We are visiting from Australia and have enjoyed the hot springs now and previous visits 2 years ago . We love the natural surrounds and the peaceful location . The hot springs are so relaxing and the natural setting is great. A must when you are visiting Rotorua area.
Rating: 9/10
Helen - Innisfail
22th December 2018

I remember going there as kid in the eighties. I will always remember one experience I had there. I was in a pool and started talking to a guy, mid to early twenties with long blond hair and black roots. This guy was able to tell me accurately information about myself that someone only who knew me intimately would have known. The memory of that experience has left a lasting puzzle to this day, since then I have always associated the springs with the intangible and the presence of the supernatural.
Rating: -/10
Max - NZ
15th August 2017

Loved this place! It was quiet, peaceful and just off the beaten track. Went here early in the morning (about 8:30 am) and practically had the place to ourselves apart from one local lady who was very informative about the springs and its healing properties. Kids loved it as it wasn't too deep. So much more authentic than many of the commercial operations back in town. Really affordable for a family of five. Highly recommend the Soda Springs.
Rating: 10/10
Joanna - Melbourne
24th September 2016

due to the disrepect by many back in the days, rubbish, broken bottles everywhere, in out and around the baths .. basically it almost went from a Nice Free Clean baths to a rubbish tip so owners decided to put a stop to it. The results is what you see now, lovely, clean maintained always. If one feels paying an entry is wrong, i suggest one goes elsewhere ..
Rating: 10/10
mar - rotorua
14th July 2016

Tena koutou nga iwi, nga hapu nga whanui. I have been travelling to Gisborne and back to Taranaki for many years to surf. It takes 7 long hours, It is the perfect place to stop and refresh. When I jump back in the car I feel so gooood, happy to drive and alert again, The water, the water fall massage, the tiny massaging stones and mud that I wash my skin with makes this experience so good.. I hope the whanau make enough to make a good living,"Soda Springs, more than just a hotpool" kapai to mahi, Tika, te kaitiaki te taonga nga mihi nui
Rating: 9/10
JM - Waitara
03th October 2015

I wasn't going to stop here but decided to have a try - the appearance of the pool was great from a distance but up close there was an oily scum and brown floaties which were quite offputting, but it was explained that they were natural occurrences leaching from the surrounding rocks and bush. The water itself was divine, just the right temperature right near the steps and ramp, and the gravelly bottom felt great underfoot. The caretaker, Jo, kindly gave me a bottle of coconut oil to slather exposed skin with as the sandflies were rampant, even though it was a cool day. However I neglected to put it on my legs when I got out, and got attacked something severe. I used a whole tube of anti-itch cream in the next couple of hours, but ended up in Emergency at Tauranga Hospital at 2 a.m. next morning with a severe allergic reaction to the bites. Fixed with antihistamines, but not a pleasant experience. The sandflies are thick and thirsty in the changerooms, so be warned!
Rating: 7/10
Jane West - Australia
28th May 2014

What a gem of a place. Only found out about it through my mate, who insisted we visit it on the way home to Gisborne. Highly recommend. Can't wait to take my kids there in the July school hols.
Rating: 10/10
Lisa Smith - Gisborne
22th May 2014

Absolutely love this place. Beautiful, peaceful and well looked after!
Rating: 10/10
Kassey Downard - Rotorua
09th December 2013

Our family had a bach at Rotoehu in the late 1950's. We spent many wonderful evenings in the Soda Springs. There was a tiny shop there as well as change rooms. An ice cream was usually enjoyed after a soak and the best sleep ever. I'll be visiting next month and will call to relive old and fond memories. Thanks to the traditional owners fopr their generosity in sharing this treasure with us all over so many years.
Rating: 10/10
Erik - Barossa Valley Australia
25th October 2013

My first time here and a wonderful experience. Very nice considering that nearby pools in town charge almost double the price. I think a small price to pay for changing facilities and such...my only grip is that you need to have warning signs in the changing rooms to not put your head under the water. Our overseas friends who are new to hot springs dived straight in before we could let them know.
Rating: 9/10
HT -
23th June 2013

For many years, mates of mine used to take road trips from Auckland down to these pools as a spur of the moment event. Just jump in the car, and down we would go. Usually ending up at the pools well after midnight.

