Sapphire Springs Holiday Park & Mineral Pools sits in 32 hectares of native bush on Hot Springs Road, Tahawai, five minutes from Katikati and half an hour north of Tauranga. Warm outdoor pools, private hot tubs, bush walks, mini golf and stays from campsites to motel units have earned a 4.3 rating from 668 reviewers, who love the peaceful, family-friendly setting beside the river. A naturally heated thermal pool comes into its own on a cool evening, and a faint mineral smell is usually the sign of water drawn from the ground rather than a boiler. Regulars bring togs and a towel, dodge the busiest stretches, and check what bedding is supplied, since holiday parks often make up motel beds fully but expect cabin and tent guests to bring their own. Set at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges just outside Katikati, Sapphire Springs makes an easy soaking stop between Auckland and Tauranga.