Tokaanu Thermal Pools Hot Pool Details :: Mangaroa Street, Tokaanu, Taupo :: nzhotpools.co.nz for the hot pools, hot springs, geothermal pools of NZ

Open Everyday (closed only Christmas Day). Public Pool 10am - 9pm; Private Pools 10am - 9.30pm (sales close 9pm)
Managers: Rod Brown & Tui Brabyn
Email: tokaanuthermalpools@xtra.co.nz

Description

The Tokaanu natural thermal pools have for five centuries been recognised by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people, for bathing, cooking and dyeing of clothes. Europeans started to use the pools extensively once Tokaanu was established as a major stopover on the Grand Tour stage coach run from Wanganui to Taupo in the 1800s. These pools were and are a very welcome way to rejuvenate.

We invite you to come and relax in the soothing and therapeutic waters of Tokaanuâ€™s hot thermal springs, situated on the southern shores of Lake Taupo. Itâ€™s the perfect way to enjoy the day with family and friends, and is an ideal educational field day for school groups wanting to learn more about the historic and fascinating thermal area. You can enjoy the large public pool which is heated with fresh chlorinated water to around 36oC- 37oC or choose from one of our family sized private natural mineral pools which range from 39oC- 41oC. And for the kids, we have a special pool heated to 36oC with fresh chlorinated water situated right beside the main pool.

What makes it so hot? The Tokaanu area is part of the active Taupo volcanic zone, as is sometimes demonstrated with eruptions from Mt Ruapehu. The natural mineral waters you in today, first reached the area as snow and rain, which over the years has percolated into the ground. It soon came into contact with the hot volcanic rock far below the surface and was eventually driven back up to the surface as hot thermal springs rich in minerals.

Directions

A few kilometres North-West of Turangi on SH41. Just off the main road in the tiny township of Tokaanu. Look for the steam!

Interactive Map

Facilities

My Experience

51 Bather Reviews

What an incredible place to visit, especially in the April to September period, when there is a chill to the air. An awesome historic walk near geothermal springs is only a stones throw away and staff are very welcoming. I visit each year, sometimes twice a year if i am lucky.

Caroline - Wellington/NZ
Rating: 9/10 19th March 2013
We allow 20 minutes in our Private Mineral Pools, to reduce the incidences of faints as the water temperatures in these pools are between 39 and 41 degrees. It also frees up these very popular pools, to allow others to bathe in the private mineral water without waiting too long. Staff allow 5 minutes either side, for guest to get changed, so in total 30 minutes is allocated each time a pool is in use. Our single entry charges have remained the same since 2009. Check out on this website, our concession, senior and child rates for the Private Pools too. After soaking in the Private Mineral Pool there is also complimentary entry into our Public Heated Pool for a long as you like to visit, until closing at 9 pm. We welcome your comments. We can also be contacted directly by emailing tokaanuthermalpools@xtra.co.nz . Thank You

Tokaanu Pools Management
Rating: 10/10 30th January 2013
We have a bach in Kuratau and have been going to the Tokaanu pools for years. Lovely- but we feel $10 is steep for just 20 mins in the private pools. At least 30 mins would be good!!

nicky - nz
Rating: 6/10 29th January 2013
Our Private Pools are open from 10 am till 9.30 pm (sales close 9 pm). A couple of the private pools will be available for public bathing until 9 pm, whilst painting of the public pools is taking place from Thursday 6 Nov 12 and hopefully completed and open by Tuesday 13 Nov 12 (weather conditions permitting). Please check this website or phone 07 3868575 in the event of any delays.

Rod Brown & Tui Brabyn
Rating: 10/10 7th November 2012
Loved it! The pools, both public and private were excellent value, and the walk around the thermal area was a brilliant bonus. The staff are lovely too. Very friendly and welcoming.

Amanda Douglas-McCaig - Leeds
Rating: 10/10 27th September 2012
many years ago i use two live in turangi. I would love to thank Mere Albert olive whakatihi gillian donna debs and most of all spike angove and the whanau frm papakainga f it wsnt for the aroha of embrace i would not have known ths pl existed....

taan Rawiri - aotearoa
Rating: 10/10 3rd September 2012
We just went there with family for the long weekend. It was wonderful. Private pools are amazing, very relaxing, clean. The big public pool is also a good one and comes as a combo when you buy access to the private pool. I would definitely come back, there are so good.

