Focus | Parakai Springs
in 1907, they were an instant hit with the public as visitors flocked to the town to bath in these natural, thermal pools.
Ongoing changes Parakai Springs has come a long way since first opening its doors to the public. It now offers a wide range of activities and venue options. The Parakai Springs hot pools complex is to get a face lift says operations manager, Dion Tilson. “The new projects follow on from other recent upgrade work, including new lockers for the indoor pool, and $45,000 spent on quality new toilets and showers in the changing rooms.
All day entertainment Just over 40 minutes from Auckland’s CBD lies one of New Zealand’s natural geothermal hot pools - Parakai Springs. It has been northwest’s best kept secret for the ultimate day trip.
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Now extensively redeveloped into an active water recreation centre, Parakai Springs offers a range of amenities to make this a full-day’s entertainment destination and an affordable option for both adults and children.
“A new toilet block will be built nearby; meaning users of the private pool area will be completely self-contained. Work is expected to start in February after the summer rush, taking about eight weeks to complete.
“The entry will be replaced with a tall, glassed in entryway with double automatic sliding doors beneath a protruding canopy, and cashiers desks on either side. Designed by architectural designer Keith Youngman, the project will also see a revamp and extension If you do not want to prepare your own food, simply take advantage of the Springs Café and of the pools’ office area,” Tilson explains. dining area located next to the indoor pool. The facelift already includes the addition And situated a stone’s throw away from the of two infrared, Canadian hemlock timber pools is the Parakai Springs Camp Ground. saunas. These two person saunas are situated Camp ground prices include discounted entry in a private bamboo and clivias themed to the hot pools, so campers can take a dip in setting adjacent to the private spa area. the hot pools before heading off to the camp site for the evening. A private setting It boasts large indoor and outdoor pools, two thrilling hydro-slides, a movie pool, water walking zorb balls, aquatic activities and BBQ/ picnic areas situated throughout the park.
Parakai is located near the historic town of Helensville in an area that has an array of activities on offer. These include harbour cruising, fishing, golf, horse riding, four wheel driving, skydiving, restaurants and cafés, nearby vineyards, beaches, a macadamia farm and Bees Online - an artisan honey producer. In 1881 the ‘springs’ in Parakai were merely a mud hole set among trees and scrub. But that year, the Hot Springs Reserve was gazetted under the Public Domains Act and handed to the Helensville Town Board for administration.
Parakai Springs can offer the ideal setting to host any private function and event. There are indoor and outdoor covered areas featuring a stunning large white formal marquee, extensive beautifully landscaped gardens, thermal rock pool and private changing facilities. Users have their own private entrance, along with complimentary access to the main Parakai Springs pools and hydro-slides.
The complex can also provide a conference room for up to 30 people and full catering service, from simple barbeque fare to more By 1892 many improvements had been formal requirements. Or you can organise your carried out at the springs, with proper baths set up for bathers. In the early part of the 20th own catering in the on-site, modern kitchen. Multimedia and production equipment can century the national government provided also be arranged and the venue is a BYO or it funds for the further development of the springs with new buildings and baths. Opened can provide a cash bar on request.