Sapphire Springs Holiday Park

Sapphire Springs Holiday Park
Bay of Plenty
274 Hot Springs Road, Katikati
Phone: (07) 549 0768
**Please mention nzhotpools.co.nz when you call**
Web: www.sapphiresprings.net.nz/
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Description

Set in a picturesque natural bush surrounding with a crystal clear stream running through the property. Large kidney shaped swimming pool around 94 deg F, smaller soaking pool a little warmer, Childrens shallow pool and two quite large enclosed private pools. [Glenys Daniel, Whangarei]

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Bather Reviews
54
Very disappointing! Bathrooms dirty very unfriendly staff. Paid showers not running for 10 minutes as specified. Lovely trees and spring but unfortunately unpleasant staff spoilt it will not go there again!!
Rating: 1/10
Ansa Strydom - New Zealand
03th February 2021
53
It's in a nice bush setting, but unfortunately the water was not warm enough. Also the pools and building are a bit run down and need some maintenance. I visited in early June and being the Kiwi fruit season, it was quite full with seasonal workers who tend be quite noisy late into night, so camping wasn't much fun either
Rating: 4/10
Ranjan - Auckland
03th July 2017
52
This is a great site. particularly if you want a quiet few days. We came in late Spring; planned on staying one night: stayed for four. The site is rural, with a lovely stream/river to camp by, Bath-warm swimming pools, and pleasing bush walks. All the amenities clean and cared for, showers hot, It 's run by a family.and they could not have been more friendly and helpful. it is a pleasure to recommend them.
Rating: 10/10
manuela mackenzie - UK
01th December 2015
51
Wow what a HUGE DISSAPOINTMENT!!!!!!!!! Sapphire springs is a place my family and I have been staying for years, absolutely beautiful place! What a shame about the customer service we received on our last stay, SUE in particular. And I see in above comments her name has been mentioned a few times for the same thing. My partner and i and two of our close friends booked in for a nights stay, we were told upon arrival that there were no motels available, that they were all booked out and that the last one had been booked (after we were told we could have it) and we would have to be in two separate cabins (we thought this was odd as it was very quiet). We realised the cabins had no linen and had not brought our own, we were charged 40.00 for two people this included two pillows two single duvets and a towel each, no sheets and we couldn't have a double duvet for our double bed. The blankets and pillows were filthy and had what looked to be cat fur on them. I asked for a refund on these which we received. Later in the evening I decided to ring the logde up and see what motels/units they had available as there looked to be no one staying there, I was then told they did have motels available.when I confronted them about the situation ed seemed unsure of the situation and Sue stood there giving us evil looks until finally raising her voice at us with her baby in her arms justifing why she wouldn't let us have a motel room and how they were all booked out and who their priorities lie with. We were treated very poorly by the woman named Sue. We have been loyal customers at this park and we cannot understand why we were judged and denied a motel this way. Horrible experience. I would suggest if you are around the ages of 27-33 you will most likely get the third degree, also 3 of us have Maori blood I wonder if Sue is also a bit racist. So disappointing.
Rating: 1/10
Nicole - Tauranga
12th September 2015
50
Incredibly enjoyable stay. I think the last two reviews may have the wrong place?! Beautifully clean, the new owners look like they have done a massive amount of work. The three warm pools outdoors are lovely and fresh no chlorine stench, we then had a private spa which was magic. The stream that runs through the camp is idyllic. We will deff be back with all of our family! All round lovely place.
Rating: 9/10
Emma - New Zealand
12th August 2015
49
What a dive. Everything dirty and sand flies everywhere. Extremely unenjoyable . Waste of money. Careless staff and steep prices. 3/10 do not waste your time. Go to the athenree mineral pools 5 mins up road great service friendly and clean
Rating: 3/10
arron - Auckland
21st January 2015
48
HORRIBLE STAY! had to check out of this place, was meant to stay 2 nights couldn't do it, bad customer service. The Cabin was smelly and dirty! Sheets weren't even cleaned the were stains all over (have photos) hair all over the Bunk beds felt dirty and disgusting! will never ever go here again! We knew it was low budget but this is below budget not worth the money would much rather pay $10 extra and stay in Omokoroa.
