Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
4.3(3.9K)google
3.5(645)yelp
HealingHot SpringSecluded & UncrowdedWinter Snow
Overview
Waiwera Hot Springs is a hot springs system located in the small coastal village of Waiwera, just north of Auckland, New Zealand. They were known to the Māori people for centuries before being developed. In the 1960s and 70s overproduction and overpumping of the geothermal aquifer led to significant loss of pressure and desiccation of the springs in the late 1970s.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM –8:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeThe snowy winter months from October to April are legendary. Booking a twilight or night soaking slot between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM is the ultimate move (strict advance online reservations are mandatory). Nestled deep in a rustic forest canyon, the completely raw stone-lined pools steam heavily against the snow under soft gas-lantern lighting.
Getting ThereSituated deep in the foothills at 44210 County Road 36 in Steamboat Springs. The final 3 miles on County Road 36 are unpaved, extremely narrow, and winding gravel mountain roads with sheer drop-offs. From November to April, local mandates strictly require 4WD/AWD with dedicated winter tires to drive up; booking an official commercial shuttle like Sweet Pea Tours from town is highly advised.
Travel Tips
- A pristine natural hot spring hidden deep in towering pine forests and mountain stream canyons, recognized as the most authentic and visually stunning hot springs destination in America.
- The pools utilize natural granite rock formations stacked like staircase. Scalding geothermal springs blend naturally with ice-cold mountain stream water—visitors can move between different pool levels to find their ideal soaking temperature.
- Strict adults-only (18+) policy after sunset. The area has no artificial lighting—bring a flashlight. Clothing is optional once the sun goes down, preserving the historic natural bathing tradition.
- The final 3 miles are on unimproved dirt road. Per county regulations, from November 1 – May 1, all vehicles must have 4-wheel drive with snow tires or chains. 2WD vehicles will be turned away.
- No glass containers allowed at the hot springs or in shuttles. No alcohol in shuttles or at the springs. Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages in non-glass containers.
- It's a short walk from the parking area to the springs. In winter, wear warm clothes and good footwear—not flip-flops—to comfortably make the short hike.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to speed up getting into the pools. Both private and shared changing areas are available.
- Daytime hours are very family-friendly with children welcome. The adults-only atmosphere begins after sunset, creating a different experience for evening visitors.
- All reservations are non-refundable unless canceled 24 hours or more prior to the tour time.
Reviews
Positive
- The stone-walled natural pools are hidden in a dense pine valley with a rushing creek nearby. It is an absolute winter wonderland that lives up to its fame.
- The resort fiercely limits commercial clutter—no neon lights or loud speakers—beautifully preserving a raw, sacred natural tranquility.
- Management is highly orderly, enforcing a strict reservation-only policy and strict capacity caps, ensuring plenty of space in every pool.
- The rustic wooden changing rooms and rest nooks are kept beautifully clean, backed by very clear safety signage and responsible staff.
Heads up
- The final unpaved mountain miles are narrow and rough; 4WD and snow tires are strictly mandated in winter, making driving highly stressful.
- Admission is cash-only and prices climb yearly; showing up without cash or missing an online booking window means being strictly turned away.
- To keep things wild, there is zero artificial night lighting; navigating steep, uneven stone steps after dark requires flashlights, with zero ADA access.
- Be aware that after dark, it transitions into an adult clothing-optional nude soaking mode, which can cause severe awkwardness for conservative families.