From ghost town to global destination? Waiwera’s next chapter could either revive a legend or rewrite it completely.
A bold $50 million vision has been announced to transform the long-abandoned Waiwera hot springs north of Auckland into a major modern bathing and wellness hub, complete with dozens of pools, spa experiences, and landscaped relaxation spaces. The plan promises jobs, tourism, and cultural recognition—but here’s where it gets interesting: some people will see this as a respectful revival of a historic taonga, while others may worry it turns a treasured geothermal site into just another high-end resort.
The proposal centers on the old Waiwera Hot Pools site, once a beloved family destination that was gradually run down, shut in 2018, and finally demolished in 2023, leaving only a bare piece of land where generations of memories used to live. In its place, the new concept outlines 28 different pools and wellness experiences, supported by saunas, reflexology walking paths, and native gardens designed to encourage slow, mindful time in nature rather than a quick dip and dash. Think less noisy waterpark, more tranquil geothermal retreat aimed at both locals and international visitors.
Resource consent for this redevelopment is being lodged with Auckland Council by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP, which has also entered into an agreement to purchase the land from current owners Urban Partners. In practical terms, that means the project is moving from idea to official process, with all the environmental, cultural, and planning checks that come with it. But this is also where it could get controversial: will the consent process be robust enough to satisfy environmental guardians and local communities, especially given the sensitivity of geothermal areas?
Director Brandon Batagol describes the goal as creating a truly “world-class bathing and wellness destination” that still feels rooted in Waiwera’s unique story rather than copying another generic spa complex. The vision is to reconnect people with the area’s geothermal heritage, local culture, and lush native landscape, positioning the site as a place where wellbeing emerges naturally from the land and water rather than from flashy gimmicks. In practice, that means designing experiences that encourage visitors to slow down, soak, and genuinely immerse themselves in the surroundings.
A key selling point of the project is the team’s track record with other well-known hot spring destinations. The same development group has operated Peninsula Hot Springs near Melbourne, which has built an international reputation for combining thermal bathing with wellness activities, and they have also been involved in revitalising Maruia Hot Springs in the South Island. Supporters might see this as proof they know how to balance commercial success with natural and cultural values—but skeptics might reasonably ask whether this model risks making Waiwera feel too commercial or “packaged”.
Batagol says the new Waiwera will be developed with local experts and partners to maximise economic and social benefits while carefully respecting the natural environment. The intention is to create jobs, attract visitors year-round, and support surrounding businesses, all while designing with environmental protection front of mind—things like sensitive landscaping, careful water use, and low-impact building choices. Yet this is exactly the kind of promise that often draws debate: can a large-scale, high-traffic wellness complex ever be truly low-impact, or is there always a trade-off between access and preservation?
Central to the project is the recognition that Waiwera is not just a scenic spot; it is a place of deep ancestral and cultural importance for Ngāti Manuhiri. They are expected to be involved as development partners, not just advisors on the margins, with the springs and land seen as part of a living whakapapa shaped and cared for by generations. Done well, this could become a flagship example of mana whenua leadership in tourism development—but some will ask how strong that partnership will be in practice and who ultimately holds decision-making power.
The team has now shared the concept publicly for the first time, framing this as an exciting step toward bringing people back to Waiwera’s mineral-rich waters after years of emptiness and decline. They emphasise that, when the time comes to open, they want visitors to arrive seeking calm and leave with a deeper sense of connection—to the land, the water, and each other. And this is the part most people miss: beyond the glossy visuals and dollar figures, the long-term success of the project may depend less on how impressive it looks at launch and more on whether it genuinely earns the trust of mana whenua, locals, and repeat visitors.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has given the $50 million plan his full support, highlighting its potential to draw over 310,000 visitors to the region and generate around $300 million over its first five years of operation. The site’s location on a well-used tourist route strengthens the case that it could become a key stop for both domestic travellers and international tourists in summer and winter alike. Supporters see this as smart infrastructure that builds on what the region already offers—but critics might question whether those projected numbers are realistic or whether they risk driving over-tourism in a relatively small community.
So here’s the big question: is this the respectful rebirth of a historic geothermal treasure, or the beginning of its transformation into a commercialised wellness playground? Do you think large-scale tourism and deep cultural and environmental care can truly coexist at a place like Waiwera, or does one inevitably win out over the other? Share your thoughts—are you excited about the new plans, worried about what could be lost, or sitting somewhere in the middle waiting to see how it unfolds?
