Tokaanu Thermal Hot Pools

The Tokaanu natural thermal pools have for five centuries been recognised by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people, for bathing, cooking and dyeing of clothes. Europeans started to use the pools extensively once Tokaanu was established as a major stopover on the Grand Tour stage coach run from Wanganui to Taupo in the 1800s. These pools were and are a very welcome way to rejuvenate.

We invite you to come and relax in the soothing and therapeutic waters of Tokaanu’s hot thermal springs, situated on the southern shores of Lake Taupo. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the day with family and friends, and is an ideal educational field day for school groups wanting to learn more about the historic and fascinating thermal area. You can enjoy the large public pool which is heated with fresh chlorinated water to around 36C- 37C or choose from one of our family sized private natural mineral pools which range from 39C- 41C. And for the kids, we have a special pool heated to 36C with fresh chlorinated water situated right beside the main pool.

What makes it so hot? The Tokaanu area is part of the active Taupo volcanic zone, as is sometimes demonstrated with eruptions from Mt Ruapehu. The natural mineral waters you bathe in today, first reached the area as snow and rain, which over the years has percolated into the ground. It soon came into contact with the hot volcanic rock far below the surface and was eventually driven back up to the surface as hot thermal springs rich in minerals.