i have been there lots and i do not see why people are making rood comments about it i had so much fun and i think some people are just to stuck up to have any fun at anything that's not bling
Rating: 10/10
larry - cambridge
13th October 2020

Stayed here for 1 night in the Motel 1 accommodation. Across the road down a driveway shared property with the locals What a dump @ $210 per night for 3 people - feels truly ripped off Pools looked scummy and dirty and didn't dare enter the water Shower in unit had very slow running hot water Unit needs a major make over - had 4 new coffee cups though - price tags still on it Smelt of cigarette smoke
Rating: -/10
Keith - NZ
09th September 2019

Went to Waingaro Hot Pools for the first time with my family today...The customer service was great, however the hot pool was disgusting with floaties the appeared to look like skin. There is not tuck shop as all pools have... The hydroslide was only turned on for approx 20 minutes then turned off again, so clearly the owners are "TIGHT" on money when we have just paid $6 each for a "DAY PASS". The concrete leading up to and flooring at the top of the hydroslide were slippery and full of Lycan which causes accidents when wet. Once our day had ended due to the hydroslide still being off and my son not being able to use it again, we went to have a nice shower to clean the pool gunk off...However the shower floor was slippery with sludge and the water is COLD AS HELL in the shower...Yet another TIGHT ASS way to take our money and skim on provisions... I hope the next owner cares about their customers more buy providing the service we are paying for buy not cutting costs to make profit off us and especially in regard to the many HEALTH & SAFETY issues the Waingaro Hot springs has. That aside Lovely staff.
Rating: 3/10
Michelle Weir -
11th August 2018

I've been going to Waingaro since an infant. Yes it may be outdated compared to other wealthy Springs but in general it does the job I expect it to do. It's become neglected somewhat but doesn't change the fact that the water is why I'm there; relaxation temperature, hydrotherapy, peace and the childhood memories flashing by when I look at each area of the site. I love the loud laughable characters of the owners and the smiling humble staff, they have shown me no bias, ever and I'm Maori...in all honesty the owner will clock you, real loud, on the intercom if she has to because most times its needed. Be responsible and she won't call you out.
Rating: 8/10
MeiMei - Hamilton
17th April 2018

If you are Maori,dont go here,the lady will call out over the mike " hey Maori girl you can't swim there.. Disgraceful. These people are rat shit opps, I mean racist
Rating: 1/10
Shane Winiata - Aoteroa/New Zeala
03th February 2018

Pretty shabby. Doesn't look like it's had any love since the 80s. Cracked concrete, broken fittings. Some manner of Classic Hits blaring over a speaker, with occasional interjections about chippies and drinks available at the shop. Very small town NZ. Pools were reasonable, in the context of the overall general shabbiness, and a pleasant temperature. Absolutely no sign of lifeguards, although there was a lifeguard seat - indicated by a handwritten and sellotaped sign. The larger hydroslide was excellent fun but felt decidedly unsafe. Got whacked in the face by flax on each run, and consistently got air while hurtling down a couple of corners. Didn't die. There was a sheep ambling around the hydroslides and pooping on the path. Not a huge amount of clearance in pool at bottom of slides. Most of the time, the slide attendant was distracted chatting to a mate instead of watching the near collisions, checking for drownings, etc. If you temper your expectations, everything's perfectly fine. Just don't drive more than maybe half an hour to get to it.
Rating: 3/10
Matt - Wellington
02th January 2018

A great day out and the whole family had a good time at a decent price. The people were really nice and friendly and the facilities were just fine. The place is good value and we would recommend it. Unsure why there are negative reviews out there - maybe some people have unrealistic expectations of what to expect from hot pools in the middle of the North Island!
Rating: 8/10
Stu - Tauwhare
06th October 2017

Waingaro Hot Springs is the best day out for the whole family. The owners and staff are so warm and welcoming. It burst with character, so relaxing and always clean. I feel so lucky to have this just half an hour away and great all year round what ever the weather!
Rating: 10/10
Joni Mathieson - Raglan
29th May 2017

wow.rude owners.long way to access with the crapist food,service and over all experience.go to the aroha.
Rating: 1/10
bather - hamilton
28th October 2016

