Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara and Belgravia Leisure are celebrating the recent official opening of Kaipātiki Ora Restore & Connect, a new premium geothermal wellness experience at Kaipātiki Hot Springs in Parakai.
The new private wellness area features five natural cedar geothermal pools, three large steam saunas, three ice plunge baths, upgraded outdoor dining and relaxation areas, a refreshed retail offering and improved dry changing facilities with private showers.
The opening was marked by a powerful ceremony led by Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara – Te Taoū. The launch marks the completion of months of planning, partnership and investment to create a destination focused on wellbeing, relaxation and connection.
Bookings have opened, with the first guest experiences taking place on Saturday 5 September. The opening gave those looking to celebrate Father’s Day with wellness and relaxation an experience unlike any other in the Auckland region.
Building on the vision first announced earlier this year, Kaipātiki Ora represents a significant new chapter for one of Kaipara’s most treasured destinations.
Supplied: Te Poari and Auckland Council. Pictured: Kaipātiki Ora Restore & Connect.
The wellness development forms part of a wider programme of renewal at Kaipātiki Hot Springs, including new branding, signage and refurbishment works across the venue. Together, the improvements have been designed to enhance the visitor experience while respecting the cultural and community significance of the hot springs.
As kaitiaki and owners of the hot springs, Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara has placed cultural integrity, community connection and long-term sustainability at the heart of the project.
The project has been delivered on the ground by Belgravia Leisure, whose operational expertise has helped bring this next stage of change to the hot springs and Kaipara community.
A strong foundation for future growth
Belgravia Leisure, as site operator, has played a critical role in designing and delivering the wellness experience, while supporting Te Poari’s long-term direction for the reserve.
Kaipātiki Hot Springs Venue Manager, Dion Tilson, says seeing the concept become reality has been both exciting and rewarding.
“The development has been an important, positive first step in repositioning the site as a leading wellness destination, coupled with the everlasting whānau friendly customer focus that has kept the springs steadfast for decades.
“Bringing new ideas to life is never easy, but it is incredibly satisfying to see this vision finally open to the public.
“I want to sincerely thank Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara and the management team for their support and confidence in giving Belgravia Leisure’s team the opportunity to deliver something truly special. I am incredibly proud of our management team, who worked tirelessly to get the space ready in record time.
Supplied: Te Poari and Auckland Council. Pictured: Kaipātiki Ora Restore & Connect retail space
“Belgravia Leisure is proud to play a key role on the ground in Parakai, bringing together design, operations and customer experience to support Te Poari’s aspiration for an upgraded future.”
Dion also acknowledged the contribution of Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara throughout the development.
“The guidance and support provided by iwi has been invaluable. Their advice has helped ensure Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara can be felt throughout the space and that visitors experience a genuine connection to this place from the moment they arrive.”
He also thanked Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Officer Nick Cox for championing the project.
“Nick brought a fantastic vision to the table and created an opportunity to share that vision with Te Poari and, by extension, the wider community and visitors alike.
“We’ve created a space where people can slow down, reconnect and enjoy the unique qualities in a new way. At the same time, we’re respecting what makes this place special and ensuring it remains accessible and meaningful to the local community,” Dion concluded.
Delivered with pride and partnership
CEO Nick Cox said Kaipātiki Ora reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to wellness experiences.
“There is a tremendous sense of gratitude from everyone involved in this project and pride in what has been achieved through genuine partnership. Wellness is a true focus for Belgravia Leisure and Kaipātiki Ora brings that vision to life in an authentic and meaningful way.
“The vision has always been to create a place where people can slow down, reconnect and focus on their wellbeing. Seeing that vision come to life in such a beautiful setting makes me incredibly proud and excited for the future of Kaipātiki Ora.”
Restoring and reimagining a taonga
Chairperson of Te Poari o Kaipātiki, Mihi Blair, says the development reflects a careful balance between honouring the past and investing in the future.
“Kaipātiki Hot Springs is a taonga with deep cultural and community significance. As Te Poari, our role is to ensure this place continues to serve our people while evolving in a way that respects mana whenua values and enhances the experience for everyone.
“Kaipātiki Ora is about more than redevelopment, it’s about restoring wellbeing, strengthening connections and creating a shared vision for the future of this special place for generations to come.”
Blair emphasised that the partnership approach has been key to unlocking the next stage of investment.
“Working alongside Belgravia Leisure on the ground allows us to move forward in a way that is both aspirational and grounded. Together, we are shaping a future that honours our heritage while welcoming new empowering and uplifting opportunities for the community and visitors alike.”
The beginning of a longer journey
Both Te Poari and Belgravia Leisure see Kaipātiki Ora as the first step in a longer programme of investment and renewal.
“This is just the beginning,” Blair says.
“Our commitment is to continue working together to ensure Kaipātiki Hot Springs remains a place where culture and community are at the centre and whānau and wellbeing thrives.”
To learn more visit the Kaipātiki Hot Springs website.
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