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Story: Thermal pools and spas

Soaking in natural thermal pools

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Soaking in natural thermal pools

Natural hot pools in scenic or inaccessible locations have long held a special allure. Here, geologists Harold Wellman (left) and George Grindley relax in a warm pool by the Haupiri River on the South Island’s West Coast, about 1950. This is one of many such pools to be found along the Alpine Fault.

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Thermal pools and spas – Leisure and pleasure, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/6591/soaking-in-natural-thermal-pools (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.