Te Puia Springs

Te Puia Springs is a thermal spring in the Ōtorohanga District where naturally heated mineral waters emerge from the ground along a black ironsand beach on the North Island coast. The springs create visible geothermal features as warm water flows from the earth.

The geothermal springs have served local communities as an important resource since early Māori settlement, providing water for cooking and traditional healing practices. This long use shaped how people understood and valued the landscape.

The thermal waters hold deep meaning in Māori culture, where communities have long gathered for wellness practices and rituals connected to the land. Visitors today can sense how important these waters remain to local traditions and beliefs.

The springs can be reached by walking paths with established viewing points to safely observe the geothermal activity. Wear waterproof clothing since the coastal setting can bring sudden weather changes.

The warm conditions support specialized plants and animals that thrive only in this geothermal environment. This distinct ecosystem shows how life adapts to extreme natural conditions.