28 Nov 2025
Waiwera Thermal Springs reimagines one of Aotearoa’s most iconic geothermal destinations as a world-class bathing and wellness experience, grounded in its natural setting and cultural history.
A concept design for the revival of Waiwera thermal springs, envisioned as a world-class bathing and wellness destination, has been unveiled to the local community today.
Building on the site’s rich legacy as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic geothermal destinations, resource consent for the planned development will be lodged with Auckland Council on 1 December.
Plans for the proposed $50 million project are led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP, which has signed an agreement with Urban Partners to acquire the site, marking the first major step towards a long-held ambition for the unique location to return to its rightful place as a national treasure.
For centuries Waiwera - meaning “hot water” in te reo Māori - has been synonymous with bathing in naturally heated mineral waters, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad.
Since the 1800s, Waiwera has been, in various forms, a thriving part of the Auckland leisure circuit with public pools, private bathing rooms, and entertainment. Over time, the facilities aged, and the operation closed in 2018, before being demolished in 2023, leaving the site as a vacant piece of land.
“Our vision is to create a destination that reconnects people to Waiwera’s geothermal heritage, culture and lush native landscape,” says Brandon Batagol, Director of Waiwera Thermal Springs. This will be a place of genuine replenishment where wellness grows from nature.”
“The development team has deep experience in thermal wellness destinations, having operated the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs in Melbourne and here in Aotearoa having been involved in the revival of Maruia Hot Springs in the South Island.
“Together, with local experts and local partners, we have taken the upmost care to deliver a plan for Waiwera Thermal Springs that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region whilst honouring the natural environment.”
Commenting on the plans for Waiwera Thermal Spring, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown says: "This has my full backing. It represents a private developer wanting to invest in Auckland, providing Aucklanders with another facility that complements existing local attractions and those in the works, that celebrate our active lifestyles. This is something unique to few places; natural springs are a treasure and should be treated as such. I believe this development honours that.
“Waiwera Thermal Springs is expected to attract over 310,000 visitors to the region and generate around $300 million over its first five years, drawing tourism in both winter and summer. It is optimally placed along the tourist route, making the most of what we already have there. I look forward to its opening."
Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, the new Waiwera Thermal Springs will be woven seamlessly into the landscape where pools, saunas, reflexology walks, gardens, and pavilions form a series of outdoor ‘rooms.’ These range from social spaces to tranquil, contemplative retreats framed by native planting and hill views, in a coastal setting.
Central to the design is a layered bathing landscape of 28 pools and wellness experiences that invite movement, exploration and connection. Waiwera Thermal Springs will be an inclusive experience, encouraging guests to slow down, immerse themselves in nature, and engage with the surroundings at their own pace, fostering moments of solitude, social connection, and sensory restoration.
The proposed development will be grounded in place, memory and ecology - natural, enduring and distinctly Waiwera. The experiential design creates a sense of discovery. The guest journey is planned as a restorative ritual - sequenced, immersive and intuitive, while supporting the required operational needs and long-term resilience, ensuring guest comfort across all seasons.
Waiwera is a place of deep ancestral and cultural significance for Ngāti Manuhiri who will be involved as development partners.
Brandon Batagol acknowledges Ngāti Manuhiri have significant interests at Waiwera. “Their enduring connection to the land, waters, and geothermal taonga of this place anchors our shared vision and guides our decision making.”
“We recognise this land and water as part of a living whakapapa, shaped by generations and sustained through shared principles.
“It’s hugely exciting to be sharing our intended plans for Waiwera Thermal Springs with the community and the public, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Auckland Council through the Resource Consent process.
“In time, when we are ready to welcome visitors, we want them to come for the calm and stay for the connection in Waiwera’s mineral rich hot waters.”
Explore more about the project.
Project Partners: Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP (Client), Ngāti Manuhiri (Mana Whenua and Development Partner), Dobbie Engineering (Aquatic Engineer), ENGEO (Geotechnical Engineer), Morphum (Discharge Consultant), Maven (Infrastructure and Civil Engineer), HFC: Structures Ltd (Structural Engineer), Jensen Hughes (Fire Engineer), Traffic Planning Consultants (Traffic Engineer), Williamson Water & Land Advisory (Hydrogeology Consultant), Tattico, Rhodes & Associates, Policymaker, Wynn Williams, Resero Property.
Images produced by OTOH.
Sunrise over the Waiwera Thermal Springs, where guests soak in geothermal waters surrounded by native planting and the sheltering hills of the Hibiscus Coast.
A quiet corner of the landscape, where lush native vegetation and mature trees frame geothermal pools, seating areas, and a place to pause.
View toward the sauna and hammam pavilion, with cold pools nestled into native planting and framed by coastal bush.
Evening falls across Waiwera Thermal Springs, where warm light, freshwater mist, and ring structures create an atmospheric journey through the landscape.