We went there last month, the young lady who took our admittance was pleasant and helpful, pointed out where we could park in the shade so our dogs wouldn't get over heated in the car. The pools and buildings are old but appear to have had quite a lot of painting done of late, were clean and tidy, and the water temperatures were nice at 32 deg in the main pool and 40 in the hot smaller pool. It was not the fanciest, and their little shop is pretty bare but we enjoyed our afternoon there. Reading through the other reviews, I think we had a better experience than some, but I can see that some investment to make improvements might be a good thing.
Rating: 7/10
John Welsford - New Zealand
16th May 2016

Lets hope that a more customer focussed regime comes with the re opening. I too found the management and staff appalling to deal with. I stopped going (had been a regular customer) before it was forced to close as I found the customer service/attitude appalling. You'll get another chance from me but it will be the last. Much prefer Te Aroha or even better Morere between Gisborne and Napier
Rating: -/10
Weka - Hamilton
09th March 2016

i am from waingaro but i barley went to the hot pools. They are very expensive and definitely not worth it. The water is amazing but only because its natural. Every time after swimming there i always felt sick. The kids pool was never filled or it was closed down. The private spas are Very expensive and again not worth it. The very hot pool is great and relaxation but is sometimes to hot. There are never life guards around which is very poorly. Changing rooms are always clean but there is only one cold shower. It would have been nice to have private showers with hot water. water slides are very dangerous and there is never life guards around either. Hot food shop is never open which should be ideal because the hot pools are so far from any place to get food. Owner is very rude. Always was scared of her when going there. She would always growl at young ones to hurry up and purchase food from the first shop before you enter the pools. Love the birds and the playgrounds they have for the kids. There is alot of ground, it would be great to extend the pools. Never have i seen the bumper boats pool clean. Even though it looks shut down they still run it even when the pool is green. Waingaro hot pools is waingaros attraction out there, so i hope when the owners re-open the pools everyone will love it out there just as much as i do.
Rating: 3/10
anon - Raglan New Zealand
16th February 2015

Naww I miss Waingaro. Yea it wasn't like other posh fancy places. It was real. A bit rough but the kids and I never minded something a little different. It was fun and immersed in beautiful scenery. Come on Waingaro just a few clean ups, we miss you.
Rating: 9/10
A Hoeta - Mangere
16th December 2014

I always found the water clean and loved swimming. I am now travelling to Te Aroha for my swims. Te Aroha is Council operated. Why doesn't Council take over Waingaro and bring it back to the great place it used to be.
Rating: -/10
Liz Shaw - Hamilton NZ
09th July 2014

so when is it going to be back up and running maybe council should buy it ?? it was a primo place to be late eighties early nineties when I was a kid packed to the day and the challenges on the log getting it bouncing sure it hurt a few of us males haha slides were primo typical of nz every thing is run down the country is broke splash planet was going backwards last time there to its a real shame cause these were great nz places
Rating: 10/10
cathro - nz
05th June 2014

Yup, Custy service was SHIT, cabins are SHIT, slide is DANGEROUS and SHIT, lifeguards, what lifeguards? but the water was absolutely loooovely and the pub food just yuuum! Just needs a bit off love.
Rating: -/10
jacky - mangere
18th May 2014

every time ive visited waingaro hotsprings the water has been nice and clean very beautiful scenery great customer service very well looked after all round great place to be 10/10
Rating: -/10
matt doherty -
08th February 2014

OMFG What a joke of a place. I am so angry even a day later I am spewing about this shit hole. Let me tel you NZ all the negative comments about this place is true, even though we didnt get to experience the filthy looking premises I believe it all. Let me tell you this readers, on a scorching hot day my husband and I and our 4 kids all under 7, drove a long, hot, loooooong windy drive to the pools only to find the fking thing was closed. No signs anywhere so say so. I so wished I had of seen these reviews before hand. Not only that the fling website dosent even say its closed. The end of the school holidays and we thought we,d do one last whanau thing together and dum ass me chose this place as we had never been before. What an absolute waste of space. I hope the council shut it down or someone else takes over. At least I know never to wonder again what it will be like at Waingaro hot springs. I know we will never go back, and I haven't stop ringing friends and whanau to tell them don't waste their time and gas. We went yesterday. 0/10 31 jan 2014
Rating: -/10
Mel - Manukau
01th February 2014

