A buddy of mine took me to Ngawha Springs (pronounced “Nafa”) yesterday – some pure sizzling swimming pools that the Maoris actually like and which might be purported to be good for pores and skin and soul.

To get there you must observe State Freeway #1 (it’s THE predominant freeway in New Zealand) up north in course of Cape Reinga, cross Kawakawa – the place they’ve a cool Hundertwasser rest room proper subsequent to the street – and finally you must flip left. I believe there have been sufficient indicators pointing you to Ngawha Springs so that you should not miss it. From Whangarei the drive takes approx. 1.25 hours.

There’s loads of parking spots by the springs, that are referred to as “Therapeutic Waters” and it is fairly humorous as a result of even the mud puddles in the parking are making bubbles. The entrance price to the Springs is $Four for adults and I believe it was $2 or $Three for youngsters. The swimming pools are open each day from 9am to 9pm and when you’re in you’ll be able to keep so long as you need.

There are eight totally different swimming pools named “Physician”, “Favourite”, “Bulldog” and extra. Each pool has a unique temperature and the temperatures additionally differ from daily. Normally there’s a signal by the entrance telling you the way sizzling every pool is. Some could be 45 levels celcius and warmer so be sure to do not simply bounce in (they’re additionally not very deep)!

As soon as you have discovered the excellent pool for you simply sit down on the wood boards and loosen up 🙂

I additionally discovered this text about Ngawha Springs, which truly dates again to 1937!!!

It was revealed in the New Zealand Railway Journal and tells you all about the swimming pools, their therapeutic powers and what significance they should the Maori.

A number of extra issues to maintain in thoughts:

1. There aren’t any showers and solely fundamental altering amenities.

2. There aren’t any lockers so what you convey inside you must carry round and watch it! We “misplaced” a towel which most likely somebody took accidentally.

3. The pungent odor of rotten eggs that comes from all the sulphur can take some time to get used to. Worse is, nonetheless, that it stays in your garments for days and days – most likely even endlessly in your swim swimsuit so do not put on your favorites!

4. There isn’t a meals court docket so be sure to convey your individual stuff, particularly consuming water.

5. Do not put on any jewellery! It should flip black from the sulphur, expecially if it is silver.