Everything You Need to Know about Hamurana Springs
David Sims
| Last Updated: February 2025 - Where is Hamurana Springs?
- Things to Know about Hamurana Springs
- How to Get to Hamurana Spring
- Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive Yourself
- Driving Directions
- Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare
- Option 3: Organised Tour
- What to Do and See in Hamurana Springs
- Do the Hamurana Springs Loop Track
- Take a guided tour at Hamurana Springs
- Go see Te Puna a Hanga Rua
- Go see the Dancing Sands Spring
- Catch sight of some of New Zealand’s birds
- Go golfing at the on-site golf course at Hamurana Springs
- Where to Eat and Drink in Hamurana Springs
- Eat at Hamurana Springs Golf Club’s on-site restaurant
- FAQ
Hamurana Springs is a must-visit on your New Zealand itinerary. Unlike Rotorua’s famed geothermal wonders, Hamurana Springs boasts extraordinary clarity, earning the title of New Zealand’s clearest.
The water is so pure you can see up to 63 meters (207 feet) down. This remarkable clarity results from the springs’ natural filtration through volcanic rock.
Visitors can choose between self-guided and guided tours that explore the park. It’s the perfect escape for those who love immersing themselves in nature.
Where is Hamurana Springs?
Hamurana Springs is located at 773 Hamurana Road. From Rotorua, follow State Highway 5 and continue onto State Highway 36. When you pass the Hamurana Golf course, take a left.
Things to Know about Hamurana Springs
Website
Summer operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Winter operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Ticket prices:
How to Get to Hamurana Spring
The most common ways to get to Hamurana Springs are by driving yourself, taking a taxi or rideshare, or booking a tour with a local operator.
Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive Yourself
Renting a car and driving is my preferred method because it gives me more freedom. Simply enter Hamurana Springs into your GPS, and let the maps guide you. If you are coming from Rotorua, it’s a relatively short drive—only about 15 minutes.
Driving Directions
Here are some basic driving directions you can follow:
- From Rotorua city, head northwest on the State Highway 5.
- You’ll stay on State Highway 5 until you see the exit for State Highway 36.
- Drive on State Highway 36 for about 9 km—you’ll see signage guiding you to the springs along the way.
Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare
If you’re not into driving, taking a taxi or rideshare service like Uber is a convenient option. Simply book a ride, sit back, and relax—they’ll whisk you away to the springs in no time. This is especially useful if you’re already exploring Rotorua and don’t want the hassle of renting a car.
Option 3: Organised Tour
Several tour operators in Rotorua include Hamurana Springs in their itineraries. This is a great option if you want a guided experience without having to worry about logistics.
If you don’t mind joining a larger tour group, GetYourGuide offers a package that includes Hamurana Springs as part of a bigger itinerary.
For example, their “Rotorua: Explore the Lakes Half-Day Morning Tour” includes air-conditioned transport, and the Hamurana Springs fee is included.
What to Do and See in Hamurana Springs
Do the Hamurana Springs Loop Track
Media credit: jessie7055
Before you hit the trail, I recommend bringing water, wearing comfortable shoes, and applying sunscreen—especially if you’re visiting when the sun is at its brightest in the afternoon.
The Hamurana Springs Loop Track is an easy-going walk, taking about 45 minutes to an hour—plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty around you.
Along the way, you’ll likely encounter native plants and even spot some wildlife. The highlight, of course, is the crystal-clear Hamurana Springs themselves.
The track is well-signposted, making navigation straightforward. After completing the loop, you can relax and enjoy the picnic area near the springs.
Take a guided tour at Hamurana Springs
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The 1.5-hour guided tour is surprisingly quite fascinating. I did this on my last visit, and it was a highlight of the experience.
The tour is led by a descendant of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi people, who have been the original inhabitants of this area since the mid-1300s.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, you won’t have to worry—the tour is intimate, with a maximum of 10 people.
Throughout the journey, you’ll explore the reserve while gaining insight into the rich Māori culture and traditions of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi iwi.
Go see Te Puna a Hanga Rua
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Witness the breathtaking spectacle of Te Puna a Hanga Rua, the main spring at Hamurana Springs. Every hour, an estimated four million liters of crystal-clear water gush forth, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s power.
The best vantage point is from the viewing platform. It offers an unobstructed view of the spring’s pristine waters—perfect for nature photographers looking to capture stunning shots.
Go see the Dancing Sands Spring
Don’t miss the Dancing Sands Spring (Kauae Nui). Unlike the main spring, it’s not a powerful gushing display, but it’s equally captivating in its own way.
Watch the sand shift and dance at the bottom—it’s truly mesmerizing, peaceful, and a unique hidden gem within the reserve.
Catch sight of some of New Zealand’s birds
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If birdwatching is your thing, keep a sharp eye out for the elusive black teal—I almost always spot a few when I visit in the morning.
If you don’t see any teals, you’ll see tonnes of New Zealand diving ducks and geese. They are often seen gracefully gliding across the water.
Depending on the time of day, you might even spot a heron or two.
Go golfing at the on-site golf course at Hamurana Springs
Media credit: ilovegolf_hamuranasprings
For all the golf enthusiasts, Hamurana Springs Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable 9-hole course, with stunning views of the springs surrounding you.
Having played here myself, I can say the course is well-maintained. It features a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s that demand accurate shots and strategic club selection.
It’s suitable for players of all skill levels, and carts are available for hire for added convenience.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hamurana Springs
Eat at Hamurana Springs Golf Club’s on-site restaurant
Media credit: ilovegolf_hamuranasprings
If you don’t want to bring your own food, you can grab a bite at Hamurana Springs Golf Club’s on-site restaurant. The menu features a variety of options. It includes burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas, along with lighter choices like salads.
The restaurant offers a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere with scenic views of the golf course and surrounding greenery.