Bugger these are closed, went to both the pools north of Auckland, so many people in the pools you could not move, just looking at this made me not want to go in, so my family got a refund, compared entry prices, plus distence travelled to locations, we live in Manukau, so cheaper and a nicer trip for a family outing Waingaro still the better and cheaper place to go. Waingaro is an older complex but the water entering the pools is fresh hot spring water 'people complaining of cloudy water, maybe they should close there eyes underwater,I have never seen it cloudy, always seems clean to me, I would not swim if I had any doubts, come on Waingaro get up and running sooner the better ...
Rating: 9/10
Robert Cumming - NZ
27th January 2014

SHIT!!!!!!!!!was just thinking about this place and going for a visit again and taking my 8 year old son.. its been about 12 years since i have been and what i can remember from that visit, was by the sounds of it nothing has changed they the owners are still rude as!!!!! and out dated food!!!!!.we remember that to!!!!..hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!! so many mixed reviews but my inner self is swaying towards its still the outdated place it was.....by the sounds of it,you would of been extremely lucky to go there when the bumper boats actually worked...sounds like same excuse used for last 12 years...and they the water slides have always just been turned on for a certain amount of time..so nothing changed there......but in-saying this i still mite just take that trip down when it re opens as i remember the slides were alot of fun and they didnt mind us standing up on the speed slide...now you gota love that....will give another review once i return when its opens again....Geeeeeeeee i really hope im not gona be asking for my money back....flmfao...also to all aussies .....come on i grew up in aussie as a kid and you will never find any water slides that compete in nz at all..shame really cause they so much fun.......the speed slide here is best slide in nz and only because you can stand up on it.......some please build a decent water slide park in nz.......
Rating: -/10
bobby - waitakere,nz
11th January 2014

Why are you still advertising on TV 5.30pm 24/12/2013 if the pools are closed then
Rating: -/10
Rossco - NZ
24th December 2013

Rude staff, filthy pool and dried blood on the paths... Avoid at all costs
Rating: 2/10
Anthony - Timaru
08th December 2013

Just out of curiosity I Googled Waingaro springs to see if the place had changed but obviously not. I was there about 2010 and I had the worst experience anyone could imagine. It's really disappointing to realise that all the complaints that have been made (even on this site) concerning Waingaro Springs have had no effect whatsoever. The Managers have not responded favourably, like you say, they don't care....Many years ago my ancestors used to bathe in the therapeutic springs of Waingaro, it's such a tragedy.
Rating: -/10
Pauline Mackenzie - Australia
05th November 2013

on be half of my whanau we would like to thank the staff for their hospitality. we had a wonderful time at Waingaro Hot Pools. The Staff was great and the facilities were outstanding. it was that awesome my whanau and i are doing it again this weekend.
Rating: 10/10
Nicole Brown - New Zealand
22th October 2013

I dont agree with the rotten comments on here the staff were friendly not rude!! and i enjoyed my couple of hours with the family when we visited for the day and hmm this mark fella SHOCKING that is all .!!
Rating: -/10
Frazy - Auckland
18th October 2013

Garbage do not go!!!!!! I just worked there for 1 week got paid $3 per hour!!!!!!!! Dirty, unsafe, no qualified lifeguards, rotten or expired food and the owner is obnoxious and extremely rude
Rating: 1/10
mark houltham -
09th October 2013

We had a wonderful time relaxing, swimming and chillin around the pools for three days. The slides were fantastic, a must for everyone to have a go! Check this place out it is cool.
Rating: 6/10
Janine - Tauranga
05th October 2013

