There are four major geothermal fields around and under Lake Taupō. It is not surprising there are a number of thermal pools and spas available to the public.
Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa is located on the Thermal Express Highway at Wairakei adjacent to State Highways 1 & 5. SH1 is the road to Auckland and SH% is the road to Rotorua. The spa is over the road from the Wairakei Resort Hotel.
In addition to providing hot pools for soaking, a range of spa treatments and massages are available. These need to be booked. The pools are for adults only (14 years and over and proof of age may be requested). The charge for the pools is $25 per person. The charges for other services vary.
Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs are located on the Napier Taupo Highway. They share an entrance with Hilton Taupō. There are a range of pools and slides for soaking and playing. Good place for family groups as something for all ages.
Otumuheke Stream in Spa Thermal Park, off Spa Road, consists of a series of hot water pools in a stream running down the side of a rocky bank into the Waikato River. It’s good on a summer day as you can mix soaking in the pools with a dip in the Waikato River. It’s free so on a hot day during the holiday season it can be crowded.
The AC Baths and Hot Pools are owned and operated by the Taupō District Council. They are also accessed from Spa Road. The pool complex include a large outdoor pool, a couple of 25 metre lane pools, an indoor learn to swim pool, hydro slides, a sauna, cafe and shop and some private thermal pools for families. The thermal pools are temporarily shut in mid-2021 for an upgrade.
Admission to the AC Bath’s swimming pools and sauna is $9 for an adult and $5 for students and seniors. Children’s admission is $4. There are separate charges to use the thermal pools and hydro slides.