Quick FactsOverview
About Nga Hua o Morere
Nga Hua o Morere, New Zealand is a paid natural saltwater hot springs complex at 3968 State Highway 2, Morere, on the East Coast of the North Island, 40 km northeast of Wairoa and 52 km south of Gisborne. The springs are a rare example of natural saltwater hot springs, producing approximately 250,000 litres per day of hot ancient seawater from a fractured fault in the Mangakawa valley. The water is piped to public and private pools set within a 364-hectare native rainforest reserve. Entry is paid and the site is open Thursday to Monday, 10 am to 5 pm.
The springs are managed jointly by Rongomaiwahine, Rakaipaaka, and the Department of Conservation. The traditional Maori name was Nga Wai Ariki o Ngati Rakaipaaka, meaning the Waters of the Gods of the Ngati Rakaipaaka Tribe. The reserve is one of the last remaining tracts of uncut coastal native rainforest on the East Coast, home to dense nikau palms and native birds. A 10-minute bush walk leads to the upper Nikau Pools. Among the hot springs near Gisborne, Nga Hua o Morere is the most ecologically and culturally distinct site on the East Coast.
Location & Access
Getting to Nga Hua o Morere
Nga Hua o Morere is at 3968 State Highway 2, Morere 4078, on the main highway between Wairoa and Gisborne on the East Coast of the North Island. From Wairoa, drive northeast on State Highway 2 for approximately 40 km. From Gisborne, drive south on State Highway 2 for approximately 52 km. The reserve entrance and pool complex are on State Highway 2; look for signs at the bridge end, where visibility can be limited and the road can be busy. Take care when entering and exiting the car park.
The site is approximately 40 minutes from Gisborne, 1 hour 20 minutes from Napier, and around 2.5 hours from Hastings. Nuhaka, the nearest small settlement, is approximately 15 km south on State Highway 2. Accommodation is available across the road at Morere Lodge. There is no public transport to Morere; self-drive is the standard approach.
The complex is open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check the Facebook page for weather-related closures before travelling, as the site can close at short notice due to extreme weather or track conditions. The upper Nikau Pools require a 10-minute bush walk from the main complex through the rainforest and across the stream. The walk is not advisable in wet conditions when the track becomes slippery. For travellers on the East Coast between Napier and Gisborne, Nga Hua o Morere is the most significant thermal stop on the route.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Nga Hua o Morere
Nga Hua o Morere suits visitors who value an ecologically and culturally significant setting and who want a natural saltwater soaking experience in rainforest rather than a managed resort environment. The combination of an accessible main pool area and a short bush walk to the upper Nikau Pools means visitors of different fitness levels can find an appropriate experience.
Families with children are welcome. DOC's pricing structure includes child rates, family concessions, and kaumatua rates. All children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. The main entrance pools are at road level and accessible without a walk; the upper Nikau Pools require the 10-minute bush track, which involves river crossings and can be muddy, so they are best suited to visitors comfortable on uneven ground.
Wheelchair accessibility is not documented for this site. The main pool area at the entrance is at road level and the car park is flat, but the pool entry infrastructure and pool surround surfaces have not been confirmed as accessible. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the site directly before visiting. Among the thermal pools in New Zealand on the East Coast that combine natural saltwater, cultural significance, and native rainforest, Nga Hua o Morere is unlike any other. For families seeking hot springs near Gisborne with a genuine bush setting, this is the most distinctive option in the region.
Safety & Etiquette
Nga Hua o Morere Safety Tips
Nga Hua o Morere is generally safe for visitors who follow the site rules. There are no lifeguards on duty. All visitors are responsible for their own safety in and around the pools. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Do not immerse your head in any of the hot or warm pools; this is an explicit instruction from DOC and applies to all pool areas. Head immersion is not recommended as a precaution against naturally occurring organisms in geothermal water.
The pools vary in temperature. Test the temperature before entering any pool and limit time in the hotter pools. Stay hydrated; bottled water is available for purchase on site and tap water at the site is unsuitable for drinking. If you feel lightheaded, unwell, or overheated, exit the water and rest before continuing. The rainforest setting means air temperatures can be cooler than expected after soaking; bring a warm layer for after your session.
The 10-minute bush walk to the upper Nikau Pools passes through rainforest and involves crossing the stream. The track is not advisable in wet weather, as it becomes slippery and the risk of windfall and slips increases. Check conditions at the kiosk before attempting the walk. Wear footwear with grip for the track. During very wet periods or after heavy rain, the track may be closed.
The car park on State Highway 2 requires care when entering and exiting, as the road can be busy and visibility near the bridge is limited. The site closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Always check the Facebook page for weather-related closures before travelling, as extreme weather can cause unscheduled closures at short notice. Barbecue facilities are available on site for a fee. No food is permitted in the pool areas themselves.
