs began to recover, although the system has not returned to the former artesian conditions.^[1]

The commercial establishment, Waiwera Hot Pools, a large thermal spa and water park, was branded as Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort at the time of closure in 2018. The park had been New Zealand's largest water park. The complex claimed 350,000 visitors per year and consisted of 26 pools plus various slides.^[2][3] The park closed to visitors in February 2018.^[4]

History

Hot Springs Hotel, Waiwera, early 1900s

The presence of hot springs bubbling up through the sands of Waiwera Beach was known to Māori in pre-European times, and the name Waiwera means 'hot water'. Commercialisation commenced in 1875 when Scottish-born entrepreneur Robert Graham built bathing facilities at the beach and a hotel nearby.^[5] The resort became one of the most popular attractions in the Auckland Region during the 1870s, when a regular steam boat service brought tourists from central Auckland to the resort.^[6]

The natural springs ceased flowing in the 1870s, when Graham bored into the earth, and began bottling and selling Waiwera mineral water.^[6]

In the 20th century, the resort was redeveloped into a modern water park. Water activities included hydroslides such as Speed slide, Twister and Kids Chute; Lazy River; Movie pool showing 3 movies a day; Aquacise fitness classes and Swimming school.

In February 2018 the park was closed to visitors and fell into a state of disrepair.^[7][8] Demolition of the pool complex took place from August to November 2023 in preparation for sale of the site.^[9][4]

References

1. Präg, M.; Becker, I.; Hilgers, C.; Walter, T. R.; Kühn, M. (2020). "Thermal UAS survey of reactivated hot spring activity in Waiwera, New Zealand". Advanced Geoscience. 54: 165–171. doi:10.5194/adgeo-54-165-2020.
2. Waiwera Spa, New Zealand.
3. "How to Make your Own Day Spa at Home". www.mozaikskin.com. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
4. Sommerville, Troels (13 November 2023). "Rubble all that remains of Waiwera's famous hot pools, new aerial footage shows". Stuff. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
5. Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Waiwera hot springs". www.teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
6. Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage. Random House New Zealand. p. 122. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
7. "'Upsetting' new photos reveal state of derelict Waiwera hot pools". Newshub. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
8. Williams, Caroline (24 May 2021). "Million-dollar dumps: Waiwera's abandoned hot pools a 'taonga being wasted'". Stuff. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
9. Sommerville, Troels (14 August 2023). "Waiwera's thermal resort finally razed after decades of business follies mount". Stuff. Retrieved 16 August 2023.