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OKOROIRE
23 OCTOBER 2022
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Okoroire (Maori: Ōkoroire) is a small settlement in the South Waikato District and Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island,[1] centered around the Okoroire Hot Springs.[2] The place name means ‘place of the koroire / toroire, an extinct species of ring-necked duck.[3]
The hot springs consist of three naturally heated geothermal pools dug in 1880, which were extensively redeveloped in 2017 and 2018.[4] The pools are surrounded by bush and ferns.[5] During the late 19th century the pools were used by the sick for treatment and by Māori women to cleanse after giving birth.[6]
Local attractions include whitewater rafting, bird-watching and fishing. Local walks include the Three Kauri Track, the Wairere Falls walk and Te Waihou walkway.[2]
Okoroire Hotel, a historic country pub built in 1889 from ancient-timber, is located nearby near the banks of the Waihou River.[6] It has been owned by the same family for three generations.[2] The hotel was sold to a Chinese business in 2014.[7] It made staff cutbacks in 2018.[8]
In 2016, members of the Chiefs rugby team were accused of exposing themselves to a stripper during an end-of-season event at the hot springs.[9]