This little town of just 30,000 punches well above its weight with hidden gems
Otumuheke Stream steams quietly through bush and scrub and along the edge of Spa Thermal Park in Taupō. Then it drops down a couple of small waterfalls, filling the pools below them with beautifully warm, silky mineral water, before finally easing into the mighty Waikato. It’s gentle, beautifully relaxing and, unlike the more commercial options available, completely natural. You just walk about 25 minutes from the town centre and through the park down towards the river. Once there, you get into your togs and then climb down the steps at the stream’s edge to soak in one of the pools, or even sit directly underneath the little waterfall.