The Glacier Hot Pools are fed by the waters of Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere, the frozen tears of Hinehukatere for her lost love. According to the legends of Ngāi Tahu, these tears of aroha (love) were frozen by the gods, forming what is known worldwide as the Franz Josef Glacier.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a unique place to go to experience the ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of 100% pure boiling water in New Zealand