Rating: 1/10
C Hutchens - Auckland
29th April 2014
47
Am 63yrs old now and used to camp at Sapphire Springs in the early 50's, 60's with my parents .... heard was under new management, and decided to visit again, some 50+ yrs later ... wowwwww ... what a change, cars no longer have to drive across the river, the swing bridge is gone, but goodness me, what a beautiful place, the new owners are working incredibly hard to improve on what I am to believe was a place that had become really run down... They are so friendly and welcoming, the toilet, kitchen facs are kept clean and tidy, and the grounds are looking so cared for .... we stayed over Easter Weekend 2014 and pre ious to that also ..... we,ll be back, so many memories, and will be telling our NZMCA friends ... awesome motorhome sites ....
Rating: 8/10
Carla and John REILLY - New Zealand
22nd April 2014
46
Went to springs for 1 night was so good stayed 3. A wonderful place to relax with pools and bush walks, will be back soon Thankyou new owners
Rating: 10/10
Liz Daisley - NZ
4th February 2014
45
Took the children to the pools today - and got to look around the camp (that I have not visited in 25 years). Yes, things are aged, but the new owners are doing a great job of the upgrade - and the pools were sparkling clean and pronounced the highlight of my kids holiday to the BOP. Look forward to coming back.
Rating: 9/10
suze - nz
31st January 2014
44
A very quiet relaxing bush setting. The facilities are clean and tidy. The pools are perfect temperature for this time of year, not too hot. The kids had an absolute blast.
Rating: 8/10
Lisa Millar - New Zealand
11th January 2014
43
I took a group of 19 students from Matahui Road school to Sapphire Springs for one night last week. The new owners were wonderful to work with, they were very helpful and made our stay very enjoyable. We found the newly redecorated accomodation was very clean and comfortable. We will definitely be back to use the facilities in the near future and wish you all the best.
Rating: 8/10
Paul Evans - Tauranga
12th November 2013
42
I booked the motel units for seven adults. I must admit that I was a bit dubious after reading the ratings before we went. I, along with all of our party thoroughly enjoyed our stay and found the new owners had put in such a lot of work with updating paintwork etc in the four weeks they have been there. Well done and keep it up - we will definately be back and with another party of people. All the best for your first summer.
Rating: 8/10
Janice Chapman - New Zealand
1st November 2013
41
great
Rating: 9/10
Liz Daisley - New Zealand
16th October 2013
40
Agree with some of the previous comments which did not read before going there. Nice place & grounds but the unit was below par for the price. Website says hot thermal pools but these are luke warm (not 32C). Unit was clean but smelt damp. Don't mind older units but do like to have sky(free channels only) and there were no wine glasses. Microwave wasn't useable. Had to request replacement towls and empty rubbish bin for 2nd night. No one asked how we were going even though we were the only ones in the units, so hence didn't bother to say anything when we checked out. A pity as the place is attractive. Should have gone to Taupo like we intended originally.
Rating: 3/10
Ross Garner - New Zealand
29th April 2011
39
Loved leaving the place. The lady that managed the park treated us like we were wothless. We stayed there for 6 nights and she tried telling us we paid for 5. On the third night she said we were not allowed to see my parents who were staying in an "appartment" and we were staying in a tent. I have and will continue to tell people that it is not worth the money to stay there. Just went back to read other comments SUE YOU NEED TO START TO TRUST YOUNGER TRAVELLERS. I was 21 when I stayed there and I don't drink, smoke, take drugs but you treated me like I was going to trash the place WRONG I even picked up the rubbish YOU walked past. EPIC FAIL
Rating: 1/10
KYLIE - AUS
23rd August 2010
38
we stayed in a self contained unit a day ago and were slightly disappointed. I know th price is low so I didn't expect luxury but this was very dated and not clean. Bedding were smelly, bathroom dirty and our bedroom also dirty. I wouldn't go back again!
Rating: 5/10
jacqueline Tameris - new zealand
19th February 2010
37

Rating: 9/10
shaari - thames
14th June 2007
36
it was such a shame to see how the lack of maintenance over the past few years have had its toll on this once beautiful campground. My last 2 visits home i have stayed here hoping that it had been improved. sadly no. my family have been visiting this place for over 15 yrs and mother has just spent 2 days there with my sister and she has now confirmed she will not go back. to the owners please can you not do anything to bring it back to its former glory.
Rating: 3/10
Deborah Mortimer - uk
26th January 2007
35
We visited on a cool summers day - not hot or cold, but still the pools were too cold to spend more than half an hour in. The main pool was so cold I didn't even bother to get in it other than to dip my feet in. We were also bored in the warmer pool as the water level was low and the sides were high - there was nothing to look at. Everything was generally run down. The private pools were even more skanky, and my grandmother had real difficulty getting in and out of one due to the wobbly steps.
