Natural hot spring · New Zealand
Nikau Pools
New Zealand · 23 miles east of Wairoa
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- Not recorded
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Wairoa (23 mi / 37 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
About Nikau Pools
Nikau Pools is a natural hot spring in New Zealand, about 23 miles east of Wairoa. The nearest large city is Gisborne, roughly 26 miles away as the crow flies.
No reliable water temperature is on record for this spring yet. Test the water with your hand before getting in, and if you measure it, send us the reading.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Map and directions
Red marks Nikau Pools. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: -38.98568, 177.79569.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Wairoa. The spring is about 23 miles (37 km) east of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Gisborne, about 26 miles (42 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Hastings, New Zealand.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Hot springs near Nikau Pools
- Tarawera Hot Springs Not recorded
- Mangatutu Hot Springs Not recorded
- Mangatainoka Hot Springs Not recorded
- Awakeri Hot Springs Not recorded
- Butchers Pool Not recorded
- Waterfall Spout Bath Not recorded
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Nikau Pools?
Nikau Pools is in New Zealand, about 23 miles east of Wairoa. The GPS coordinates are -38.9857, 177.7957.
Can you soak at Nikau Pools?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Nikau Pools?
The closest listed spring is Tarawera Hot Springs, about 66 miles west. Mangatutu Hot Springs is about 73 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.