For hours we would soak and watch the stars, lying as flat as we could in various places to get just the right amount of temperature. Or, enjoy the little concrete slip at the far end with the rushing water (someone always would loose their togs, if we were wearing any at all.) The deeper section after the rushing water was the perfect place to sit and let it beat your shoulders, giving you one rather nice massage.

When we left, I would always clean up any trash I found. We didn't drink, or play loud music, we left the lights turned off, helped other people there with jumps should their batteries be flat.. All in all it was very calming and enjoyable experience. It was in essence a commiserating with nature and good will with all who were attending. I sorrily wish I could convey in text just how calming and centering the place was.

I've not been out there in several years, and wanted to bring a friend to 'Experience what NZ is really about.' I was very dismayed to learn that the entire area has been completely commercialized. Fences, Admission fees, the entire pools have been dredged to make them deeper (thereby destroying how awesome it was) There's even lights all around the peripherie which conflict with seeing the stars. Its as if they went out of their way to completely destroy the experience.

I'm reading a lot of reviews here of people chastising those who balk at the fees, claiming Maori rights and the need to pay some semblance of homage, and that 'payment' is 'money' - That seems pretty disgraceful.

Every time we visited these pools, we absolutely paid. By quiet respect, with cleaning as best we could, respect towards our fellow man and the nature around. We went there to be one with the land, not the 'privilege' of paying $8 to spend 30 minutes soaking in hot water. I can do that at home in the tub, for far less.

Suffice to say I'm very sad to see what happened to these pools, they've completely destroyed this unique part nature in the interests of profit. I wanted to show my friend 'What NZ is really about.' Well, perhaps I should take them to these pools after all, as that does seem to be the case.
Rating: 1/10
Kalt - New Zeland
22th February 2013

I've been reading all the latest comments about our precious taonga "Waitangi Soda Springs". Thankyou to all those who wrote beautiful comments and who continue to keep coming back to the pools........please keep doing this! as that is why the pool has been upgraded so each of us can enjoy and take advantage of the surrounding fauna and magnificent bird life but as for the charlies who wrote negative comments then I suggest you all go to the Polynesian Pools and pay through the nose there however just remember the sulphur fumes are much higher in concentration than at Waitangi everyone to their own and may we all continue to enjoy our beautiul springs
Rating: -/10
Pukaki Grant - Rotoiti
19th January 2013

I lived at Lake Rotoma during the 80's and enjoyed a good soak in the pool, as did my young nephews and nieces when they stayed over from Kawerau and Whakatane, soaking in the pool during winter, and better still while it was raining was great, this was always done at night. Going for a jog early one morning I was shocked as to how dirty and unkeeped the daylight exposed the pool to be. I resently visited the pool while on holiday (october 2012), great job, and in my oppinion the gate charge is too low. Beautiful place
Rating: -/10
Anthony - Australia
28th November 2012

We are in our early 60s and used to go there as kids as we both lived in Kawerau in the 1950s. We have fantastic memories and one was always ensured of a good nights sleep after visiting the soda springs.In 1969 when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon we were in the pool with the moon shining and had a black and white portable TV on a polystyrene raft in the pool and were watching the moon landing on TV. We also remember the little ice cream shop there. It was sad to see the deterioration of the pool over the years however Chiefy and Jo and the Trust are to be commended with the upgrade and care they now take in maintaining the pool and the charges are great, only $3 each if you are over 60!! We take lots of friends and family to the pools and they all love the experience. Jos brother John Roberts also loves the visits to the hotpools. Thank you everybody
Rating: 10/10
Neil and Josephine Halvorsen - Gisborne
28th May 2012

I visit Rotorua twice a year and always enjoy a soak whilst there. Used to always visit the poly pools but lately found them too crowded and expensive. Found the soda springs on the internet and decided to give it a try. Very impressed. The staff were very friendly and obliging. Would recommend anytime to anyone. Will definitly be going back. AAAAA++
Rating: 9/10
Eddie - Whangarei
19th February 2012