Very bad experience! Staff very rude. Stayed in motel after few hours noticed was being attacked by fleas notified owned and she accused us of lieing. Asked us to capture fleas to prove we weren't lieing. Linen was disgusting very smelly. Door locks broken to unit so was unable to leave bags inside. Left after fews hours very upset and with no refund!!!!
Rating: 1/10
Jamiee - Auckland
21th September 2013

Old and tired place needs a lot of improvement to be the place it was in the 80's. Would not recommend to overseas tourists. Motel clean and tidy but dated. Had to laugh at the "lifesaving" device - a tyre tube with short rope! 2nd visit in a lifetime and that's probably it for me!
Rating: 3/10
Greg - Jaffa
07th August 2013

Haveing spent three nights in a lovely motel room, swimming from early morning till late at night, we enjoyed it all. We exepted the slides would only run when the staff had time to spend supervising them, but they ran for so long my kids gave up before they closed down again. We all had a laugh a minite on the bumper-boats. The staff, from the cleaners, to the attendents, and the owners were friendly and helpfull to my grandsons and I, and we intend going back often.
Rating: 8/10
TE PUKE 3 - NZ
25th July 2013

It is nice to see since the last time I was there (circa 2 years ago), that there has been considerable and continuous improvement. To be fair nothing has changed since I was a boy (besides the absence of a notoriously large and slippery wrestle log, and we only went swimming), but as far as how the hot soak experience went - the water was hot and clear, there is lots of fresh paint and the single staff member was very friendly. At $11 for adults and $6 for kids I think the relaxation dollar couldn't go any further!
Rating: 6/10
Michael - Hamilton
24th July 2013

found the place to be a lil run down but in saying this maybe run down isnt the perfect word ' perhaps not modernized or out dated would be more fitting ' which was just damn marvelous if you ask me ' i found the place tranquil ' friendly/helpful staff ' my kids went on the bumper boats ' and the slide in fact they just absolutely loved it ' we have stayed in numerous places over the country and found the cost to be fair ' $6 for an all day hydro-slide compared to $5 for a half hour turn on the hydo-slide at our local pool in town more than value for money ' the cabin was clean and tidy ' WE WILL BE RETURNING :) thankyou to the staff out Waingaro 20/7/13
Rating: 7/10
jacinda wilder - hamilton new zealand
22th July 2013

i called the owner he did not listen to my complaint an then i found this so the pools are very cold an we went ther at 11pm cas the add said 30 degrees dont go if you arewanting hot pool;s
Rating: 3/10
kevan -
11th July 2013

If anyone ever had two ask me were is my happy place it will be waingaro hot springs owners AAA class staff very very helpful pools very clean motels flat cabins all very clean I've been recovering from cancer now for 3yrs and in the 3yrs I've made waingaro my home away form home I can not beleave the amount of rubbish that people put on here about this very Special place with very special people thank you very much Amro an Chood for allowing me to rest my head an body from all the pain me and my family has been faced with in the last 3yrs you haved walked with us thank you thank you thank you very much form my family two yours Josie xxxx
Rating: 10/10
Josie Kelly - Nz
08th July 2013

Strangely no other pool complex on this site has anywhere near the difference in reviews this place does. It's either great and friendly 8, 9 or 10 Or rude and dirty 1, 2, 3 Advertising standards had a rating of "Missleading" when they upheld 2 complaints!
Rating: -/10
Errr really - Auckland
17th June 2013

Had a large group of 40 stay in cabins n flat 4 queens birthday weekend. Overall the kids love the pools, sure it could do with some work and maintenance but its pretty good value and we will definetly return. I dealt with the owner a lot to organise the wkd and she's not rude just straight up.
Rating: 7/10
Ange Sua -
09th June 2013

OK so I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, But I think some of yous are going abit O.T.T come on the place could be far worse. But I mean if its not your cup of tea I suppose you don't go back. Simple as!?! I'm having my baby's first birthday there and I couldn't be more excited I fell in love with it my first time going there. The place could do with a little work but nothing major not to the point where your calling it a hole. Its amazing. I'm looking forward to July will see yours there staff :-) I would recommend this plac for people wanting ton relax with not so many prying eyes staring at you its not to packed its lovely and the area around nature omg. Love love it thankyous will be back heaps
Rating: 8/10
Caroline Woods - Hamilton
08th June 2013

