Hamurana Springs is the deepest natural spring in the North Island. Its waters are shot with hues of turquoise, greens and blues; flowing directly into Lake Rotorua.

Just 15 minutes’ drive from Rotorua, the spring water originates from the surrounding plateau where it travels for 70 years underground before rising through 15 metres of volcanic rock at Hamurana. The spring spouts four million litres of water per hour – enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools each day, before flowing downstream to Lake Rotorua.

If you’re keen to explore this area on foot, there’s a scenic loop track through a Californian Redwood and native forest grove that is a favourite picnic spot for locals. The 45 minute return journey is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Otherwise explore with Rotorua Paddle Tours on a stand-up paddle board, suitable for beginners, along the Hamurana Stream.

The surrounding reserve is home to many bird species including black teal, scaup (New Zealand diving duck), herons, ducks, geese and the endangered dabchick. In summer you can get up close and personal with huge rainbow trout that favour the cool water temperature, which remains at a constant 10 degrees celsius year around.

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