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The $58 million redevelopment of Waiwera Thermal Springs has received resource consent from Auckland Council, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 ahead of a planned mid-2028 opening.
The 1.7-hectare Hibiscus Coast site was once home to the country’s largest water park, which closed in 2018 and sat abandoned for several years before demolition began in 2023.
The revival is being led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property Limited, who plan to transform the site into a world-class bathing and wellness sanctuary.
The new Waiwera Thermal Springs will feature pools, saunas, reflexology walks, gardens, and pavilions forming a series of outdoor ‘rooms’.
With resource consent secured and the developed design completed, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, ahead of a planned mid-2028 opening.
Waiwera Thermal Springs joint managing director Brandon Batagol said the team’s experience operating large-scale wellness destinations had helped shape the project.
“The progress reflects the commitment and quality of our team to deliver a new landmark attraction for the long term and generate sustainable benefit to the region,” he said.
“We have operated wellness destinations of this scale before and we understand our target guest intimately and the experience we need to create for them, which has been invaluable in shaping a viable business offer for Waiwera.”
Joint managing director Craig Mitchell said securing consent allowed the team to turn its attention to raising the remaining private investment and completing the detailed design.
“From there we’ll commence construction, keeping the community closely informed throughout the process.
“This is a carefully considered restoration of a place that matters to Aucklanders and of the relationship between people and the water that has drawn them here for generations.”
The Waiwera site sits above a geothermal aquifer containing 22,000-year-old thermal mineral water. First developed as a spa in 1875 with bathhouses and a hotel for visitors, it quickly became a popular excursion for Aucklanders arriving by steamer. It is regarded as New Zealand’s first commercial thermal resort.
Waiwera means “hot water” in te reo Māori. Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, the reimagined sanctuary will feature 29 pools of varying temperatures, alongside saunas, cold plunges, mist and stone walks, native bush bathing trails, spa treatments and dining options.
While the former Waiwera was known for its waterslides and family attractions, the new development will combine family-friendly areas for younger visitors with adults-only zones focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.
An independent assessment by financial advisory firm BDO estimates the development could attract more than 310,000 visitors a year, support around 90 direct and indirect jobs, and contribute up to $300 million to the region’s economy over its first seven years.