Be warned. Bumper boats don't operate. Camp sites very small and neglected. Power cut did damage to motor home. No apology from owner and she was very rude when I spoke to her. Staff that live on site noisy all night. One of oe kids got sick after accidentally drank pool water. Place very run down.
Rating: 3/10
Craig - Hamilton
30th May 2013

NO Bumper Boats? been like this for awhile me think... wasn't that part of the complaint to ASA some time back with the first being late 2010. Nice to see they appear to still have the same pictures on their website that were ruled as old by Advertising standards authority... camera still not working I guess. Err conditions apply... what are these exactly? as can't appear to find these, on their website! So no bumper boats... still by the looks of the reviews. Muddy outside... to be fair it was hot when I visited. Still appear to have every other review saying its a hole... Still you are welcome to check out the reviews by the "ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY" there are two of them that the complaint was upheld in recent years.
Rating: -/10
james - Auckland
02th May 2013

i was think about takeing my kids i hvent been there in yrs last time i thk it was indian`s running it ??? but readin wot pple hve writein dont think i will be goin there sounds a bit nasty :(
Rating: -/10
vik f - hamilton
30th April 2013

Had a great time here, staff were very friendly. Looking to stay longer next time, cheap compared to other places we stay in and the cabin stay included swimming in the pool both days.also great for young kids it had a playground, tramp and swings . can't complain.
Rating: 8/10
Vanessa - New Zealand
14th April 2013

awesome place beautiful cabbins awesome hospitality all round fun i recommend it to anyone whos thinking of going just had my sons 2nd birthday there and now were planning a trip back cant wait... dont let the bad remarks put you off you'll be the one missing out
Rating: 10/10
shontae - new zealand
07th April 2013

Just returned from our third Easter weekend spent at Waignaro - another brilliant weekend. Great venue, great company, great time. Perfect for our very large group and the pools and slides are enough to keep our kids happy and entertained. Are the hot springs a little dated? Sure, but that is what we love about them.
Rating: 10/10
Kerry - Auckland/New Zealand
02th April 2013

just reading the reviews put me off abit....but can someone post some recent pics up...i mean is it that bad? was thinking of having my daughters 16th birthday there...still deciding...but the reviews are poor....hope management are looking to better there facilities...i was just gonna book, going by the photos but i i wll check it out next wkend...thanks for the feedback tho
Rating: -/10
janet - auckland
30th March 2013

we came down for a weekend getaway for me and my husband first time in 6 years we had the best time it was wonderful the staff were great the pools were nice and clean and our cabin was very clean and tidy thankyou very much will be back again
Rating: 10/10
lynette and adrian - new zealand
19th March 2013

I have not been to the waingaro pools for many years,and never again. It was too dirty. i grew up at waingaro and swam there most weekends in my primary school days. Those days it was a great place, clean and tidy and friendly. What a shame some people dont know how to keep an attraction like this pristine.
Rating: -/10
Kathy - nz
21th February 2013

There are alot of fake reviews in here. The real ones read something like 'expensive, rude, run down, unhygienic'. The fake ones read something like 'had a great time, owners loverly'. I was going to take a trip out there. perhaps not now I've this.
Rating: 1/10
Nigel Wade - Hamilton
02th February 2013

our group was standing in line ready to pay in the small office area. then the old lady AMNO?or whatever her name was ordered us to return to our cars and she wanted us to come back in by 1 car at a time. which we thought was just f%&kn stupid. and for us to move our car 1 meter forward. but couldnt because there was another car blocking the drive. and we didnt see any logic in it. but was extremely fast to grab the cash from our hands. first impressions surely do last. she does need to retire or need more training in customer service. anyway: the toilets were tidy. overall its a basic day out. nothing flash. nothing exciting.
Rating: 5/10
C. Nelly - AKL. NZ
20th January 2013

a run down dump especially the showers, toilets and kitchen (very poorly maintained and not enough toilets and showers and kitchen had almost no appliances.) The camping sites were also of poor standard and the prices too high ($75 for 1 night for one adult and two 14 year olds (they consider over 13 to be an adult) in a non powered camp site. Very embarrassed to think that this place is being promoted to overseas tourists.
Rating: 1/10
Peter Tranter - Auckland New Zrealnd
15th January 2013

