Discover Athenree: Hot Springs, Homestead and Wetland

Athenree brings together the history of a pioneer homestead, natural mineral pools and the nearby Athenree Wetland. The experiences have different points of focus: from the history of the Homestead, to two pools with different temperatures and rules, to a walking loop along the Waiau River. When planning your trip, you can consider which of these sides of the area interests you most.

Homestead and the history of the pā

The Athenree Homestead was built in 1879 by Irish settler pioneers Hugh and Adela Stewart. It operated as a farm until they left in 1906. During her time there, Adela Stewart transformed the grounds from a bare area into an estate with extensive exotic orchards, vegetable gardens that supplied the community and flower gardens considered exemplary. A pictorial history of the house is on display for visitors in the Homestead’s entrance area.

The Athenree Pā offers a different historical perspective. It is classified as a Category 2 Historic Place and is considered the oldest pā in the Athenree district, as well as the site there that was settled most often. Cultural remains dating back about 500 years have been found at the site. After its fortifications were built, the pā was settled at least three times. The land is privately owned and is not open to the public.

Two mineral pools with different rules

Athenree Hot Springs has two natural mineral pools. The larger pool has a water temperature of 33–35 °C and an average depth of 1.3 metres; it also has a shallow area for toddlers. The smaller relaxation pool for adults is considerably warmer, at 38.5–40 °C. Children are not permitted in this pool. If you’re travelling with children, this distinction is important when planning your swimming day.

Both pools are fed by an underground aquifer 250 metres deep. Mineral water is continuously pumped through the pools, and their water volume is renewed every 3–4 hours. Bikes from Berg can be hired and kayaks used at Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park. If you’re interested, ask at reception.

Wetland and activities in the surrounding area

Athenree Wetland is on Steele Road, between Athenree and Waihi Beach, on the Waiau River. The Athenree Wetland Loop is a 20-minute circular walk, accessed from Emmerton-Steele Road between Waihi Beach and Athenree. Dogs, camping and lighting fires are not permitted in the Athenree Wetland Wildlife Refuge Reserve. If you’d like to combine your stay with a nature walk, this offers a different kind of outing from the mineral pools or the Homestead’s history.

In the Waihi Beach–Athenree Estuary area, horses may be led or ridden on a signposted circular route from the second Thursday in February to the third Wednesday in December. The route runs from Albacore Avenue via Pio Road and Athenree Estuary to the existing shared walking and cycling path at Island View. Horses are not permitted in the dunes.

The new Athenree Jetty is another local landmark. It is on Athenree Esplanade, behind 12 Roretana Drive, replaces the former outdated jetty and has been completed as a project.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Athenree, you can first consider whether you want the mineral pools, the Homestead’s history or the Wetland to shape your stay.

Discover more places

You can also explore other destinations, including Te Puke, Aongatete, Pukehina, Lower Kaimai, Pyes Pa, Katikati, Te Puna and Waihi Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.