Advice please about the best outdoor hot pools to swim in in Rotorua, New Zealand.?

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Captaingrey

I grew up in Rotorua and the Polynesian Pools were an institution. They are still a great experience but VERY touristy. Waikite Hot Pools is a bit of a drive out of town, but I think it would be more enjoyable for teenagers. It's outdoors and they can run around if they get bored with the pool. If you can find someone with a boat, get them to take you to Hot Water Beach on Lake Rotoiti - you dig into the sand to get the hot water and it's awesome.

More info re Lake Rotoiti: Boat charter is available to take you to Maniparua Hot Springs only accessible by water. These are natural hot springs distributed to pools of varying temperature. This would have to be one of the nicest places on earth mid to late morning on a sunny winters day. It is common practice to jump in the lake afterwards (although not compulsory).

Pagrus

Have a look at www.polynesianspa.co.nz these are probably the best and good website and central Rotorua and good variety of pools, nice and clean

wildernessnz

I beg to differ... From my experience Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are by far the best (and least touristy). Unlike most hot pools they drain the water every night and re-fill the hot pools daily. They have a good selection of hot pools to use from and the location is amazing. Waikite is set inland in the middle of a farm and it's certainly a nice place to unwind (especially if it's raining!).

Rob V

come down to south island and go to Hanmer it rocks

Les R

I endorse the other people who have suggested the Polynesian Pools in Rotorua. Can I just give a little advice please? When swimming in any of these or other thermal pools do not put your head under the water as it is possible to contract amoebic meningitis as a friend of mine did and she was lucky to survive a dreadful illness. Otherwise, thermal pools are great to relax in. Have fun.

travel_stories

Like the others I would recommend the Polynesian Pools as the best .

Have a look at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/rotorua.html for more information about options for thermal pools in Rotorua.

Driver T

You could try the Poly Pools as has been suggested. They have indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private pools - all of varying temperatures from hot to very hot.
The free pools are dotted all over the place, it's only the pools in the town and at Waikite you pay for.

Try Soda Springs at Manawahe, or Kerosene Creek at Rainbow Mountain, or on the roadside at Mokai, or Hinemoa's Pool on Mokoia Island.

Added: As Les R says (and I should have pointed it out too) do NOT put your head under any natural hot water. An amoeba that causes meningitis lives in the water just waiting to enter your body through your ears.

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