Still my most favourite place to bathe and relax and recharge in Rotorua. I love the tranquility, the soft healing waters, the soda bubbles, the waterfall for massage, the reihana hot spring he taonga tenei..a spiritual place to be respected and enjoyed by all who are lucky enough to find this sacred place...and great local kaitiaki..I recommend my clients to come here after their Romiromi massage to complete their Rotorua wellness experience...the springs have 26 minerals !
Rating: 10/10
Wikitoria Oman - Rotoiti, Rotorua, NZ
05th September 2011

Hi everyone, we sincerely value you reviews. Please visit us at: www.SodaSprings.co.nz Take care, arohanui, Waitangi Soda Springs
Rating: -/10
Waitangi Soda Springs -
18th March 2011

My father visited these pools on a regular basis for most of his adult life. He absolutely loved them. The introduction of an $8.00 fee is a cheap price to pay for the immense enjoyment received. Thank you for allowing the public into your pools.
Rating: -/10
Teena - Kawia
13th October 2010

I love this place so much because it helps me so much to be able to relax. My school Travels there every second Friday. I love it so much!!!
Rating: 10/10
Phoenix - NZ
12th August 2010

My family & I called in there 1 mth ago to view the bath as Ive recently moved to Rotoma. I personally found the guy (sorry forgot your name) looking after it to be most welcoming & offering a whanau discount. I myself are from Ohinemutu.. Ngati Whakaue & would think most would be happy as to the upgrade. I can see it be a beautiful spot to bathe at night looking up at the heavens. As for the admission I dont see that a problem at all, how are we able too protect & maintain our land if we let all on & in for free. I say well done xx
Rating: 10/10
Mya - NZ
22th July 2010

Wow what a beautiful place to visit and when you whakapap to hear the internal spirit is really alight when out there at the springs and i think it is lovely with the upgrades, although I had not seen it before hand only in photos, Ka pai to the trust doing the work there well done to yous. it seems they are upholding there kaitiaki of this resource.
Rating: 7/10
Sharlene Coe - Rotorua
17th June 2010

I have lived up the road from these baths all my life. It is home to me. Nothing like soaking your bones in the bath especially when youve had a long weekend.lol. Anyway what I wanted to say is I can remember the shop being there and runnign thru the gate, sliding down on tubes down the old waterfall. I remember going down for a bath and beinng verbally abused by strangers in our baths drinking, I remember running up the road to get our parents. These are private pools, they are part of who we are as Ngati Te Rangiunuora and Ngati Tamateatutahi. As a whanu for years we have shared this resource with local and non-local with no charge. When the repairs started, many locals complained that for years it has been free, and they should not pay. Well this is not the case. If it were to be free who would benefit? If it were free who would carry the cost of repair. Its not the cost at the end of the day, it is the spritual side of it, you never leave felling bad.
Rating: -/10
Renee White - NZ
04th May 2010

Tino Mihinunui e nga Kaitiaki o tenei Toanga. Kia ora mo nga arohanui mahi katoa. Kia Ora mai Tatou katoa." I'm far -far from home looking seaching for pictures to sustain my desire to return home before planned. The spring is one of the many gifts I miss, when so far away. So much history & whakapapa, memories for me and my babies. I remember when the changes were happening there, I was one of the many with whom had concerns, ie,access, admission and the impact on the whenua/land, but I realise now, it was out of my control i was scared of the change and that change comes whether we like it or not. To the Kaitiaki (Caretakers) of this place, thank you for caring, working on the pools and allowing us all to share. The charge has been a long time coming, and the upgrade cash would not have come from thin air and people take advantage as long as they are allowed to. The Native bush will grow back, the dust will settle. Allow the experience to be one of what you remembered, humble yourself, (thats what they have done every time you have visited their land and not asked koha/money of you) Yet Their poeple fought hard for their land, all our Tipuna did. So if its not there for you arohamai (sorry) you may now have to find it elsewhere to create new memories, good luck with that. Honestly. I can't wait to come home and have a soak, sit with my family and enjoy what I can't find anywhere else in the world, until I have to return to OZ earn the money to enable me to live and build on the land I have been gifted though my Tipuna. Untouched, unworked, owing money no doubt, demarding various costs to just live on it. YOU live in a paradise, stop moaning, See everything before you, focuss on the positive things. Feed the healing pool positive thoughts, light energy and unconditional Aroha. Ma te wa. :)
Rating: 10/10
Shannon Taia - Brisbane,QLD, Australia.
06th April 2010