6monhts of planning for a family reunion and a 60th birthday, was almost ruined because of the incompetent, rude and arrogant management. we had booked all cabins and flats to accommodate our family for this special occasion. On our arrival we were expected to pay for our bookings upfront of which some paid, we soon discovered as people were arriving that a cabin and the flats were double booked or were occupied by the owners family. Oh where to sleep all these people? hmmm then the fun begins and the shit hit the fan! The rude smelly arrogant man owner said we had never made that booking..What an idiot. They denied getting phone calls and the email,,unbelievable. He then called my mum a liar, even after my mother and sister drove there and made the booking in person, and was followed up by phone calls and emails. But after some heated words, they moved there family out of the cabin and flats to accomodate us.....The cabins were filthy. They had dirty stained sheets, dishes & floors, a fridge that reeked of sour rotting milk. Only one cooker worked in one cabin. Smoke alarms didn't work. A cabin didn't lock, and when we asked for this to be fixed, they gave us two little screwdrivers to fix it our selves! Dodgy. The toilets and showers were gross and the list goes on. With all the kids we had, we made the most of the dodgy dangerous waterside and dirty pools. On a positive, we had an awesome get together due to the fact that the Hotel staff up the hill, were the most hospitable, friendly, down to earth, welcoming people you could ever meet. And that could be due to the fact that they are Kiwis...not the money hungry owners down the hill. So stay at the pub instead, if you still want to head this way
Rating: 1/10
Hayley - Rotorua, New Zealand
09th January 2013

$12. per head is a very cheap day for such a relaxing and theraputic soak in geothermal water. In fact it is one of the cheapest I know of. Do you expect the owners to work for nothing. I am health conscious and rarely have found the pools to be unclean, (maybe after hundreds of people have swarmed the place), but an old complex doesn`t mean it`s dirty. I have travelled the world and would be devastated if Waingaro Hot Springs weren`t available to me to use. It is the most relaxing, unwinding, healing place around. Go find somthing else to whinge about.
Rating: -/10
Kate Savage - New Zealand
05th January 2013

having spent grandsons bday out there..waterslide excellent fun...bumper boats ripoff! old dated suroundings specially the bbq area..al filthy and rusty!Lady owner in reception was obviously ther just for the money she had an old calculator to add up our group (overcharged me a non swimmer then argued!)no people skills whatsover.....such a shame its a beautiful spot we had a great time...but felt it needs new owners to bring it back to former glory...pay booth is extremely dangerous a very busy road runs right pastwhere u have to stop to pay...and as for the lifeguards thats a joke! theyre not even on this planet!Sad but true sorry!
Rating: 3/10
disapointed - Raglan
23th December 2012

The customer service we received from the staff at Waingaroa Springs was second to none. Amro and her team were exceptional. WE arrived at Waingaroa early and were able to check in before noon. Our children were really excited about going on the bumper boats and although they weren't scheldued to operate our hosts ensured we got our rides. Our cabin had all that we needed, beds, fridge, microwave, stove, table and chairs and cooking utensils but we elected instead to cook on the outside bbq's. On departure we were allowed to access the pools at 9 am instead of waiting until 9.30 am. A big thank you to all of the staff at Waingaroa. We look foward to seeing you all next year.
Rating: 8/10
The Te Amo Whanau - New Zealand
26th November 2012

alot of my friends have been down here, and think waingaro hot springs is awesome!!!!
Rating: -/10
Denise Payne - Auckland, NZ
10th November 2012

