It is called Otumuheke Stream, meaning hot river, a great place to relax and soak in an open air hot springs. Amazing as it sounds, there were a series of small natural hot pools from a hot stream. The thermal Spa Park with natural hot pools from a hot stream which ultimately mixes with cold water of the Waikato river.
We changed at toilets near the parking bay and walked down to the park bear foot, everyone seemed doing the same. As much we enjoyed walking bear foot on luscious grass of the Thermal park, we enjoyed soaking in the hot pools equally, we kept moving from one to another. As the stream merges onto the Waikato river, temperature varied when hot stream mixes with cold river water. The merging with the mighty Waikato River created a wonderful free swimming hole. It would be a great place to plunge into in summer. We found some were into it, despite the chilly weather. Well, I wanted to as well after the hot spring soaking, but the place seemed to be crowded with some young lads with tattoos and their dogs and there came my hesitation. Well, I will next time, if I make it. It was one of those serene places you see in the movies where couples walk into it and there comes a musical loop.
The last thing we three cousins did at the park was, swing onto the rope. It was definitely a great fun but didn't beat the hot stream, No.
