A natural escape

With such a quirky origin story, and decades of memories since, the Mount Hot Pools is the perfect destination for out-of-town visitors and international tourists.

It’s a setting unlike any other – one you quickly suggest to those asking for local recommendations.

These hot ocean water pools are surrounded by New Zealand native bush, golden beaches, cafes, and walking tracks. You can easily soak away a couple of hours while listening to birdsong and gazing up at Mauao, pondering which Mount Maunganui bar or eatery to hit next, and whether to treat yourself to an on-site massage first. 

But it’s not only visitors having all the fun. The Mount Hot Pools is also a community favourite. 

Many a Tauranga local has made a trip to the hot pools part of their weekly routine. It’s a great way to remind yourself you’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful and popular holiday spots in the country. 

For locals, this is a natural escape in the heart of Mount Maunganui. A chance to unwind and relax, whenever you so choose. And if you live or own property within the Tauranga City Council region, you can apply for a resident card and get discounted entry. There are also special deals and memberships available.

Tom and Joan Dunne live close by and walk to the Mount Hot Pools every single weekday for aqua exercise classes. 

They often return over the weekend as well, to soak in the pools and recover after walking up Mauao. 

“We’re seven-days-a-week users, really,” Tom says. “It’s a wonderful facility, always has been, particularly with the Mount in the background.” 

He says the outlook is “beyond belief”. “You can’t get a better combination of comfort and exercise in a facility, it’s a chance to remain healthy and in an aesthetic environment.” 

Joan adds: “It’s not only the exercise component in the wonderful warm water, but the social component too. The group here is quite tight and after the exercise session, usually there’s a coffee hour.” 

Vicki Harbottle and her five-month-old daughter Paige are also regulars. 

They enjoy the weekly Aquatots session, when pool toys are available for babies and toddlers. Aquatots is every Thursday from 10am-12pm and costs $8 for both parent and child. 

Vicki says she wants Paige to feel comfortable, confident and safe around water. Living next to the beach, water safety skills are essential, she says, and Aquatots is an affordable option and an “amazing idea” for parents wanting to introduce water play. 

“And also, it’s a great environment. You get to meet other mums and other babies and they put the toys out for everyone to play with, and who wouldn’t want to spend time at the Mount Hot Pools? It’s an amazing place.” 

The Mount Hot Pools is Poolsafe accredited, has been inducted into the Tripadvisor Hall of Fame, and has also been awarded the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Accreditation.

It’s one of the only hot ocean water pool complexes in the world. There are three outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, two outdoor spas and three indoor private pools. Swimmers and soakers can choose which water temperature and setting suits them best. 

The Mount Hot Pools has also recently had a spruce up, with new pool tiles creating a deep ocean colouring under the water, giving the facility more of a resort feel. Improvements have also been made to the private pools, massage rooms, and changing rooms, which now have under-floor heating.

Memories made at the Mount Hot Pools continue to span generations, for both visitors and locals alike. 

And this beloved community gem beneath Mauao has never looked better. 

mounthotpools.co.nz