Camp

Step out of bed and into pure geothermal water.

Book a Campsite

A unique stay surrounded by nature

Perfectly positioned between Rotorua and Taupo, nestled into a rural geothermal valley, our campground offers a unique place to stay and recharge. 

Our campers enjoy access to our hot pools included in camping fees, and even get a sneaky early entry before we open the pools to the public. 

We're off the beaten track, with basic facilities and no wi-fi, an ideal spot to escape and connect with nature.

 

Book a Stay
Campground Facilities

Our camping fees include access to our beautiful hot pool complex until 8pm. As a special treat, we also allow campers early access to the pools before we open to the public in the morning. Access to our private pools is not included, but these can be booked at additional cost.

We have a small café serving hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cabinet food and a hot snack menu.

We have a small communal kitchen with microwaves, toasters, boiling water jugs, hotplate cookers and a fridge. There are also facilities to top-up vehicle drinking water. The small Moa shed provides an additional covered eating area at the top of the campground.

There’s an ablution block with toilets and showers, a coin operated washing machine and dryer. We also have a drying room harnessing the geothermal waters heat, and a clothesline.

We do not have a dump station. The nearest ones to us are in either Rotorua or Taupo. 

We offer a place to disconnect. We don't have Wi-Fi and the surrounding cellphone reception is very limited. OneNZ (originally Vodafone) offers the best signal where we are.  

Important things to know before you book

All campground bookings can be done online. To ensure you book the perfect site for your requirements, we do not take bookings over the phone. 

Check in time is from 2pm until 7:30pm. Check in's after 7:30pm can be made by prior arrangement. The option to check in from 12pm is available for an added fee when booking online.

Check out time is strictly 11am.

Our Peak Season is from 1st December - 31st January and Easter Weekend. Special rates apply for these periods.

We’re pet friendly! We allow pets outside of peak season and public holidays, as long as they remain on a leash. Pets are not permitted in or around the pool complex or eco-trail. It is the responsibility of the owner to clean up any mess that their pet makes. 

Please check individual site sizes before booking. We are not a holiday park and therefore unsuitable for large groups or those who require additional space for awnings or other camping accessories.   

For health and safety purposes, if you wish to hire a powered site, your vehicle must display a current electrical warrant of fitness. Your RCD camping powered leads and sockets must have no cuts or kinks and they must be in safe and sound condition. 

Plan your visit

We’re off the beaten track. When you get here you’ll see why it’s worth the short drive.

Opening Hours

We are open daily from 10.30am to 8pm. Last entry is at 7pm as we start to drain pools at 7.15pm.

Location

Waikite Valley Hot Pools
648 Waikite Valley Road, Waikite Valley 3077

GPS co-ordinates:
Latitude -38.327164, Longitude 176.302929

Drive Time

Waikite Valley Hot Pools are just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua and 45 minutes from Taupo.

From Rotorua, travel south towards Taupo on SH5 (the same route as Te Pā Tū, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland). Turn right onto Waikite Valley Road (opposite the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland turn-off) and follow the Waikite signs for 6km.

Perfect thermal pools off the beaten track.

Wanna soak in a real NZ thermal pool and not pay a fortune?

We found Waikite thermal pools by accident and, though there are adequate public pools, opted for a private pool.

Perfect for an escape and a relax without overinflated Rotorua prices, Waikite had lovely, friendly staff and, though off the beaten track, was well worth it.

Rob S May 2023

Worth the drive from Rotorua

Such a great place to visit, well worth the 30min drive from Rotorua.

A range of pools to soak in and a large enough area for the kids to splash about without bothering those in the hottest pools. Had food there too, Nachos were spot on and the hot chip were good.

Will be getting an annual ticket so we can come back every month.

Les Jul 2023

Relaxing couple of hours.

We had a great time relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, soaking up the natural waters of splendid temperatures of 36°...Wonderful!

The young staff were so very helpful and pleasant.

Pauline O Sep 2023

A relaxing day

Wonderful relaxing quiet day. With 6 pools to choose from which were surrounded by beautiful plants it was a lovely day. The food was good and plenty of cool water to drink to keep hydrated.

Sandra W Nov 2023

A favorite!

About 28 km from Rotorua, mostly up a paved rural road off the highway from Rotorua to Taupo. A series of pools, getting warmer as you proceed uphill towards the source of the hot spring. The water has to be cooled because it comes out of the ground at 99C. The pools are nicely built and the views are great. After you've soaked, walk the eco trail and read the informative panels along the path.

Gang Warily Jan 2024
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