Rating: 2/10
Helen - Wellington
6th July 2006
34
I played in these pools as a kid more than 40 years ago and took my family there with fond memories - pity it was so dirty and scruffy - the surrounding bush used to come to the edges, but now there's just one small tepid soak pool, and one large cooler swimming pool layed out in a muddy paddock! Nice setting, shame about the maintenance. Needs redoing.
Rating: 4/10
Murray Steward - UK
12th August 2005
33
Enjoyed our stay here very much- the new owners are lovely and welcoming and are working hard to upgrade what had become a run down facilaity. Old fashioned charm, simple but clean. Heaps of room,
Rating: -/10
jane - NZ
10th May 2014
32
We went freedom camping from 9-11 March 2014. Our site was just magnificent. It's beside the river bank so the gushing of the river as it flows downstream can be heard from our tent. It was very peaceful. The place has 3 warm thermal pools with perfect temperatures. The kitchen and bathrooms were very tidy and very spacious. The camping site is very well-kept. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The kidney-shaped pool is huge and there was another good-sized rectangular and toddler pools. The pool surroundings are really clean and very conjusive to family picnic and big group gatherings. Well done owners and staff.
Rating: 9/10
Gina and Eugene - Hamilton
18th March 2014
31
Stayed for 2 nights in the units, They are two bedroom and everything is supplied.\r\nGrounds are kept very tidy and the staff were super friendly and helpfull. I have stayed before but with the new owners it is everyting you would expect and more. Pools are great and for me the river is even more fun.
Rating: 9/10
Dion Smith - NZ
8th February 2014
30
We stayed here recently for a couple of nights with our two young children. We all had a fabulous time and we look forward to coming back. It is such a peaceful setting, the pools were great, the motel unit had a great retro feel and was immaculately clean. The new managers have obviously put in a lot of work and the results speak for themselves. It really is a little slice of paradise right in our own backyard and I would highly recommend it!
Rating: 9/10
Nicola - Tauranga
5th February 2014
29
We have lived in Tauranga for 30 years and have 4 children aged 21 to 10. We used to bring our older children here often when they were small, had their birthday parties etc there and had some wonderful times here, however we gave up on the place after it became run down, dirty and the management became more unwelcoming and unfriendly. We hadnt been for a few years until we discovered it was under new management. We packed up our whole family and came for the afternoon a few days ago. I was most impressed with the improvement. The pool was lovely and clean and the surroundings well maintained. Management was friendly and a great time was had by all. Congratulations on the progress and we look forward to coming again :)
Rating: 9/10
maree mcroberts -
1st February 2014
28
Way over priced for the average units. Extra person’s bed was a thin foam mattress on the ground. Pools were lukewarm. The police were already there attending to a previous incident. The motor park was run down and it appeared to have long term tenants. We stayed with a few younger people, admittedly we were a bit louder than we should have been and as a consequence to this we were removed from our rooms at 7 am by a group of staff standing outside our door. Between 2 and 3 in the morning there were staff members sitting outside our units watching us while we slept. They peeked through the windows at us. I felt intimidated. There would have better ways to deal with the situation rather than using scare tactics. When we tried to leave the proprietors locked us in the compound and charged us an extra $100 for cleaning. We were not allowed to take photographic evidence of the rooms nor were we given a fair chance to clean the rooms. Very uncomfort
Rating: 1/10
Leroy Smith - Hamilton
12th January 2014
27
Stunning location! While the the place has obviously been let go over time the new owners seem to have put a lot of effort into bringing it up to scratch. Really good and friendly service, absolutely beautiful spots to put up a tent and the pools were fantastic. Good kitchen facilities, bathrooms dated but still clean and tidy. Would really recommend to anyone looking for an affordable holiday.
Rating: 9/10
Jonathan and Fleur - Auckland
9th January 2014
26
wow this is great news - spent many many happy holidays here decades ago and have been reluctant to return with my own kids due to poor reviews. look forward to seeing some good news stories here
Rating: -/10
suze - nz
1st January 2014
25
Definitely not hot pools by any stretch of the imagination!. The water is very cool in the main outdoor pool and slightly warmer in the smaller outdoor pool. The setting is lovely and the pools are very clean. The private pools are warmer but heavily chlorinated and very retro- think 1975.
Rating: 2/10
Fiona - Wellingtonn
26th December 2013
24
Just returned from 2 days stay at the camp. The facilities and pools were old but spotless. They were always cleaning and working to improve the place. The hosts were so friendly and made us feel very welcome. Lovely and quiet at night, a very peaceful and inviting place to stay. Will return.
