For more than a century, people have been using the water
of Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs for its secluded charms and
healing properties. The picturesque Onekeneke valley,
hidden by raupo and rushes, was a favorite bathing spot
among early Maori inhabitants. Since the Armed Constabulary
moved into the Taupo area, in the mid nineteenth century,
this bathing spot has been extensively upgraded to become a
favorite spot for tens of thousands of visitors.
The first European to discover this water was Sir William
Fox. In a letter to the then Premier, Sir Julius Vogel,
1874, he wrote
"... At the distance of a mile from the
Constabulary Post and Township, along the eastern shore of
the lake, a warm stream, a yard or two wide across the road
and meanders into the lake. Following it inland by a Maori
track, a narrow gorge is reached in which the small stream
expands into two considerable pools, varying in depth from
a few inches to several feet. They are both of considerable
temperature and a favorite bathing spot of the local
natives".
However, Fox deemed the task of making the pools into a
"place of general resort" too demanding, and did not
further his interest.
The Black Terrace, located at the head of the valley and
originally formed during the Taupo eruption of AD 186, was
later destroyed in the 1931 Napier earthquake. Ross
improved the pools to such an extent, that the 1894 Wills'
guide book described the hot lake (serpentine lake) created
by the two pools, as
"the finest natural swimming bath in the
thermal district".
At the foot of the lake was a spout bath, and at its head
the iron bath. These bath houses still remain, however
access is difficult due to the growth of vegetation. The
original water source of these bathhouses, the black
terrace springs have been destroyed by development further
up the valley.
The present pool complex was built in 1958 by Sir Henery
O'Callagher. A man of incredible insight and vision, who
installed very modern concepts in a not so modern
time.
Present owners, Barry & Carol Kirkland, purchased the
thermal pool complex in 1987 in a condemned and
deteriorated state. Immediately a massive
redevelopment and modernisation programme began. The pools
were closed to the public for a period of 3 months where
extensive upgrading and preparation took place to prepare
the pools to an acceptable hygiene and bathing
standard.
Thereafter Barry and Carol turned their attention to the
dilapidated Motel units and neglected camping grounds
– working tirelessly for almost 6 months before
guests could come and stay.
Barry remembers towing around a caravan in the dirt to mark
out the existing caravan and motorhome sites, and planting
the thousands of shrubs that now make up the screening
hedges.
Today the resort is a friendly and inviting experience for
tourists and locals alike.
© Taupo DeBretts | Privacy Policy Website by the Collectif | 2010