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Waiwera Thermal Springs has received Resource Consent from Auckland Council, marking a major milestone for the development set to transform one of New Zealand’s most iconic geothermal landmarks into a world class bathing and wellness sanctuary.
The $58 million revival of the destination is being led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property Limited, a team with deep experience in thermal wellness. The new Waiwera Thermal Springs will be woven seamlessly into the landscape with pools, saunas, reflexology walks, gardens, and pavilions forming a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ comprising social spaces and tranquil, contemplative retreats.
With Resource Consent granted and developed designs completed, construction of Waiwera Thermal Springs is planned to begin in early 2027, with opening anticipated by mid-2028.
“Achieving Resource Consent and reaching the detailed design stage of this project are significant milestones and we are absolutely delighted,” said Brandon Batagol, joint managing director of Waiwera Thermal Springs.
“The progress reflects the commitment and quality of our team to deliver a new landmark attraction for the long term and generate sustainable benefit to the region. We have operated wellness destinations of this scale before and we understand our target guest intimately and the experience we need to create for them, which has been invaluable in shaping a viable business offer for Waiwera,” said Brandon.
Craig Mitchell, joint managing director of Waiwera added, “With Resource Consent secured, our focus now turns to securing the final portion of private investment required, along with completing the detailed design. From there we’ll commence construction, keeping the community closely informed throughout the process. This is a carefully considered restoration of a place that matters to Aucklanders and of the relationship between people and the water that has drawn them here for generations.”
Located on the Hibiscus Coast, just 40 kilometres north of Auckland CBD, the 1.7-hectare Waiwera Thermal Springs site sits above a geothermal aquifer with 22,000-year-old thermal mineral water. Waiwera has a 150-year commercial bathing history and is widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s first commercial thermal resort. Waiwera was first developed as a spa in 1875 with bathhouses and a hotel for visitors, quickly becoming a popular excursion for Aucklanders arriving by steamer.
The name Waiwera meaning “hot water” in te reo Māori, will once again be a place of genuine replenishment and restoration. Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, known for its innovative and sustainable design, and award-winning projects, the reimagined bathing sanctuary, centres on a layered landscape of 29 pools spanning a range of temperatures and moods. Guests will be able to enjoy these alongside saunas, cold-plunge, mist-walk and stone-walk rituals, bathing trails through native bush, spa treatments and café and restaurant dining, all woven into the coastal landscape.
While previous versions of Waiwera were defined by pool slides and family play, the new destination takes a refreshed approach. Waiwera Thermal Springs will remain family friendly, with areas designed for discovery and exploration for younger guests while also introducing adult only zones dedicated to connection, relaxation and rejuvenation. At its heart, Waiwera is envisaged as a place to slow down and reconnect, with the land, the water and each other.
Set to become a drawcard for Aucklanders and visitors alike, an independent economic impact assessment by international financial advisory firm BDO, found the development has the potential to attract more than 310,000 visitors annually to the region. It will support around 90 direct and indirect jobs and contribute up to $300 million in gross regional product over its first seven years.
“Our vision is for Waiwera to be a place of genuine restoration, where the pace is slower and connection comes easily. We’ve made fantastic progress towards this in recent months including resolving the guest journey and moving the project from a concept to a clear, considered design and we look forward to sharing more announcements as we commence construction,” Craig says.