Rating: 8/10
Jan Goldsmith - Auckland, New Zealand
23rd November 2013
23
Brilliant. A lovely natural place with lovely natural owners.
Rating: -/10
Karl Henderson - NZ
18th November 2013
22
Rating: 8/10 1st November 2013 We have just stayed at Saphire Springs Holiday Park for 2 nights over Labour Weekend. There were 5 families, 3 of us rented the two bedroom units and the other two families rented out the homestead. We had a blast and so did the kids. There was new linen, the unit was clean and tidy. The homestead was fantastic with great facilities for the 9 people that stayed there. The owners were very welcoming and helpful, lovely to deal with. We went on a couple of bush walks, found the glow worms, the kids spent most of their time in the hot pools. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It is a hidden paradise!
Rating: 9/10
Toni - Hamilton
29th October 2013
21
Hi all. Just letting you know that we are the new owners of Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and Thermal Pools, as from 18 September 2013. We are (mostly!) Katikati born and bred, and all have an enormous desire to bring the park back to it's former glory. We invite all old and new customers to come and check out our progress! Please visit our website for more details.
Rating: -/10
Rachel and Karl, Lisa and Gareth, Keith and Denize -
18th October 2013
20
We were just daytripping and decided to visit the pools for a picnic. The area is very clean and tidy. The changing rooms toilets are a tight squeeze for an adult. But the pools are tepid, not 32 deg. (had a thermometer in my 1st aid kit and they were 25 deg).
Rating: 6/10
Rosie S - NZ
8th February 2013
19
we check our pools every morning with a water testing gauge and they are always 32 deg or more there might of been somrthing wrong with the thermomer.
Rating: -/10
Sue Harvey - New Zealand
8th February 2013
18
We had already booked in before reading the comments below and were hesitant about going there but what a load of rubbish, pools were great, just the right temperature for summer, owners friendly, everything clean and tidy, we cant wait to go back, thought it was great value for money.
Rating: 8/10
Nyah Warren -
12th January 2013
17
Just saying thank you to Nyan Warren for thenice comment that was left about the pools and unit once agian a Big Thank You
Rating: -/10
Sue Harvey - nz
12th January 2013
16
In reply to the comments that have been made about Sapphire Springs I think that we have done pretty well with the money we have put back into the camp and the pools.
Rating: -/10
Sue Harvey - New Zealand
15th October 2012
15
On reading these reviews i will not be staying at this tip
Rating: -/10
Cameron Hannay - nz
11th October 2012
14
WoW! these reviews are so wrong, But i cant comment on the motels or cabins, We stayed in the camp site it was clean tidy and everyone we spoke to was friendly, a nice cool stream running around the camp was good on the hot days the toilet and kitchen do need an update but were kept clean As for the pools comments say luke warm, great this time of year you dont want hot, some say the hotpools are cold i have been through the web site and did not find anywhere that it said they were hot pools The staff were very friendly and helpfull If the place is that dirty and horrible why was it so packed most of the time we were there, some people are so hard to please i call them (A tight arse) wanting to pay nothing for everything the price we paid and what we got was really good value, Dont go by what you read here check it out for yourself To sum up in one word AWESOME! i give it an 8 out of 10 Good on you Sue & Ed you doing a great job
Rating: 8/10
Peter -
2nd January 2011
13
Well, having read these reviews, was not expecting the best. We booked into a unit and took our own linen and janola wipes just encase. Just as well as we did. The sheets on the bed were worn and pilled, no mattress protector on the bed. I wiped the shower tray with the janola wipe which did not give nice results. The cleaning in this place needs improving, dirty floors and skirting, no cleaning behind the doors. Place smelled dusty. The website says the pools are kept at 32 degrees, unfortunately these were found to be lukewarm and although clean, the surrounding area was dirty. The communal toilets were old and had grubby floors. We will definately not be staying there again or recommending this place to our friends.
Rating: 2/10
Kat - New Zealand
14th November 2010
12
I am Truely sorry for upsetting you Kylie and I hope you except my appology. Sue
Rating: -/10
Sue Harvey -
11th September 2010
11
In answer to the notes that say the Motel Units are smelly and unclean I have spoken with the people who do the cleaning and they are doing their job much better. Sorry
Rating: -/10
Sue Harvey -
11th September 2010
10
We recently stayed 2 nights in one of the self contained units. The accommodation is basic and dated, and also very smelly. The bedding looked like it was the original from 1979. Kitchen facilities cramped and almost dangerous - water coming into close contact with electrics. Facilities of the park are nothing to get excited about. A shame as it could be so much better. Perhaps that's why we seemed to be the only people staying there in the units.
