Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
4 km return | 1 hour 30 minutes return
The Kaitoke Hot Springs are a pool of hot water in a fork of the Kaitoke Stream. Maori often used the springs, but Europeans first frequented the steaming pools in the 1860s.
The start of the walk is signposted from Whangaparapara Road, approximately 5km before Whangaparapara.
The track is wide and even, although after 5 minutes you will have to cross a shallow stream. The track undulates gently to the fork in the river by the hot springs, where there is also a picnic bench.
The water can reach 84 degrees Centigrade, but is usually a more agreeable temperature. A concealed fault line in the region allows deep-circulating groundwater to rise through the overlying rock and re-emerge in the forested enclave.
Industrious locals have constructed a ring of river rocks around one pool, beneath the languid fronds of overhanging ferns. The silted base allows for a comfortable base and well-placed rocks form ‘pillows’. A picnic table is situated nearby. To avoid the danger of contracting amoebic meningitis, keep your head above water.
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Organisation |
DOC AucklandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Great Barrier Island |
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