Source: Radio New Zealand
A concept design of the new Waiwera Thermal Springs. One to One Hundred Ltd / SUPPLIED
A $50 million redevelopment plan of North Auckland’s popular, now demolished Waiwera Hot Pools has been unveiled.
Concept designs for the currently empty site include 28 pools and wellness experiences along with saunas, reflexology walks and gardens.
Resource consent for the project, led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP, would be lodged with Auckland Council on Monday, the group said.
The group had signed an agreement to acquire the site from landowners Urban Partners.
The Waiwera site seen from above as it currently is. SUPPLIED
Director of Waiwera Thermal Springs, Brandon Batagol, said he wanted the attraction to be a “wold-class bathing and wellness destination”.
Waiwera had been open in some form since the 1800’s, but in 2018 the hot pools closed and were later demolished in 2023, leaving the site as a vacant piece of land.
“Our vision is to create a destination that reconnects people to Waiwera’s geothermal heritage, culture and lush native landscape,” Batagol said.
Waiwera Thermal Springs concept sketch. SUPPLIED
“This will be a place of genuine replenishment where wellness grows from nature.”
The development team behind the project had experience in thermal wellness destinations, Batagol said, and had operated the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs in Melbourne and been involved in the revival of Maruia Hot Springs in the South Island.
“Together, with local experts and local partners, we have taken the upmost care to deliver a plan for Waiwera Thermal Springs that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region whilst honouring the natural environment.”
He said the springs would encourage guests to “slow down” and immerse themselves in nature.
Pools set amongst native forest as part of the concept renders. One to One Hundred Ltd / SUPPLIED
Waiwera was a place of deep ancestral and cultural significance for Ngāti Manuhiri, Batagol said who would be involved as development partners.
“We recognise this land and water as part of a living whakapapa, shaped by generations and sustained through shared principles.”
Sharing the plans openly with the public for the first time was “exciting”, Batagol said.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Auckland Council through the Resource Consent process.
“In time, when we are ready to welcome visitors, we want them to come for the calm and stay for the connection in Waiwera’s mineral rich hot waters.”
Waiwera Thermal Pools prior to its demolition. (File photo) RNZ / Tom Taylor
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the $50 million plan had his “full backing”.
“Waiwera Thermal Springs is expected to attract over 310,000 visitors to the region and generate around $300 million over its first five years, drawing tourism in both winter and summer.
“It is optimally placed along the tourist route, making the most of what we already have there. I look forward to its opening.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
