Waitangi Soda Springs is a natural mineral spring pool on Manawahe Road, in the Rotoehu area approximately 35 minutes north-east of Rotorua via State Highway 30. The springs are fed by geothermal soda water bubbling up through a sandy pool bottom — the gentle movement of warm water through the sand is the defining feature of the spot. The water has a high iron content which gives it a distinctly mineral character. Entry is NZ$8 per person. The springs reopened in December 2024 following damage from severe flooding in 2023.
Practical Information
| Address | 59 Manawahe Road, near Lake Rotoehu — approximately 35 minutes north-east of Rotorua via SH30 |
| Getting there | Take SH30 towards Whakatane; turn right into Manawahe Road approximately 1km after the Rotomā petrol station |
| Entry | NZ$8 per person |
| Hours | Mornings 6:00am–10:00am; Evenings from 4:00pm — 7 days per week |
| Note | The water’s high iron content can stain light-coloured swimsuits |
| Reopened | December 2024 (following 2023 flood damage to the site) |
The Springs
The pool at Waitangi Soda Springs has a sandy bottom, and the warm soda water — rich in dissolved minerals including iron — rises up through the sand from below. The sensation of warm water bubbling up through the sand underfoot is unusual and distinctive. Native trees surround the pool and tūī are a regular presence in the canopy. The site feels genuinely natural and remote despite being accessible by road — a contrast with the more commercial hot pool facilities closer to Rotorua.
The high iron content in the water is worth knowing before you visit: it can leave a rust-coloured stain on lighter swimwear, so wear something you don’t mind staining, or a darker colour. The water itself is warm and comfortable for soaking, with the mineral character typical of geothermal soda springs.
“Waitangi Soda Springs is one of those New Zealand spots that feels undiscovered — the warm water bubbling up through the sand, native trees all around, tūī in the canopy. The iron in the water stained my white swimsuit but it was absolutely worth it.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
NZ Hot Pools — Waitangi Soda Springs — visitor guide with directions, current conditions, and tips for the visit.
Top Hot Springs — Waitangi Soda Springs — visitor overview including hours and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waitangi Soda Springs?
At 59 Manawahe Road, in the Rotoehu area north-east of Rotorua. Take SH30 towards Whakatane and turn right into Manawahe Road approximately 1km after the Rotomā petrol station. Allow 35 minutes from central Rotorua.
How much does it cost?
NZ$8 per person.
What are the opening hours?
Mornings 6:00am–10:00am and evenings from 4:00pm, seven days a week. Confirm current hours before visiting as these may change.
Will the water stain my swimsuit?
Likely — the water has a high iron content that can leave a rust-coloured stain on lighter swimwear. Wear a dark or older swimsuit.
Is it safe to swim?
Soaking is the typical activity rather than swimming. As with all geothermal water, avoid submerging your head.
Why was it closed?
The springs suffered damage from severe flooding in 2023 and were closed for repairs. They reopened in December 2024.
Waitangi Soda Springs is in the eastern lakes area north-east of Rotorua. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor options, and the Kerosene Creek guide for the free geothermal swimming spot south of the city.