Kia ora to the owners, who have made this wonderful place available to us over the years. It has been a real treasure for us. I don't mind paying some money to bathe, but the upgrade hasn't been done with any thought. It has a real 'staunch' feel to it we were made to feel like 'tourists', not travellers. So we won't be returning again, but maybe that was the plan anyway - to keep people away? If so then fair enough!
Rating: 3/10
Simon - NZ
12th February 2010

Was a lovely, peaceful and quite spot when we visited 4 years ago. The upgraded facilities look OK, but $8 is far too expensive for what's on offer.
Rating: 1/10
David Cox - Chch
15th January 2010

Re-visited recently and couldn't believe what has happened to this 'natural beauty'. I wouldn't mind paying far more if it was kep as a natural beauty spot and totally respect that it is on Maori land but the place looked like a prison camp! What a mess ! The trees and vegetation have been ripped out and the place fenced off with old caravan and freight container moved on. Couldn't read the sign with admission prices and felt too intimidated to drive into the 'compound'. Won't be going back.
Rating: -/10
A - NZ
29th September 2009

For those of you who don't want to pay for the privilege of using these hot springs (and yes it is a privilege!!!). My grandfather owned large shares in this landblock which by the way is privately owned maori land, and when he passed away my dad and his siblings inherited them, and now my dad has passed away me and my siblings are the benefactors....how dare those of you who still want a free ride when so much work and upgrade has been done around the baths by our trustees including charging new admission prices and insisting that it should still be free! my advice is to those clowns just buggar off somewhere else. [some text removed - admin]
Rating: -/10
Pukaki - Okere Falls
21th September 2009

My family and I have lived in Rotoma for well over 20 years and our hotbath is very special to us. Our kids have always thought of it as their own and treat it with the utmost respect. Gone are the days our kids had to clean up after filthy bathers to save their nan and koro and bubbahs cutting their feet on broken bits of woody bottles. Nappies were pretty damn rampant too. So yup awesome job and a $30 annual fee per family? Can't complain. It's about time things changed down there! Tumeke!!!
Rating: 9/10
J McKinnon - Rotoma
28th August 2009

Of course we had a karakia before the upgrade began, do you think that we're insensitive neanderthals or something. Kei te pai tera, because my children and I will be bathing there for many years to come. Maybe when people have feelings of something being wrong, it's probably our tupuna telling them to 'move along'. FYI - the trust meets annually, contact details for the trustees can be obtained from the Maori Land Court in Rotorua, ph 07 921 7402.
Rating: -/10
Nelson Meha - Rotoiti
12th August 2009

This used to be an amazing spot and extremely spiritual. A taonga. Yes, it suffered in recent years from idiots leaving their mess behind, and that is due to their ignorance over how special the place was. More recently, it has suffered at the hands of the trustees who are supposed to be the guardians. They have used bulldozers and diggers to widen and deepen the stream and they have put in a dam to block the natual flow. On top of that, they have put up buildings and are charging an admission, so it is clear that this is not just about making the place tidy. In my opinion, in their rush to cash in on their resources, they have forgotten that this was a taonga. Was. What made this place so spiritual, and an incredible place for healing, is now gone (and I am not the only one who has noticed this). I feel sorry for their mokopuna, who will now never know what this place was.
Rating: 1/10
Squirrelly - NZ
31th July 2009

Kia Ora whanau! I am a journalism student at Waiariki and am currently wanting to write a story on the baths. I have been trying to find out how to get ahold of any of the commitee members for an interview and am unsure how I can do this. If somebody can let me know, I just need to find out a little bit of informationa about the place. That would be much appreciated!
Rating: 7/10
Hinerongonui Kingi - New Zealand
30th July 2009

My advice for anyone who does not like the "admission price" or for that matter the mud,porta loo and noisy generator to go 15min the other way to Kawerau and use the 8x10 spa pool at the Maurie Kjar memorial swimming pool for free!
Rating: -/10
Alan -
12th June 2009