Catherine
Rating: 9/10 5th June 2012
Such wonderful people and SO EVERY helpful. Thanks

Arlene Barbeau - New Zealand
Rating: 10/10 26th April 2012
Love it, near my marae, private pools are great.

Tinishia Bowlin Henry - Whangarei
Rating: 9/10 18th April 2012
We welcome and thank everyone for their feedback. When a constructive comment is made we endeavor to first contact the reviewer to provide a personal response to their concerns. At this stage we haven’t had a reply from the last reviewer, whose expectations were not meet, with regard to the type of water and temperature of our Public Pool. The Public Pool is advertised as Chlorinated Fresh Water and is heated to between 36 - 38 degrees Celsius. Unlike the mineral pools this pool allows for a long warm soak and and parents “You don’t need to worry about your children ducking their heads under”. Our pool temperatures are checked hourly, and adjustments are made to account for weather and time of the day. Our private mineral pools are natural water (it’s advisable to keep heads above water), and are often around 41 degree Celsius. This is great for those aches and pains after an adventurous time in Southern Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. A time limit of 20 minutes is given, to prevent faints, and so others can also enjoy these private natural mineral pools, without waiting long. We include a complimentary public pool afterwards. As the temperatures aren’t as hot as the mineral pools this allows you to stay in as long as you like till closing. Our answer to B. Welsh’s review below: The Tokaanu Private Mineral and Public Chlorinated Pools cater well for a huge range of locals and visitors. We do not have an infinite supply of mineral water, and the beautiful thermal walk behind the pools would be in jeopardy, if changes were made as suggested. Again we welcome your feedback! Should anyone wish to comment to us directly, please email us at tokaanuthermalpools@xtra.co.nz.

Tokaanu Pools Management
4th April 2012
The private pools are great but the outdoor pool is disappointing - too cool and not even thermal water. It's basically a warmer than average swimming pool. Can't it be hotter and the genuine smelly stuff?

B. Welsh - NZ
Rating: 6/10 19th March 2012
We have been coming to Tokaanu hot pools for close to 30 years and have never been disapointed. The service and surroundings are the best and the only fault is that you have to try and drive home before the beautiful warmth leaves your joints!! keep up the awesome work guys ..its very much appreciated

Gaye McQuarrie - NZ
Rating: 10/10 3rd February 2012
Great, went in the private pools, nice and relaxing.

Autumn
30th December 2011
I love spiders they are part of the nature experience. Feeding the trout is fun! Soaking in the pools after a weekend of skiing OOOOH-AAH Tokaanu pools rule, keep it simple and afordable!

Tim Sharp - New Zealand
14th September 2011
Took the (pre-school) kids to the pool - had a private pool before jumping into the main pool. Facilities are a little dated and the facilities were 1950s standard and confused some of the users who kept looking for the showers but they looked clean, were well priced and the kids thought it was really neat. Kids also enjoyed the bush walk, couldn't take their eyes off the boiling mud.

Michael Ellis - Lower Hutt
Rating: 8/10 7th August 2011
Since late 2009, we have been managing the Tokaanu Thermal Pools, and wish to comment on the last reviewers remarks. These pools have been in operation since our eldest residents were children. They are very popular not only with the locals, but to tens of thousands of visitors each year. The vast majority of our patrons, appreciate our clean hot pools to relax in, and at a very reasonable price. The Pools are surrounded by beautiful bush and manuka trees, as well as bordering on the freshwater Tokaanu Stream, so spiders naturally inhabit the area. To help keep spider webs at bay, we have had an exterminator in, and daily, staff work at removing webs throughout the complex. For every web that you may see, we have removed hundreds, and will continue to do so. Repainting has been addressed. This has involved closed down periods, during our quieter times, where we have grinded layers of paint, and repainted all the pools. The toilets, changing rooms, seating, architraves, doors, partitions, some of the fences, the inside and outside of reception have all been repainted in this time too. Maintenance is ongoing, and yes the pools will need repainting again this summer, and more of the premises will get a fresh coat of paint too. Come and enjoy Tokaanu Thermal Pools, and all that the area has to offer. From the Staff and Management.