I run a Holiday Programme for 40 children. I booked my group in for a swim and all day pass on the slides. I had When I made the booking a man on the phone said that he would turn on the slides as soon as we got there. I was planning on arriving at 9-9:30am. I then confirmed booking a week prior and was told that the slides would not be turned on when we arrived and that they would be turned on at 11am. Very annoyed as I had already told the kids we were going early and that they could spend the whole day on the slides if they wanted. We arrived around 10am, I had 7 staff members with me and the kids were happy swimming until the slides opened. There was also another programme there, and quite a few general public and NO LIFE GAURDS. One arrived 10mins later but seemed not interested and would go off to the toilets or not even be watching the pools. Amro the owner then came down to the pools, she started blowing her whistle at kids (in my group), screaming and yelling at them to move back to the shallow end when they were not struggling or have difficulties (I knew they were good swimmers as I know 3/4 of my group really well and I would not let them in the deep pool if I knew they weren't the best swimmers). She then started blowing her whistle and screamed at two of my staff as they had their feet on the edge of the little kids pool while watching the kids swim. She opened the slide at 11am like she said. She instructed the lifeguard who was "watching" 3 pools to watch the hydro slides with her which then meant that there was no one watching the 3 swimming pools. She asked that one of my staff members be at the top of the slide which I was fine with. She told the kids the rules and let them on. I have around 6 kids who did not want to go on the slides but they wanted to come watch, she yelled at one of my staff members and said that she was trying to get them on the slides for free... All they wanted to do was watch but she would not let them and said that they had to go down to the seated area where they could not see anything. Amro then realized that there was no one watching the three pools and instructed the lifeguard to go back to watching the 3 pools. She they got a pole and started poking kids when they reached the bottom of the slide and into the pool. She was also screaming at them saying they should not be on it because they could not swim (they could - majority of them take swimming lessons) She was being that harsh and yelling that much that she was making the kids cry and not want to go on the slide any more. A boy who was not in my group came down when he was not supposed to and almost hit one of my kids in the pool at the bottom. She started screaming at them and said "are you two stupid, do you not know the rules, i told you them" I tried to tell her that it was not the child in my groups fault but the other and she would not listen and kicked them both off the slides. She then asked two more of my staff to go to the top of the slides and tell the kids when to go down. (Under staffed and using my staff as if they were her own). My self and two other staff members where at the bottom of the slide and people could not get in the gate so she blows her whistle at one of them and says "open the gate" my staff member "ahhh how much are you paying me?" and then Amro says "god your lucky to be here". Amro also yelled and screamed at man and his son who had come down the slide together they ended up getting off as they were sick of it. Two more life guards then showed up (she said they were late, they should have been on time as both big groups would have booked and they would have known they would need the extra staff) They were all dressed different, some with jeans on (did not have lifeguard on there tops) My group were not having a good time so I went to the office to complain. We had only been there around an hour and a half. Amro left with a district nurse... very professional. Tried to have a civil discussion with the man in the office (I thin Amro's husband) he go very angry and seemed to think it was not there fault they were understaffed and also that Amro was not doing the things I said. So I told him we were leaving and that I wanted my money back. He then got very grumpy and said that they had used the pools and slides so I said that I wanted half back. He agreed and said that all kids needed to be on the bus and at the front gate before he would give it to me. Very pathetic... I then went and told the kids we were leaving to go to a different swimming pools and they were all soooooo excited. They should not be excited to leave somewhere that is supposed to be all about family and having a good time. While I was getting the kids on the bus Amro comes over and screams "are you that one that complained?" I said what as I was talking to one of the kids. She then says "Did you not go to school" she was very angry and all because what I had complained about was true. They did not have enough life guards, she was being horrible to the kids, screaming and shouting at people and using my staff as if they were her own. Some other things she said: "i've never had a complaint in the 17 years i've owned the place", "you just have a terrible group that's the problem", "we are not understaffed, no one has ever drowned here except these two maori kids, that was their own fault though they did not listen". She said this and more in front of my kids and I asked her more than once and she said she did not care. She said "you should you should respect your elders, I am probably the same age as your grandmother" she probably is and my reply was "exactly thats why you shouldn't be a lifeguard, how are you going to jump in and save some one" there's no way she could she pretty much blind and deaf. She then said my job was not stressful, me and my staff were watching more kids than hers were!!! I got half my money back which I was happy about but still think I should have got it all back after how we were treated. While I was getting my refund I asked how many lifeguards should be watching the 3 pools (the slides had closed, thought they were open all day) and she said 2 was the minimum, there was only 1 down there, I said to here there you go you only have 1 lifeguard on and she reckons that her being up in the office counts. How are you going to save someone when you are 10ms away up in an office? She said well my staff are on there lunch break (all at the same time, great management and safety) I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE WANTING TO TAKE THEIR FAMILY/CHILDREN THERE!!! It is unsafe the owners a unstable and not right in the head I think. They can not handle any criticism and deny everything. They are soooooooo unprofessional and I am going to make sure everyone I know hears about our experience. They should sell the place because they are doing a terrible job. Place is in bad condition and dirty. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DRIVING THERE AND PAYING TO GET IN. Amro is a a horrible, physco lady and should not be working with children.
Rating: 1/10
Hayley Broughton - New Zealand
17th October 2012

