This is said to be the deepest natural spring on the north island. The spring flows from a deep rocky hole at the head of the river which flows out into lake Rotorua. The spring is about 1km easy flat walk down a track from the carpark through a grove of redwoods and following the stream. The water is cold and refreshing (bring a bottle and fill it from the source!). This is a department of conservation parkland area so no there are no costs. There are signs around the site describing the history of the area and facts about the spring. Swimming is not permitted here, but you can swim where the stream enters Lake Rotorua - the water is pretty cold though! Well worth a look if you are passing by, and only a short drive out of town (15-20min) if you aren't passing by. read more

This is a beautiful place and a lovely walk. Take care if it is windy as the redwood trees are very impressive but also drop dead branches occasionally. The two springs here are fascinating in different ways - I could have spent ages just watching the water rising out of the earth, and the dancing sands made me smile a lot. The views across Lake Rotorua on the other side of the road are good too. Definitely worth a visit in my opinion and I will be going back again when I am next in NZ. read more