Rod Brown & Tui Brabyn - Tokaanu
13th June 2011
Needs a complete repaint, spiderwebs every where, not a pleasant place for tourists

Alban Reid - New Zealand
Rating: 3/10 12th June 2011
Loved it! We come here every year after a long hard week of Hunting in the ngahere!!

Jhonelle Richards - New Zealand
Rating: 10/10 23rd April 2011
wonderful helpful very freindly staff great service wonderful hotpools

wendy symes - new zeakabd
Rating: 9/10 21st April 2011
Kiaora te whanau o Tokaanu Waiwera just sending some love to you all miss and see you all when we get home.....Sam and Whanau in Rockhampton. Mauriora....

Sam Maxwell - Rockhampton Australia
Rating: 10/10 20th September 2010
He rawe enei hopua! He tino pai mo to kiri me ou ua. Pai ki ahau mo te whanau me nga hoa katoa o te motu nei, o te ao whanui hoki. Tenei taku mihi maioha ki a Ngati Tuwharetoa mo to koutou manaakitanga ki a matou te hunga-kore-hopua wera-:)

Arini Loader - Aotearoa New Zealand
Rating: 10/10 21st July 2010
I love this place, awesome gathering spot for when all the whanau come for huis. Even better when you know your tipuna are watching over you. Good place to take all the kids when the whanau are having a party at the marae

Kailee Hepi - Hamilton
Rating: 10/10 12th June 2010
Love this place. Good for a soak in the main pool after a days skiing in the winter. Just beautiful. Provite pools are great to for a more authentic experience.

Adam - Wellington, NZ
Rating: 9/10 3rd May 2010
Terrific friendly staff especially SAM. made to feel very welcome. Will recommend and also return

Nola Walkinshaw - Wellington
Rating: 9/10 31st March 2010
Just to let everyone know that the Tokaanu Thermal Pools will be closed until Monday 22 February 2010 for our Annual Maintenance. From the Tokaanu Management

Tui Brabyn
Rating: 10/10 12th February 2010
Great pools! Enjoyed the private thermal pool, nice with the open air, I can imagine how nice it would be on a clear night with the stars above. Just needed a bench to sit on in the private pool. The public pool was nice and warm, I thought it would have been cold, but it wasn't! Very relaxing and great woman on the front desk who was helpful and very friendly and informative! Next time I'm up this way will definitely stop in again!

Ivan Rainforth - Wellington, New Zealand
Rating: 8/10 30th November 2009
We visited these pools to avoid the crowds at Whakapapa. we hired a private pool, and it had plenty of space, probably fit 4 adults comfortably. temperature was lovely & warm and the open roof was refreshing. Will definitely stop by again.

Rissa - Wellington, NZ
Rating: 8/10 8th September 2009
you don't even have the open hours on the site - pathetic. And when you call their number they don't have a msg with hours either - it's medieval.

james - nz
21st August 2009
Had a fantastic time, was so great as we got there early afternoon before the crowds! So nice, relaxing, and hot! Will definitely be back, thanks!

Stacey - NZ
Rating: 10/10 11th August 2009
The best hotpools in the country, great atmosphere, really friendly staff and excellent service. Very clean as well...

Tracey Mosen - Te Awamutu
Rating: 10/10 12th July 2009
Fantastic, a must after a day at the mountain!!

Chrissie Crawshaw - Porirua,Wellington
Rating: 10/10 6th July 2009
Great family outting location

Peter Henare - Auckland, NZ
Rating: 10/10 24th April 2009
Lovely staff and great pool. This place has such a nice feel to it. My little girl learnt to float on her tummy in the small pool. It was so nice one night with the steam rising and a full moon coming up among the stars.

