WAIKATO: MATAMATA-PIAKO

For motor caravanners who enjoy a soak in a luxury spa, the Te Aroha Mineral Spas is a real hidden gem! Enjoy a private spa, with a luxurious massage and beauty treatment, and then park overnight for free in their car park. 

This is one of our favourite locations - ideal if you've been free-parking for a while and are looking for some pampering to soak away any aches and pains. The cost for a basic spa is about the same as for staying overnight in a campsite, and includes a hot shower as well. 

You have your own private room, so don't need to use a swimsuit unless you want to. Your spa is filled just for you and is natural mineral water that bubbles up from hundreds of meters underground.

There are lots of other options for impressing your partner, including beauty therapies and a romance package, but we typically just enjoy a good soak.

You do need to book ahead of time as there are only a limited number of rooms available. Parking outside is also a bit limited, although it opens up a bit after 6pm. 

The spa complex is part of the Te Aroha Domain, and is adjacent to a large historical reserve. There are a number of walks that vary from a few minutes to a thermal geyser that erupts every 30 or so minutes, to 5.5 km if you're looking for some more excercise. 

The cafe is also worth a look, and we were termpted to have an impromptu coffee break after our walk around the reserve.

This is the first locations we've given a 5 star rating - enjoy!

The Te Aroha Mineral Spas complex

The cafe overlooking the reserve