Rating: 4/10
S Marshall - Australia
30th January 2010
9
These pools were lukewarm not hot at all, a big open pool that was so cool on an 18 degree day that we stayed 2 mins and left again. Be nice on a hot day - could get in the cooler pool to cool down, but dont go there expecting a nice soak in a hot pool!!
Rating: -/10
Claire - NZ
14th April 2009
8
Our family caravanned here when I was a youngster; it's taken me 30 years to come back and do the same with my family! We all loved it. Very relaxing, and being able to have a powered site so close to the river was a bonus! (We could watch the ducks as they emerged from wandering under our caravan and skidded down the bank into the water!) The facilities are more than adequate, and the pools are better than I remember! Pool temperatures were perfect. A very relaxing time, only wish we had stayed longer! We'll be back again.
Rating: 9/10
Andre - Wairarapa, New Zealand
5th February 2009
7
I always enjoy my stay at Saphire Springs. The hosts are very down to earth and enjoy a good laugh. Recently, they have done a lot of maintenace and the units are starting to look real good.
Rating: 8/10
Pete - New Zealand
2nd October 2008
6
my friend and I visited sapphire springs in 1994 when we had a private spa. The temperature was 41 degrees and it was just wonderful. It was raining heavily when we were leaving and we had to drive across the little entry bridge which was completely covered in flood water. We really enjoyed our spa.
Rating: 9/10
pat duff - australia
17th December 2007
5
Hi Everyone Just an update on what has been happening here at Sapphire Springs Motor Camp. Well we finially got pasterers and painter and got the Toddlers and Medium size pools repaired and painted, they are looking good even if we do say so ourselves. Come and see for yourself if you dont believe me (lol) just a little light hearted fun there. We never got the hotter water alas but we did try. The next thing on the list is going to be underway shortly also. Thats it for this time. Thanks for reading this and also THANKS to the many people who have come in and said how tidy the camp and pools are looking now. From Us. Ed and Sue Harvey
Rating: -/10
Ed and Sue Harvey - Katikati
3rd May 2007
4
Just to let the people know that we bought Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and renamed it Sapphire Springs Motor Camp in August 2005. Since then we have done a fair bit of work around the place and at this moment in time we are trying very hard to get someone to come a plaster the small and medium pools so we can get the painted and looking a bit nicer. We have even been drilling of warmer water but alas dont know the outcome of the expensive job yet. but when we do i will surely be letting you know via this site. Thank you for your time. Regards, Us.
Rating: -/10
Ed and Sue Harvey - Katikati
30th January 2007
3
Superb bush surroundings but pools and buildings have sadly deteriorated from what they once were. A substantial restoration of facilities is urgently needed and would return Sapphire to the splendid attraction it has the potential to be
Rating: -/10
Andrew A -
11th August 2005
2
First visited in 1979. It was then AMAZING. All brand new, the large pool with its partner paddling pool was a great place to be, nestled in the bush, with pathways and picnic places. I have stayed there over the years, last time was 2001, and sadly, little had changed including lack of maintenance and the motels were also the same, with little or no upgrading. Had the repairs not been so apparent I would have sworn I had gone back in time. Still, a beautiful place on a fine summers day. Yes, the water is not that hot either. BUT - I prefer the rustic, non commercialised pools so this is great for a visit.
Rating: 8/10
Denise Moffitt - Auckland NZ
11th August 2005
1
My husband and I took our family of 6 children early 2005 as we were invited to join many other families that had children struggling with healthy eating habits, and My husband and I swore that in all the years we'd been travelling with a huge family it was the best weekend we'd had! The peaceful surrounding and the "home away from home" feeling. I guess you could say that the atmosphere was totally stress free. We personally wouldn't hesitate to book another holiday back there if we had half the chance! Only downfall was the cafe cost mega $$$$!! Renovations? No complaints THAT'S WHAT MADE IT FEEL LIKE CAMP!!!! Toilet and shower facilities, kitchen and laundry I would rate a 10!!!
Rating: 9/10
Pania Ward - Paeroa New Zealand
7th March 2006

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6.3 / 10

[40 votes]

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Alan Sharp
Source: Donated by Alan Sharp, NZ