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WAIWERA— THE HOT SPRINGS OF
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
A recent visitor has favoured us with the
following account of the Waiwera or' hot
springs: —
Tf luim afmnm* vpf it {? no lean tmf» that
these wonderful medicinal springs are compara
tively little known by the public generally in
Auckland and the other provinces, acd still less
known in the sister colonies. The spriugs are
t ituate about twenty-four miles north of Auck
land, and are accessible both by land and water.
The fine new steamer Rose Casey calls at tbe
Hot Springs daily, leaving Auckland ou Tues
days, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 11 a.m.,
returning Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Marjy marvellons cures have been effected by
tbe baths acd by drinking tbe water, more
especially in cases of rheumatism, neuralgia,
sciatica, ecrofula, gout, skin diseases, &c. Of
this the testimonials will be sufficient proof.
There can be no doubt that when the healing
and beneficial results of these springs become
generally known tbe Waiwera will become the
great sanitarium of New Zealand, as well as of
the other Australasian colonies.
The springs are situated in one of tbe many
and beautiful bays in which this province
abounds. The bay is enclosed by high ranges of
hills, ricbly and densely clothed with native
trees from their base to their summit; while the
climate, due doubtless to the wurm and genial
exhalations from the heated subterranean
waters, is exceedingly mild. Near the north
east of the bay is a precipitous, rocky isUnd,
standing some 140 feet high. This is accesnible
at low water, and is called tbe u Mihurangi,'
signifying steam rising to tbe heavens. It was
formerly tbe site of an important Maori pah.
Tbe hotel is sitnated on the beach, about 100
yards above high water, and commands an ex
tensive and highly picturesque view of the bay
and the many beautiful islets which stud the
ocean. Almost opposite ia the Island of Tiri
Tiri, and at night the lighthouse is plainly tu
be seen. Vessels and steamers are also visible
as they pass to and from Auckland harbour.
Beyond the harbour the headlands link into
distinct but subdued pencilings of magnificent
outline.
KAT1VE TRADITIONS OF THB SPEIHCI3.
The mineral hot springs are situate a short
distance from tbe hotel. Tbe baths have been
erected on the beach and at the foot of the hill.
The curative and health-restoring propertiej of
tbe water have been known to tbe natives for
many years ; indeed, so much were these appro*
ciated that the natives came from all parts of
the island to bathe in them ; it was because of
tbe preat benefit they received that they called
the Hot Springs 'Te Rata,' or the 'Doctor.'
Tbe native mode of bathing was to dig a largo
hole in tbe beach. This hold was soon filled
with hot water, in which the people would sit
or lie indiscriminately. There, under the in
vigorating influence of the waters, they would
talk and smoke for hours, and in this primitive
way were benefited by the enrative properties
of tbe springs. Perhaps there is no other part
of New Zealand the natives have so much
coveted, or where so many battles have been
fought, as at the Waiwera. It was formerly
owned by the powerful Ngatirangi tribe, who
had to contend against repented attacks by
Ngatiwatua and Ngatipawa tribes, but without
success. The bay was protected by fou* fortified
pabs ; on the north by the Knkaba pah, 500
feet high; on the south by the Whau pah, 230
feet high ; on tbe eait by the Mahurangi, aud
on the west by the Pitawai, 320 feet high.
Tbe proprietor, having lately purchased the
land adjoining, including the hill on which the
springs take iheir rise, baa so improved the
place that it must soon become a favourite
resort both for the invalid and pleasure-seeker.
