Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara and Belgravia Leisure are working together to deliver a new premium geothermal wellness experience at Kaipātiki Hot Springs, with Kaipātiki Ora – Wellness Development expected to open in August.

The new private wellness area will feature five natural cedar pools, three large steam saunas, three ice plunge baths, an upgraded outdoor dining space, a refreshed retail offering and improved dry changing facilities with private showers.

Image Concepts: Kaipātiki Hot Springs

The wellness development forms part of a wider programme of renewal already underway at Kaipātiki Hot Springs, including new branding, signage and refurbishment works across the venue. Together, the improvements are designed to enhance the visitor experience while respecting the cultural and community significance of the hot springs.

As kaitiaki and owners of the hot springs, Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara is placing cultural integrity, community connection, and long-term sustainability at the heart of the project.

The project is being delivered on the ground by Belgravia Leisure, whose operational expertise is helping bring this next stage of change to the hot springs and Kaipara community.

Restoring and reimagining a taonga

Chairperson of Te Poari o Kaipātiki, Mihi Blair, says the development reflects a careful balance between honouring the past and investing in the future.

“Kaipātiki Hot Springs is a taonga with deep cultural and community significance. As Te Poari, our role is to ensure this place continues to serve our people while evolving in a way that respects mana whenua values and enhances the experience for everyone.

“Kaipātiki Ora is about more than redevelopment, it’s about restoring wellbeing, strengthening connections, and creating a shared vision for the future of this special place.”

Blair emphasised that the partnership approach has been key to unlocking the next stage of investment.

“Working alongside Belgravia Leisure on the ground allows us to move forward in a way that is both aspirational and grounded. Together, we are shaping a future that honours our heritage while welcoming new opportunities for the community and visitors alike.”

A strong foundation for future growth

Belgravia Leisure, as site operator, has played a critical role in designing and delivering the wellness experience, while supporting Te Poari’s long-term direction for the reserve.

Kaipātiki Hot Springs Venue Manager, Dion Tilson, says the development is an important first step in repositioning the site as a leading wellness destination coupled with the everlasting whānau friendly customer focus that has kept the springs steadfast for decades.

“This is a significant and positive step forward, led by Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara. Their vision has enabled us to explore new opportunities for the site and deliver a premium experience that builds on the natural geothermal advantage of the hot springs,” Dion said.

“Belgravia Leisure is proud to play a key role on the ground in Parakai, bringing together design, operations and customer experience to support Te Poari’s aspiration for an upgraded future.

“We’re creating a space where people can slow down, reconnect and enjoy the unique qualities in a new way. At the same time, we’re respecting what makes this place special and ensuring it remains accessible and meaningful to the local community,” Dion concluded.

A boost for the Kaipara

The development builds on wider refurbishment works already underway across the site, including upgrades to entrances, facilities, signage and overall presentation.

Together, these improvements are expected to strengthen the Kaipara as a destination for relaxation, wellbeing and geothermal tourism.

“This is a good-news story for Parakai and the wider Kaipara,” says Deputy-Chair Guy Wishart.

“It encourages visitors to stay longer, supports local businesses, and showcases a truly unique experience within the Auckland region.”

The beginning of a longer journey

Both Te Poari and Belgravia Leisure see Kaipātiki Ora as the first step in a longer programme of investment and renewal.

“This is just the beginning,” Blair says.

“Our commitment is to continue working together to ensure Kaipātiki Hot Springs remains a place where culture and community are at the centre and whānau and wellbeing thrives.”

To learn more visit the Kaipātiki Hot Springs website.