Mangatutu Hot Springs

It’s a bit of a drive inland from Napier and you have to cross two fiords, however this small basic campsite in a natural bush setting is a short walk to thermal springs situated in the bush above the Mohaka River. A good base for tramping, trout fishing, swimming and rafting. Toilets are available, water is accessed from the stream but it’s not suitable for campervans.

It's a bit of a drive from Napier to the springs in the Kaweka Forest, as you pass through Patoka and Puketitiri and across several small fords, but this is as close to nature as you'll get. That is, if too many other people haven't beaten you to it. The pools are s short walk down a track to the Mohaka River. It's absolute bliss sitting in the warm water among the trees. There are some great walks nearby and a few awesome trout waiting to be caught in the river.