I've been in NZ for almost 5 years but I have never experienced bathing in mineral & silica enriched thermal pools. NZ is well known for the health benefits of mineral baths. So when I was on holiday in the volcanic area, I decided to visit a beautiful thermal pool which is located in a natural outdoor setting, below the cascading Wairakei silica terraces & waterfall.
The location that we chose is a mineral pool close to the centre of Taupo city and is right in the middle of nature. This thermal health spa has 4 pools with different heat levels suitable for everyone. What I like the most is there will be no children around because access to the pools & pool area is for adults only, we will have time to relax and enjoy nature.
Following a small path leading to the pools
A thermal pool in nature, nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley
Because it was in the middle of summer, we arrived at the mineral bath quite late. After buying the entrance ticket, we started moving to the hot spring area. While waiting for my partner, I asked my friend to take some pictures for me so I can share with you about this special thermal pool.
Because I didn't read the instructions carefully, I went straight to the lake with the hottest temperature. After only 3 steps, I had to run out of that hot pool. It was too hot for me to imagine. I wonder how it is possible for people to just relax and soak their bodies there. Because of their relaxed and calm faces, I jumped into that pool without hesitation.
After carefully checking all the pools, I chose to stay in the coolest one. When I first took a dip, I didn't feel much change, just felt that the lake was hot under the bright sun (it was at 4 pm). After about half an hour of soaking, I started to feel sweaty. A feeling of lightness and calmness spread all over my body. I remember when I was small, whenever I felt sick, my mother would make a pot of water with herbs so I could do a steam inhalation to flush out all the toxins in the body through the sweat glands. I feel the same way after taking a dip in this mineral pool.
A bit disappointed that this place does not have shower facilities. I already prepared all the things for the shower and wash my hair as we were about to go to a dining service in town. I asked the receptionist why they don't provide the services. She explained it is because of the pandemic and also it is better to leave the minerals on our bodies for a while instead of washing them right away.
Well, there's one more thing I want to share with everyone. It was because the weather was too hot and the sun was too bright, I was wearing sunglasses when going into the mineral pool, there were a few drops of mineral water splashed on the glass and left streaks on them. I blame myself for not paying attention and not knowing in advance that I should not wear sunglasses in the thermal pool.
Overall, my experience with the mineral bath is great, except that there is no shower facility. If you have the opportunity to visit NZ, I recommend adding it to your must-try activities and hope I can hear your experiences about it.
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