Hamurana: Springs, Redwood Walk and Māori Culture

Hamurana combines a distinctive spring landscape with walking paths and a rich cultural history. At Hamurana Springs, you can see where the spring water originates, walk through a redwood grove and learn more about Ngāti Rangiwewehi’s connection to this land. When planning your visit, it makes a difference whether you mainly want to take a self-guided walk or also set aside time for a guided nature and Māori cultural tour.

Springs, Walks and Wildlife

Hamurana Springs is a natural freshwater spring on New Zealand’s North Island. A viewing platform offers a view of the source of the clear spring water. After reaching the surface, the water flows into Lake Rotorua. The spring is described as the deepest natural freshwater spring on the North Island. This lets you connect the source with the water’s onward flow.

A waterside path runs alongside 100-year-old redwood trees. The easy 800-metre walk follows the stream through a redwood grove and offers views and detailed information along the way. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Two main routes are available for independent exploration. Allow 30 minutes for the shortest return walk; if you want to include wildlife and cultural sites, it is recommended that you allow at least an hour.

From the viewing platform, you can continue the walk over footbridges and along a gravel path, completing a loop back to the car park. The Yns Fraser Walkway is an alternative route to the spring head. The waters of Hamurana Springs are also a wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife here includes scaup and the endangered dabchick. Check the current track conditions locally before setting out.

Ngāti Rangiwewehi and the History of the Place

Hamurana Springs is a taonga—a treasure—to Ngāti Rangiwewehi. The iwi’s connection to this land dates back to the mid-14th century. Hamurana Springs was originally a tribal settlement and bore the traditional name Te Kaikaitahuna. This history adds cultural context to a visit, beyond simply viewing the spring and the surrounding landscape.

Part of the Hamurana Recreation Reserve was also once a pā, or village, and the home of Ngāti Rangiwewehi. Members of the iwi continue to live in the area and are partners in managing the reserve. Fully guided tours at Hamurana Springs offer a deeper insight into nature and Māori culture. The 1.5-hour tour of Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve is led by a descendant of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and covers traditional Māori practices and sites of significance to the iwi. Groups are limited to a maximum of ten people. Guided tours must be booked at least 48 hours in advance; confirm this requirement when planning your tour.

Planning Your Visit

The golf course at Hamurana Springs includes a nine-hole course, as well as a licensed bar and an on-site café. These options offer different ways to round out your visit to the springs. Considering the walks and golf course can help you decide which experiences you want to prioritise during your visit.

From Rotorua, the directions follow State Highway 5 and then State Highway 36. After the Hamurana Golf Course, turn left. As these are specific directions, it’s best to check them again before setting out. When planning your stay, you can also consider whether a self-guided walk will be enough or whether you’d like to include the guided tour, which requires advance booking.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Reporoa, Mourea, Waikite Valley, Okere Falls, Lake Tarawera, Atiamuri, Rotorua

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