Awesome place, just got back from another great weekend here! Stayed in a motel which was very clean and had everything we needed. Staff were very friendly as usual. Pools were well maintained and kept clean at all times. Great place to visit, highly recomend!
Rating: 10/10
Shaun - North Shore - Auckland
26th August 2012

Have just spent 2 nights in the flat with a group of friends. The flat was very basic and the beds old. I would probably describe it more as alarge dorm as it is veryopen living, but had everything we needed. The pools and slides were fantastic!!! Owners friendly and helpful. We had a great time in and out of the lovely warm pools and then just heading across the road for a rest when we needed it before heading back for more fun. If you are after a weekend away from everything and no cell reception with some good friends then this is for you.
Rating: 7/10
Kirsty - New Plymouth
19th August 2012

What a complete shit hole. We would never return. Very run down establishment run by greedy undesirable people. What an embarrassment to the Waikato.
Rating: 1/10
Scott - Hamilton
29th July 2012

I left extemely disapointed after a recent stay at Waingaro Hot springs. Cabins were poorly maintained and cleaned with a broken lightbulb still in the fitting allowing only one bulb to light the room. This helped disguise the build up of dirt and hair around the outer areas of the room, the oven had a broken power point which was a safety concern. We went down to the pools the night we arrived to find people drinking alcohol in the pool and smoking around the pools after seeing a sign around the pool clearly stating no eating dring or smoking in or around the pool area. We went down to the pools again in the morning when they opened at 9am and awaited for the arrival of the lifegaurd, a female walked past occassionally wearing a lifegaurd top and started blowing her whistle and yelling at people she was quite rude and unapproachable she would disappear again as she was preoccupied with other duties of cleaning toilets and changing rooms and serving people at the enterance. The water in the pools was lovely, warm and clean, unfortunately the same could not be said for the surrounding facilities. I went to use the toilets at the complex after seeing the cleaner leave about an hour prior. Upon entering the toilets a stong urine smell was present, i then located a semi clean toilet and closed the door behind me to find cochroaches also enjoying the enviroment. At about 11.30am two full time lifeguards arrived, one was present at the pool watching the patrons and the other lifeguard dressed in denim jeans was manning the hydroslide area. This place has so much potential it just really needs a bit of hard work, a good clean and better standards put in place to make this the awsome place it used to be and that we all loved so much.
Rating: 4/10
kath - tokoroa
15th July 2012

Currently reading reviews and trying to decide which hot pools to take the kids this holidays. Sounds like these pools are quite nice, with the only problems being hygene with facilities and the owners being pricks. Im a people person who likes clean things. No thanks :)
Rating: -/10
Doc - AKL NZ
01th July 2012

Use to go as a child some 40 years ago so decided to visit. What an amazing change from the mud bottomed pools, now nice and clean, bright blue, stayed in clean cabin and found people very helpful and friendly to my needs. Will come again. :-)
Rating: -/10
Patsy & Ben - Hamiltion
04th June 2012