Story: Thermal pools and spas

The artist, naturalist and writer George French Angas travelled through the central North Island in 1844. After visiting the Waihī springs near Tokaanu he wrote, ‘The medicinal properties of these hot mineral springs preserve the natives in a healthy state, and render their skins beautifully smooth and clear.’ This watercolour by Angas is entitled, ‘Hot springs or boiling ponds near Taupo Lake Oct. 26th 1844’.