Kia ora tatou, My understanding is that the admission price is there to assist with the upgrade and on-going costs of the bath i.e. maintenance etc. At the end of the day, our bath is on private land (Maori freehold land title, known as Waitangi 3 - go to the Maori Land Court in Rotorua if you require further details). Non-owners need to be thankful that it has stayed 'admission-free' for so long, because the other option was that the bath could have been closed permanently and trespass notices put up. The bath was in a terrible state before the upgrade, rubbish everywhere etc, and it's thanks to the current trustees that it is in such a great state now. Also, the commercial reality is that the trust needs to source it's funds from somewhere to maintain things and unfortunately 'aroha' can only get you so far. So congratulations to the trustees - job well done. And for those who don't like the 'admission price' the Polynesian Pools is only a further 30 minute drive and a $14 - 20 admission fee away. Na tetahi o nga uri o Ngati Tamateatuthi-Kawiti. Haumi e, hui e, taiki e
Rating: -/10
Nelson Meha - Rotoiti
03th June 2009

Thank you to the local folk for the gift of sharing this wicked spot to all.As we get older things dont work as well,so after a hard days fishing it is a real blessing to soak away and relax.Sitting in the pool at nite is a wonderful exsperience,many thanks GP.
Rating: 10/10
G Pemberton - Tauranga
16th May 2009

I have been visiting soda springs since I can remember. I have many fond memories of this place. After a tangi me and my family would go down for a nice hot pool. As I got older I would take my friends there and be very proud of the place. For me it is a very sacred place. The fact that there are not many natural hot pools around these days means it is very special for me. Not to long ago I visited the hot pools again and was very impressed by the new changes. I know there has been talk for years to update the place but I was still suprised to see it actually happen. I am currently studying journalism at the moment and am wanting to write a story about the hot pools. To write up a story on a place which has done so much for me will be the least I could do. To everyone who wants to visit the place or visits the place,try not take it for granted. It is a gift.
Rating: -/10
Hinerongonui kingi - Rotorua
05th May 2009

Currently undergoing major reconstruction which was due to last 2 weeks. 3 weeks later we are unsure as to what will happen with this once lovely "natural" hot spring.
Rating: -/10
Steve - Rotoma NZ
03th March 2009

I've been going to soda springs since I was a kid. Everytime we came home for a tangi (tapuwaeharuru marae) our aunties would take us kids for our evening bath there. Was awesome. A couple of years ago I took my own kids there and was quite disappointed as there was broken glass and rubbish all over the place. I knew about the water rats which actually served as entertainment for my kids. I haven't been back there since.
Rating: 8/10
Tash - Wellington New Zealand
11th May 2008

I have been visiting this pool for 61 years and had never noticed the large water rats until recent years and figured this was due to some grubby humans leaving their rubbish about. A natural beauty, sadly getting ruined by the human race.
Rating: 9/10
Olive Oyl - Whakatane
24th May 2007

didnt realise we needed permission to bath here...sorry! great pools tho, it's a nice to sit in the flowing warm water. a local we spoke to said that they might be building a new bridge across soon. thoroughly recomended!
Rating: 8/10
sam - new zealand
29th April 2006

Has been recently upgraded, water is hotter than I've ever known it. Wonder why? Respect it as a sacred place and remember that most hot pools in the area you should not submerge your head. This is an exception though. Enjoy.
Rating: 8/10
Annette - Rotorua
12th August 2005

A good sized pool that drains via a concrete race into a lower deeper pool. Hotter at the top end of the pool. Enjoy the hot water bubbling up around you while streams of warm (and sometimes cooler) water pass you by. No changing facilities so turning up in your togs is a good idea. The water has a very high iron content and will stain togs after multiple visits so don't wear your designer swimwear! [Shelley, Tauranga]
Rating: -/10
Shelley - Tauranga
11th August 2005

Beautiful hot springs but sick of people using the area as a rubbish tip. Have even found broken beer bottles in the pool. Areas like these are sacred to Maori and should be treated with respect.
Rating: 8/10
G - Rotorua
10th August 2005