I visited in May 2013. I found myself with a couple of hours to spare as the drive from the airport to Thames took less time than I thought, even with a detour to Hunua Falls (go & see them!) so I decided to go to the Miranda pool. Fabulous! Such a big pool, at a perfect temperature for soaking (37-38) There is also a bubbling spa pool at one end at 42 degrees, too hot for me to stay in for more than 5 minutes. (And kids pools and private spas which I did not see.) On a cool but sunny May day there were only 4 elderly people there, nice to talk to, plus one man and young daughter came in as I was going. The change rooms were fine. My only criticisms are that the office staff could have been friendlier, and the paint was a bit flaky. I liked the outdoor lockers where you could keep your eye on your stuff. The café was closed when I went there. If I had known I would get so thirsty I would have taken bottled water in with me, as it was I had to pay top $ for a fizzy drink. I am looking forward to going back there on my last day in NZ next trip (May 2014).