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Waiwera Thermal Springs is rising from the ashes, with a concept design for a proposed $50 million new resort revealed to the local community last week, and resource consents for the planned development lodged with Auckland Council.
It is hopefully a happy ending for the thermal resort, which in its heyday attracted 325,000 visitors, but was demolished in 2023. (Hibiscus Matters Aug 18, 2023)
The project is led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP, which has signed an agreement with current owners Urban Partners to acquire the site.
“Our vision is to create a destination that reconnects people to Waiwera’s geothermal heritage, culture and lush native landscape,” Director of Waiwera Thermal Springs Brandon Batagol says. “This will be a place of genuine replenishment where wellness grows from nature.”
“The development team has deep experience in thermal wellness destinations, having operated the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs in Melbourne and here in Aotearoa having been involved in the revival of Maruia Hot Springs in the South Island.
“Together, with local experts and local partners, we have taken the upmost care to deliver a plan for Waiwera Thermal Springs that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region whilst honouring the natural environment,” he says.
The project has the support of Mayor Wayne Brown.
“This has my full backing. It represents a private developer wanting to invest in Auckland, providing Aucklanders with another facility that complements existing local attractions and those in the works, that celebrate our active lifestyles. This is something unique to few places; natural springs are a treasure and should be treated as such. I believe this development honours that.
“Waiwera Thermal Springs is expected to attract over 310,000 visitors to the region and generate around $300 million over its first five years, drawing tourism in both winter and summer. It is optimally placed along the tourist route, making the most of what we already have there. I look forward to its opening.”
