The natural thermal springs at Wairakei Terraces in Taupō have been providing sanctuary for Māori for hundreds of years.
Ngāwhā – natural thermal springs – have been used for centuries by Māori people for healing the body and the soul.
In days past, during times of inter-tribal war, Māori people from around the area would go to Wairakei Valley to bathe in the restorative waters and it was understood that it is a place of peace and all conflict would be left behind.
Today, Wairakei Terraces and their soothing hot pools still offer that same feeling of peace and serenity.
At Wairakei Terraces, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a secret rockpool in a forgotten part of a lush native forest.
The silica-rich springs of Wairakei are a beautiful shade of blue-green and you’ll notice the water feels silky to the touch. Over time, the minerals in the rock permeate the bubbling hot waters, which many people say helps soothe a range of ailments. In fact, the name of the stream that feeds the terraces, Te Kiri o Hinekai, means “food for the skin”.
