Waiwera Hot Pools (now branded as Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort) is a large thermal spa situated in Waiwera, just north of Auckland, New Zealand. The park is New Zealand's largest water park. The complex claims 350,000 visitors per year and consists of 26 pools plus various slides.[1]
The presence of hot springs bubbling up through the sands of Waiwera Beach was known to Māori in pre-European times, and the name Waiwera means 'hot water'. Commercialisation commenced in 1875 when Scottish-born entrepreneur Robert Graham built bathing facilities at the beach and a hotel nearby.[2]
Work is underway at the resort to develop Geyser Island and The Lazy River. This work is due to be completed in summer 2011. The Twister, Black Hole and Speed Slides are all still open, along with all pools, while these developments are underway.