After reading the lengthy and intensely negative review I feel compelled to defend Maruia. I spent a lovely afternoon there in December. It was charming. The smiling staff were very friendly and helpful. The pools were more natural when compared to Hanmer and had so much more character. My lover and I found it was a very romantic experience and we long to return together to rent a private bath in the winter someday. As for the sandflies, they seem to be a South Island/New Zealand wide phenomenon, not exclusive to Maruia. These less commercialized, laid back pools are a gem.