Aimee - NZ
Rating: 9/10 20th April 2009
don't forget the trout in the creek, they love a feed of chips

anonymous
29th March 2009
I love this place. Its well worth the journey....Im not sure why people talk about it being old. Its been there along time. Its nice to read the history about it. Its so cheap. I find it a peaceful place and am only sorry I cant get there more often...Infact I think my girlfriend hinted she wanted to go up there for for relaxation tomorro night..Valentines day..Better than any present. My skin problems seem to settle alot after visiting..Thats a real bonus for me

Michael Lockwood - Wanganui
Rating: 9/10 14th February 2009
Enjoyed a wonderful dip in these pools after doing the Tongariro Crossing. Waht could be better? Hired a private pool for only $2 extra (and we could use the public pool afterwards as well for free). Just great. Sure it's a bit tired, but the staff and water are wonderful.

Alan - UK
Rating: 9/10 21st December 2008
gggggggrrrrrrrreat!!!

Anonymous Person - NZ
Rating: 10/10 12th December 2008
This is a nice hot pool for the family. It has a good/medium sized pool and a smaller shallow childrens pool. It is nice and hot and has a cold shower and a drink fountain near the pool. There is a nature walk near the pool that is free and along the path has plopping mud, steam and natural thermal boiling water. Also a traditional maori hungi area that is still in use.

Ms Lee - Auckland, NZ
Rating: 9/10 14th July 2008
I always go here for relaxation and for my bones, skin and hair. Everyone I bring here are impressed with the lovely staff and the entire facility. I don't care if it is old and would hate for it to be made modern. I am here for the water and the peace, not anything else. I love the natural beauty of the surrounding area which is graciously provided free to walk by the owners. The pricing is affordable. The best in the country.

Christine Fiori - NZ
Rating: 10/10 25th May 2008
Love the place, try and visit everytime i'm in nz. However the place needs a bit of TLC. Staff are awesome, price is good, but really starting to look old.

Kate - Aus
Rating: 7/10 12th May 2008
anonymous
Rating: 10/10 3rd April 2008
If you haven't been to these pools, I'd recommend it. The private pools are exactly that, and have an open roof so you get a nice breeze. It was around 40 degrees, untreated thermal hot water, marvellous. You only get (and only need) 20 minutes in them and I would recommend taking a large bottle of water with you to both drink and cool yourself down a bit. After that we went to the outdoor public pool which was a much cooler and extremely pleasant 32 degrees. They are great to just sit in and relax. The waters treated so you can put your head under the surface. Recommend sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses when in the pool on a sunny day. It was my second visit in a 15 year period. I won't be waiting so long next time.

Brent - Auckland
Rating: 7/10 29th January 2008
One of the highlights of our tour of NZ in March. Gave me that extra boost to complete the tour of the country. Karen Gillis 9 Aug. 2007

Karen Gillis - Dominion, NS. Canada
Rating: 9/10 10th August 2007
Great place to relax. We go there heaps when up that way. Staff very friendly. Change rooms could do with being heated

Lynne Whitworth - New Zealand
Rating: 8/10 27th June 2007
anonymous
Rating: 9/10 3rd April 2007
Tokaanu rates as my favourite commercial hot pool in NZ. I always build it into my trip itinerary when I'm in that part of the country.

Tom - Hamilton, NZ
Rating: 10/10 18th March 2007
Good value for money plus nice & hot! The private pools are great with the open roof to view the stars while soaking....very romantic!

Tim - Wellington
Rating: 8/10 17th March 2007
We went to Tokaanu Thermal Pools to soothe our aching legs the day after completing the Tongariro Crossing. After relaxing in the lovely warm outdoor pool, there is also a short walk (accessible from the carpark) around some small mud pools and thermal springs. Well worth stopping if you're passing and great value for money.

Eilidh - Edinburgh UK
Rating: 8/10 8th February 2007
would like to know opening hours +avaliablity of BBQ inoctober we are possibiliy bringing a group of cub scouts on a trip .

fred van lier - waitakere
6th June 2006
Great after a day in the snow

Sean
Rating: 8/10 11th August 2005
I always stop here and go for a soak every time we pass through (1956 - present)! The large public pool is one of the hottest, and always wear your sun glasses as its the glariest pool I have ever been in. There are private pools etc but we always go to the public large pool which is crystal clear and suitable for all kinds of weather.

Denise Moffitt - Auckland NZ
Rating: 8/10 11th August 2005