Some years ago the water was traced to its
source in the hillside, but owing to local diffi
culties nothing further was done until lately,
when a drive was put into the solid ro^k to
obtain a more ccpious supply of water, and at a
higher level. A large reutrvoir is constructed
to contain water enough to fill eighteen baths,
and this reservoir is constantly replenished by
the natural spring out of the rock. From tn»
reservoir the water is conveyed through three
inch pipe* to the baths. A large plunge batb
has also bcrn r^de. This ' ?uP{l|,iedwS?fa
upring conhtantly flowing, no that the water is
alw.v.faot.Dd fre*h. ^fpendontly of 1 bese
baths', which are soppIM ^%'Zl^Z
drive, there is a beach batn, «
r/n^t resembling that of warm new' milk. It
L en 'tomary to drink the water both on enter
ice tbe bath and Ieavinc it, hut many bottle and
drink it cold. Ihe great advantage that the
Waiwera Springs have is thnt the water holds in
combination very valuable medicinal properties,
as proved by long experience. The water is ot
tbe tven temperature cf 108'J Fahr., a tempera
ture highly approved by tiiono who have studied
the matter. A bath taken in the afternoon or
at evening is invariably followed by refreshing
sleep. It has frequently be«i found to succeed
whtre sedatives and opiates have failed.
Invalids, after takiug the bath, experience a
Tnost exquisite feeliug of renewed vigour, when,
nnterrpted by the delightful sensation accom
panying a batb, they have not. allowed them
selves to be too long immersed ; but even when
thifl h»s been the case languor soon passed away,
and ifrmwed vitality aud incmuted appetite
invariably follow. Many «trr.iij« and healthy
riPTMM * ti*v in trtp bath for nearly lnlf an hour,
but experience teaches that iiwiu leu to i.'ccuu

miaates are quite sufficient The following
analysis of the water taken from the main
spring has lately been made by Mr. J. M. Tunny,
provincial analyst .-^^ Jn]y ^ ^
Sir— The following ia my report on the water
forwarded by yon from the Waiwera (Hot
Spriflgs). The 'water is perfectly clear and
odourless, is without odour, but has a desidedly
ealiue taate : —
Grs.per gal.
Chloride of sodium ... ~. ... 123 62
Chloride of calcium ... ~. ... 7'10
Chloride of magnesium ... ... ... 1*36
Carbonate of calcium ... ~ — 160
Carbonate of magnesium ... ... '22
Carbonate of iron ... ~. -~ -43
Phosphates and silica ... ... ... 16 L
Total saline matter .„ ... ... 13614
There is abundant testimony that the curative
properties of the water afford, more or less,
relief to ninety out of every hundred who have
used the baths. Those who have been laid up
for weeks and months, or even years, and who
only remained at the springs for a few weeks,
have left thoroughly recovered by a judicious
useot the baths, and drinking freely of the
?uattr. The number of written certificates and
testimonials received from many of the cured
fully bears oat this statement; ia fact, some
who came to the springs with very forlorn
Lopes have left thoroughly cured. The water is
also aerated, and when bottled is similar to soda
water. It contains all the medicinal qualities
of the Waiwera Springs, and is pleasant to take.
The hotel accommodation is complete and
very comfortable. Owing to the increased
demand for accommodation the proprietor has
added a new wing te the hotel, containing fifty
four additional bedrooms, and a commodious
billiard-room, with every convenience for the
comfort of visitors. Water pipes are being laid
on so as to bring in water at a high elevation.
This will give a regular supply of water for all
purposes at the hotel. In addition to the hotel
other buildings nave been constructed for
visitors desiring cheaper accommodation, who
will have separate dining and sleeping apart
ments, with the free use at all times of the
fcaths. They will receive the aame attention,
though at a cheaper rate. This arrangement
has been made to meet *ha demands of invalids,
-who from narrowed means or other causes may
consider it preferable. It is intended to have a
pleasure-boat for the use of visitors who take
pleasure in boating and fishing, there being an
abundant supply of many of the finest kinds of
fish ia the bay. Lovers of exquisite scenery
could not be more gratified than by a sail up the
charming windings of the Waiwera Hiver with
the rising tide. The banks of the river are
garbed with many varieties of indigenous vege
tation. Here may be found the most rare and
txqnisite ferns, intermingled with luxuriant
creepers and shrubs of every description, while
magnificent forest trees, such as kauri, pohu
tekawha, nikau, and others, complete the rich
ness and beauty of the scene. Here the botanist
may spend his time with pleasure and delight
amongst the numerous gifts of nature.
