Morere Hot Springs

I can feel all the tension sliding away as I luxuriate in one of the private pools at Morere Hot Springs. And this one, with its bird’s-eye view out over lush native bush, is unique. The natural thermal springs are located in a 346 hectare rainforest reserve in the tiny hamlet of Morere, 40 minutes south of Gisborne. Manager Wendy Gibb says, “We’ve had international visitors who tell us these are some of the best hot springs they’ve ever been to.” Her partner Paul Hohipa adds, “A lot of people comment on us being one of the most inexpensive hot pools too.” Wendy and Paul and their family came to Morere from Auckland to escape the rat race 15 years ago and have been managing the hot springs for the last three. Wendy tells me that Paul, who is originally from Wairoa, has literally come back to his roots. “He was conceived here according to his mother,” she laughs uproariously. At first I think she is having me on, but then I realise she isn’t. Paul just smiles enigmatically. Meanwhile, a family has come to the public pool to celebrate a birthday party. They arrive with boxes of food, beanbags and music and spread out comfortably on the lawn. The kids make a beeline for the pool, armed with their inflatable toys. For those who want to explore, there are several bushwalks to choose from, ranging from 10 minutes to 2.5 hours. The Nikau Pools track is a 10-minute walk though forest dotted with stunning nikau palms. The asphalt walkway is wide and smooth enough for a wheelchair. Morere Hot Springs Lodge is located directly across the road. To reach it we bump along a driveway and through a patch of native bush and arrive at the office. Here we are directed to a cute board and batten chalet and inside, we find our tidy and totally comfortable surroundings. How sweet it is to be located beside a wild meadow bursting with candy-coloured cosmos flowers and a rustic barn. I could envisage the impressionist artist, Monet plonking down his easel and painting this scene. In the late afternoon we pull our chairs onto the deck to enjoy a pinot or two and to savour our surroundings. Read the full article in issue #131 of Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations magazine (on sale now!). Subscribe here.