New Zealand
Located less than an hour's drive from the popular destination of the bay of Islands in Northlands NZ, is Ngawha Springs an authentic and inexpensive thermal spa owned and operated by Maoris.
Ngawha features eight bubbling thermal pools which, unlike other more popular spas, are not cleaned or sanitised for cosmetic appearance but left as they have always been thereby retaining the essential restorative qualities contained in the variety of salts and minerals present in the muddy waters which fluctuate in colour from creamy white to deep black and in temperature from a tepid 26c to a hot 40c.
Although this unique resource is under promoted in NZ it is very popular with Maori families who are under no illusions as to the healing properties of these pools and encourage willing and adventurous visitors to daub their bodies in mud and dry naturally before showering off and emerging refreshed and invigorated by the experience. Highly recommended!
Ngawha Springs Road, Ngawha Springs
+64 (0)9 405 2245
Google map: bit.ly/giUVtd