Since the late 1800's, travelers from around the world have been drawn to the Wairakei Thermal Valley and the Wairakei Resort.
Many of them would spend months on a crowded ship, paying the equivalent of $20,000 to get here. Then on horseback or by horse-drawn coach, they traversed the roughest terrain, fording rivers and trying to navigate rain swept 'roads'.
As Mary Stuart Boyd described it in 1899, the trip to Wairakei was weeks "journeying over leagues of well-nigh desert country". They'd canoe for days, sleeping on little more than fern fronds - and finally arrive here, to our world famous 'rugged interior', bruised and aching and famished to boot! What a relief then, to arrive at the veritable luxury of the new Wairakei Hotel - where hot tea and a soft bed with actual linen was on offer.
And what possessed them to endure all that to come here? Amazing geothermal wonders, therapeutic natural hot springs, rich indigenous culture, trout fishing beyond compare and a simply stunning landscape.
Described as the 'True Wonderland of New Zealand', the Wairakei Valley contained 'all the Principal Sights in the Hot Lakes District' including the world famous 'Hot Waterfall Baths', renowned for their mystical healing properties, the 'Dragons Mouth and Cascade Geyser' and the breath-taking Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids.
Of course, in those days, enjoying this abundant land wasn't as easy as it sounds.
To bathe in a natural hot pool for example, people often had to jam the thermal water vents with sticks and rocks to adjust the temperature of their pool. Third degree burns were not uncommon. Women had to change behind bunches of flax.
Today, the Bayview Wairakei Resort is an international 4-star resort, nestled in 169 acres of lush landscaped gardens and private courtyards.
Guests can soothe body and mind in one of our two large heated pools, in a massaging private spa or in our sauna. They can dine on the finest New Zealand cuisine in their choice of two restaurants and sip on award-winning wine or a nice cold beer at one of three bars. As if having our own 9-hole course wasn't enough, the resort neighbours the world-acclaimed Wairakei International Golf Course. Our rooms are exceptionally appointed, and room service is available around the clock. We have two flood-lit tennis courts, an on-site beauty therapy and massage centre, a fully-equipped gym and so much more to delight you.
The only thing that hasn't changed here is the amazing geothermal wonders, therapeutic natural hot springs, rich indigenous culture, trout fishing beyond compare and a simply stunning landscape.
It just keeps getting better...