Central North Island

The Volcanic plateau and Central Region.

 Rotorua Area - Waiotapu

This wonderful spot is quite hard to find - you have to know where to look for the little 'hole in the bush' which is the entrance to the short (but rough) track to the waterfall. (It's quite near the last corner on the paved road to the Lady Knox Geyser.)
The waterfall is about 2 km from the more popular spot shown next.

 Rotorua - Waiotapu Stream

Since these hot pools are 'natural' they don't have temperature controls! Beware of straying from the 'used area' - if you do end up having to pull your foot out of boiling mud, you may have some trouble locating cold water in a hurry... (This isn't a problem in the popular spot pictured, because the hot stream mixes with a cold one, right here.)

 Paradise

Between Rotorua and Taupo, in the middle of the North Island, are several hot pools and streams, which are not (yet!) commercialised. This means that if you're there first you can set the dress code. (If textiles are already there, it may pay to ask.)

 Whakaipo Bay - Taupo

Despite relentless development along this beach, we're still there - and there are still a good number of people around, including families. We are serious about being absolutely family friendly!
If you see bad behviour at the beach, please advise the police directly of any associated car registration number and/or get an identifying photo, if possible!