Mount Maunganui Hot Pools: Closure & Reopening Status

The indefinite closure of Mount Hot Pools since a January 2026 landslide has left many wondering if they will ever soak again with a view of Mauao. This guide separates confirmed facts from uncertainty and clarifies a persistent confusion: these are heated ocean pools, not thermal springs.

Location: Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Status: Temporarily closed since January 21, 2026 landslide · Pool Type: Heated ocean water pools (non-thermal) · Number of Pools: Multiple pools incl. lap, spa, and children’s · Opening Hours (when open): Daily 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (approx)

The key facts below summarise the facility’s identity and closure status.

Will the Mount Maunganui Hot Pools reopen?

Current status of Mount Hot Pools

• Mount Hot Pools remains closed “until further notice” (Tauranga City Council current status).
• A 30-metre exclusion zone surrounds the base of Mauao (Tauranga City Council exclusion zone).
• Geotechnical engineers continue to assess risks around structures at the base (Tauranga City Council engineering assessment).

What caused the closure?

Severe weather in January 2026 triggered multiple landslides across Mauao, extensively damaging the mountain and forcing the closure of Mount Hot Pools and the surrounding area (Tauranga City Council landslide report). Permanent fencing has been installed, and a slip alert alarm system is now in place at the pool and campground (Tauranga City Council safety systems).

Official updates on reopening timeline

The council has said it is “considering a partial or staged reopening of Mauao,” with some base track and summit routes possibly opening earlier than others (Tauranga City Council staged reopening plan). But any reopening of the pools themselves hinges on safety assessments and engineering advice (Tauranga City Council safety-dependent reopening).

Are the hot pools at Mount Maunganui thermal?

Difference between thermal and heated ocean water pools

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about Mount Hot Pools. The water is heated by gas boilers, not by geothermal activity. Genuine thermal pools in New Zealand are fed by naturally heated groundwater from volcanic or geothermal systems (Mount Hot Pools official water source explanation).

Why Mount Hot Pools are not geothermal

• The facility draws seawater from the ocean, heats it using gas boilers, and circulates it through the pools.
• There are no volcanic hot springs beneath Mount Maunganui — the mountain is a lava dome formed by extinct volcanism, not an active geothermal field.
• The pools are correctly described as “heated ocean water pools,” not hot springs.

This distinction matters for anyone seeking the mineral-rich benefits associated with thermal waters. If you want the real thing, you need to head to Rotorua or Taupō.

Comparison to true thermal pools in New Zealand

The table below shows what separates Mount Hot Pools from genuine geothermal destinations.

The implication: the ocean-view soak at the Mount is pleasant, but it lacks the mineral profile that draws visitors to Rotorua or Hanmer Springs.

Where are the thermal pools in New Zealand?

Top geothermal hot pools in the North Island

• Rotorua: Polynesian Spa, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Hell’s Gate – all fed by natural geothermal springs (RotoruaNZ official tourism site).
• Taupō: Spa Thermal Park (free natural hot springs along the Waikato River) and DeBretts Hot Springs.
• Mount Maunganui to Rotorua: about 1 hour drive (via State Highway 36).

Geothermal pools in the South Island

• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: the South Island’s premier thermal destination, about 1.5 hours from Christchurch (Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools official site).
• Maruia Hot Springs: natural hot springs in Lewis Pass.

How to choose between thermal and non-thermal pools

If your priority is mineral-rich water believed to soothe muscles and skin, go thermal. If you just want a pleasant warm swim with ocean views, Mount Hot Pools (when open) or any heated public pool will do. The trade-off is convenience vs. authenticity.

Are there different pools at Mount Hot Pools?

Types of pools available when open

The facility offered four distinct pool types to suit different preferences.

The catch: all these pools are currently closed. The variety only matters once a reopening date is announced.

Lap pool details

The 25-metre lap pool is a key attraction for early-morning swimmers. When open, it’s popular with fitness swimmers and triathletes. The water is heated, but cooler than the spa pool — ideal for active swimming.

Spa and children’s pool features

The spa pool at 40°C is the hottest, with benches and jets for a true hydrotherapy experience. The children’s pool is shallow, around 30–40 cm, and kept at a safer 32°C for younger kids (Mount Hot Pools official pool descriptions).

How much do the Mount Maunganui hot pools cost?

Standard entry prices

Pricing is not currently published because of the closure, but when open, adult entry was around $15–$20, with children cheaper. The official website is the best source for updated pricing once operations resume (Mount Hot Pools official pricing page).

Family and concession rates

Family passes and concession rates for seniors and students were previously available. The exact rates are not listed on the site at present, but past pricing patterns (from third-party booking sites) indicate a family of four could expect to pay around $50–$60 for entry (Bookme booking platform past deals).

Booking through Bookme deals

Bookme occasionally offered discounted tickets for Mount Hot Pools, often 20–30% off walk-in rates. Those deals are currently suspended but could return when the pools reopen (Bookme Mount Hot Pools listing).

How long should you stay in hot pools?

Recommended soak times for safety and comfort

The CDC recommends limiting hot tub sessions to 15 minutes at temperatures above 40°C (CDC hot tub safety guidelines). For the Mount Hot Pools spa pool at 40°C, that’s a solid upper limit. Adults can extend to 20 minutes in cooler pools, but it’s wise to take a break between sessions.

Signs to exit the pool

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Confusion or disorientation
• Red, flushed skin that doesn’t cool down

These are signs of overheating or dehydration. Exit immediately, sit in a cool area, and drink water (Red Cross water safety advice).

Guidelines for children and elderly

• Children under 12 should not stay longer than 10–15 minutes in a spa pool above 38°C.
• Elderly visitors, pregnant individuals, and those with heart conditions should consult a doctor before using hot pools.
• Always supervise children closely.

Timeline of Mount Hot Pools: from creation to closure

“Mount Hot Pools is closed until further notice in connection with the Mauao landslide response.”

Tauranga City Council official closure notice

“Massage treatments that were previously at Mount Hot Pools have been relocated to Baywave Aquatic Centre.”

Mount Hot Pools official service update

“Businesses near the base of Mauao have reported reduced foot traffic and trade after the landslide-related disruption.”

TODAY YouTube local business impact

“The Council and the Mauao Trust have confirmed a joint commitment to restore public access to Mauao when it is safe to do so.”

Tauranga City Council restoration commitment

The closure of Mount Hot Pools leaves a noticeable gap in the Bay of Plenty’s leisure offerings, especially for families and early-morning swimmers who relied on the affordable, ocean-view facility. For the community of Mount Maunganui, the loss is more than a missed soak — it’s a blow to local businesses that have seen foot traffic drop since the landslide (TODAY YouTube local business impact). The council’s commitment to restoring Mauao access suggests a staged reopening, but no timetable exists for the pools themselves. For anyone planning a trip to the area, the decision is clear: either wait for official word, or redirect your warm-water plans to Rotorua or Hanmer Springs.

For a detailed look at the closure and the best alternatives, check out this guide on the Mount Maunganui hot pools closure.

Frequently asked questions