Noted as the deepest natural spring in the North Island, Hamurana Springs, along the northern side of Lake Rotorua, and its network of peaceful trails through both native forest and a magnificent stand of exotic redwoods is a special place for a short hike, picnic or just to chill-out in the 10-degree celsius waters of the spring and Hamurana Stream.

Access is from the roadside car parking area where you can follow the streamside track through ponga stands, toi tois, cabbage trees, and native seedlings until the mighty redwood grove is reached. Only when directly beside the trees can you fully appreciate just how big and tall they are. The grove is quite extensive and is a delight to explore. Beyond this, the track drops to the streamside once more where the crystal clear nature of the water is astounding, that and its vibrant colours of aquamarine and emerald green make for a unique visual spectacle.

The trail climbs a hillock where tree ferns dominate and you can finally peer directly down into the gaping maw of the spring. Bubbling up from a 15m deep, dark hole in the streambed, roughly the size of a backyard paddling pool, the waters then flow away along a shallow canyon to reach the open stream bed outside. There is a platform here, constructed right beside the spring, from which the hardy might choose to enter the spring itself.