Morere Hot Springs
4.2 · 380 reviews · via Google
Morere Hot Springs
sodium-chloride · North Island
Hotter than 29% of New Zealand springs (n=14).
More acidic than 57% of New Zealand springs (n=14).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
Cost
Low
Crowd level
Quiet
About this spring
Morere Hot Springs is a rustic forest reserve destination featuring unique ancient seawater pools tucked inside a dense canopy of native Nikau palms. The clear, highly saline waters are fossilized marine waters rich in sodium chloride and iodine, known for their strong therapeutic properties. The complex features a range of outdoor concrete pools, private indoor cabins, and secluded rock pools located up a scenic rainforest walking track. The setting feels deeply isolated and primeval, with the sound of the Nuhaka River rushing nearby. Visitors can combine their soak with several well-maintained short hikes through the surrounding Department of Conservation reserve. The facilities are simple, authentic, and completely uncommercialized compared to Rotorua options.
Highlights
History
Local Maori groups originally frequented this dense coastal rainforest for spiritual cleansing and physical healing, recognizing the unique power of the hidden springs long before European colonization.
The colonial government established a formal thermal springs reserve in 1895 to protect the mineral source and the surrounding ancient Nikau palm ecosystem. Early analysts documented the unique, highly saline fossil seawater, which emerged from subterranean faults with exceptional therapeutic qualities unlike any other spring in New Zealand.
Local guide
You follow State Highway 2 as it winds along the isolated coastline between Gisborne and Wairoa, turning into a pristine ecological reserve managed by the Department of Conservation. The air smells of damp earth and ancient vegetation. You set off on a short walk along a gravel track, crossing a swing bridge into the reserve to reach the upper pools tucked beneath a spectacular canopy of native Nikau palms.
The thermal water gathers in simple concrete bathing boxes in the forest. The natural spring water is heavily saline due to its ancient fossil seawater origin, creating a distinctive dense, mineral-rich sensation on the skin. As you soak in the intense heat, native tui birds call through the dense ferns that crowd the pool edges.
Bring your own towel, non-slip sandals for the wet wooden boardwalks, and a personal water bottle since there are no shops inside the forest reserve. Check the DOC website before traveling to confirm the walking tracks are open and clear of storm debris.
Mineral chemistry
Sodium chloride springs, essentially natural saltwater baths, are celebrated for their warming and moisturising effects. The salt forms a thin film on the skin that slows moisture evaporation, keeping skin hydrated longer than a freshwater bath.
Those with high blood pressure or heart conditions should consult a doctor before bathing, as the warming effect increases circulation. Avoid immersing open wounds.
Similar springs
FREEHot Water Beach is a world-famous coastal phenomenon where underground geothermal springs filter up through the sand between the high and low tide marks. Visitors rent or bring shovels to dig out their own personalized spa pools in the sand, which rapidly fill with steaming, mineral-rich thermal water. The hot water contains high amounts of sodium chloride and calcium, filtering from deep subterranean reservoirs. The soaking experience is entirely dependent on ocean tides, as the thermal area is completely submerged by the sea outside a two-hour window on either side of low tide. The beach is scenic but features hazardous rip currents, making swimming in the open ocean highly dangerous. The experience is entirely free, though parking and shovel rentals incur small costs.
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's premier alpine thermal resort, nestled in a picturesque mountain village surrounded by redwood forests. The complex features an extensive array of pools, including sulfur pools, terraced mineral pools, aqua therapy pools, and recreational water slides. The naturally heated waters contain high levels of sodium chloride, boron, and sulfur, which offer therapeutic benefits for joint pain and muscular recovery. Visitors can experience a wide variety of soaking environments from quiet, adults-only relaxation zones to lively family areas. The setting is beautifully landscaped with native gardens and alpine architecture. A fully equipped day spa offers massage therapies, and on-site cafes provide refreshments. It is a highly developed resort requiring towels and swimsuits. This public complex is completely family-oriented and open daily.
The Lost Spring is a luxury, adults-only thermal resort styled as a lush tropical oasis located within the Whitianga township. The crystal-clear water is drawn from a Pacific geothermal rift valley over 600 meters below the surface, emerging completely sterile and rich in therapeutic minerals. The meticulously styled rock pools are surrounded by hand-planted ferns, cascading waterfalls, and artificial caves that create a tranquil, hidden-world atmosphere. Guests can order cocktails and gourmet platters served directly to the pool edges by waitstaff. The property features a premium day spa built in the tree canopy, offering advanced massage and skin rejuvenation packages. To maintain a quiet, romantic ambiance, children under 14 are strictly prohibited from the pools.
Amenities
Getting there
- InterCity Gisborne-Napier route stops at reserve gate (Bus) · 0km · 0 min
- from Wairoa (Car) · 40km · 35 min
Drive south from Gisborne along State Highway 2 for approximately 45 minutes; the pools are located directly off the highway.
Location & nearby
State Highway 2, Morere 4198
More springs in North Island
FREEHot Water Beach is a world-famous coastal phenomenon where underground geothermal springs filter up through the sand between the high and low tide marks. Visitors rent or bring shovels to dig out their own personalized spa pools in the sand, which rapidly fill with steaming, mineral-rich thermal water. The hot water contains high amounts of sodium chloride and calcium, filtering from deep subterranean reservoirs. The soaking experience is entirely dependent on ocean tides, as the thermal area is completely submerged by the sea outside a two-hour window on either side of low tide. The beach is scenic but features hazardous rip currents, making swimming in the open ocean highly dangerous. The experience is entirely free, though parking and shovel rentals incur small costs.
Polynesian Spa is a world-class, heavily developed thermal bathing complex situated on the scenic shores of Lake Rotorua. The facility utilizes two distinct natural springs: the acidic Priest Spring, which relieves tired muscles and arthritis, and the alkaline Rachel Spring, which nourishes the skin with silica. The complex features 28 mineral pools divided into deluxe lakefront areas, adult-only deep pools, private cabins, and a large family spa with a hydro slide. The pools are surrounded by beautifully manicured native flora with sweeping vistas across the volcanic lake waters. A full-service wellness day spa provides premium mud wraps and hydrotherapy treatments. It is completely accessible and requires standard swimsuits.
FREEOtumuheke Stream is a popular, completely free natural hot river that cascades over smooth rocks directly into the cold, pristine waters of the Waikato River. Bathers can find their ideal temperature by moving closer to the steaming stream inlet or further out into the main river blending currents. The local council recently upgraded the park with modern wooden viewing decks, changing rooms, public toilets, and a small cafe kiosk at the entrance. The natural pools feature gravel bottoms and are surrounded by lush native grasses and riverside walking paths. It provides a highly social, scenic, and authentic outdoor soaking experience. Parents must monitor children closely due to the adjacent river's swift, deep currents.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Morere Hot Springs?▾
The water temperature at Morere Hot Springs ranges up to 41°C (minimum around 38°C).
Is Morere Hot Springs free to visit?▾
Morere Hot Springs charges an entrance fee in NZD.
Is Morere Hot Springs a public or private bath?▾
Morere Hot Springs is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Morere Hot Springs?▾
Yes, Morere Hot Springs welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Morere Hot Springs?▾
The nearest station to Morere Hot Springs is Wairoa InterCity Terminal, about 37km away.