A concept design for a $50 million development to revive Waiwera Thermal Springs has been revealed after seven years of closure.
Resource consent for the project, led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP which signed an agreement to acquire the site from Urban Partner, will be lodged with Auckland Council on December 1.
The redevelopment plan aimed to restore the geothermal attraction to a world-class bathing and wellness destination.
The design included 28 pools and wellness experiences such as saunas, reflexology, gardens, walks and pavilions.
Waiwera had been open in various forms since the 1800s. The operation closed in 2018 before being demolished in 2023.
Waiwera Thermal Springs director Brandon Batagol said the vision was to reconnect visitors with the area’s geothermal heritage and native landscape.
“This will be a place of genuine replenishment where wellness grows from nature. We’ve taken the utmost care to deliver a plan that honours the environment while bringing social and economic benefits to the region.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown endorsed the proposal, calling it a welcome investment in the region.
“This has my full backing. Natural springs are a treasure and should be treated as such. I believe this development honours that. It complements the attractions we already have and those in the pipeline.”
The new Waiwera Thermal Springs was expected to attract more than 310,000 visitors and generate around $300 million in its first five years.
Ngāti Manuhuri, who held deep ancestral connections to Waiwera, were development partners on the project.
Batagol said the iwi’s relationship with the land and geothermal waters guided the vision from the start.
“We recognise this land and water as part of a living whakapapa,” he said.
Developers say they look forward to progressing the consent process and reopening Waiwera’s mineral-rich hot pools to the public.
“In time, when we are ready to welcome visitors, we want them to come for the calm and stay for the connection,” Batagol said.