In this respect this delightful retreat from
rare, worry, or any of the numerous ills which
fcflhct mankind is misnamed an hotel. It is
more properly a pleasure place where persons
meet travellers from all parts of the world;
?where the best society of the most agreeable
description Is found. The hostess herself (Miss
Graham), a most agreeable, accomplished lady,
is indefatigable in her attention to her guests,
seeking their comfort and pleasure in every way
that can conduce to a social union, whether in
picnics, enjoying the beautiful scenery that sur
jounds the house, or in the drawing-room, in
which music, singing, dancing, and other draw
ing-room amusements are always headed by her
and joined in by the company assembled. For
the more studious there is a reading-room, con
taining the papers of the day, to which volumes
can be added from the library. Billiard* and
smoking can be also indulged in in the rooms
bet apart for those purposes. During the six
weeks I spent there we had a large party of
most agreeable and educated people, all of whom
did their best to add to the general happiness.
Steamers were coming and going daily, bringing
fresh faces and taking away friends whose
memories will remain green in the recollections
of many who formed lasting friendships at this
place. These events formed pleasant breaks in
the £py, speculation of coarse being rife as to
the vi-itors who would arrive to take the places
bf the many friends who would be leaving. I
cat. testify to the fact that in this period maiiy
)«rsoQ8 arrived here martyrs to rheumatism and
fceiatica, and that in a short time they forgot
sticks and walked without them. Nor is this an
exaggeration, for the cases of cure that are re
corded are co numerous that it would be impos
sible to question the benefit persons have
derived from the curative properties of the
?waters, no doubt aided by the relaxation from
l.usicesi', and $be very pleasant change from the
efiice to the dolce far nieide which is induced
by pleasant scenes and agreeable companions.
Surrounding the house are flower, vegetable,
and fruit gardens, all tastefully laid out, a
croquet lawn, a fountain, and shady trees adorn
tbe front of the houBe, all of which can be
enjoyed from the immense garden seats placed
iii all directions. The numerous verandahs over
looking all this command extensive views of the
Lay and islands, and the more distant highlands
which add so much to the beauty of the scene,
fchelh and oysters abound on the sands and
rocks, and in the course of their rambles visitors
cau pass many a pleasant hour in the caves on
the seashore, or iu collecting ferns, for which
New Zealand is justly celebrated, or ia
sketching the many and enchanting scenes that
open upon them at every turn. Though I spent:
six weeks there, I left the place with but oae
wish — to go there again soon and repeat it. The
passage from Sydney to Auckland occupies about
four dajs by any of the numerous steamers on
tbe Hue.
There are several thriving homesteads in the
neighbourhood, while in the densely timbered
hush a number of buahmen, shingle splitters,
and fencers find profitable employ. At the
bead of the river a short road connects with the
main trunk rood to Auckland and the Northern
settlements. About a mile along the coast,
south from the springs, are caves in which mauy
visitors have cut their names on the rocks.
Among others will be found tbe initials of tbe
proprietor, cut in the year 1843. On the ad
joining river to tbe north, called the JPuhoi, is
the Gertu.au settlement ; also a native settle
ment, where Hernara, the chief ef the distrist,
resides About three miles further north is the
spacious Mahurangi harbour. At tbe head of
the river is tbe thriving settlement of Wark
?worth. A short distance further north is» the
sc ttlenipct of Matakana, and immediately oppo
site is the beautiful island home of Sir George
Grey, Kawaii. on which are to be seen a large
collection of rare plants and trees, also animals
aud bird?, iibrary. &c Sir George takes great
pleasure iu showing strangers round his magnifi
cent house find grounds. The distance from
Kawjiu to the Waiwer* is about eight miles.
The importance of the Waiwera (Hot Springs)
and neighbourhood h?s icdnced the Government
to erect a telegraph station and post-office. A
coach ruus from the north shore to the spring*
dwriii-; the summer months. The naturalist aud
eonchologist may here, iu many pleasant places,
pursue uninterrupted their engaging studies.
On the beach and in the adjoining bays are
found mauy rare and valuable shells, starfish,
seaweed, and rnollusca, and there is no doubt
tliat all who visit the Waiwera. either to recruit
their health or for pleasure, will be agreeably
satisfied and benefited.

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