Well, my very cool and lovely boss has rewarded my efforts in the kitchen with a romantic holiday to Fiji for my lovely lady Leanne and I. Wicked. Unfortunate for her son however, obviously dissappointed about not coming - we decided a day out as a compensation to where-ever he chose might be in order. Not much lingering on choices, a prominent Waiwera was the decision made.
Excellent, I mean, I love a good dip in a nice warm pool. I have fond memories as a child having come here on occasion. I also recall doing a bit of a double date as a teenager with my good mate and his girl-friend. If I remember correctly, my date and girlfriend at the time was my high-school sweet-heart, obviously a story for another time.
So, the guts of it - Waiwera Thermal Resort & Spa NZ. About 45 minutes north of Auckland city, just past a town called Orewa.
21 Waiwera Road,
Waiwera, Auckland
Waiwera, Auckland
This is my take of the place. Big expectations, thought that it must have changed for the better since the last time, 10 years ago, when I visited. Long of the short, good but not impressed. The kids were happy, that was the main thing.
They have a few different pools. A movie pool, which didn't have anything playing at all when we arrived early at 10am on a Sunday. It was a rainy day and there were not that many people there. Interestingly enough, if you want to watch a movie whilst in the pool, try and be creative and take a chair of floating thing so you dont have to stand or lean against the side of the pool. Aside from dunking your legs over the side, there aren't any ledges or seating should you wish to watch the entire movie from the pool. There are BBQ tables however, ensure you have a towel handy.
Complicated locker system, for 5 dollars for a good amount of time, 5 hours if I remember correctly. This was a good deal as far as I am concerned, I am the type whom likes to opt for the secure options!
An adults only pool, which was outdoors but tucked away a little bit. Bathed with my lady and checked out the local lesbians opposite us. I reackon they were up to something beneath the surface, my girl thinks I am just a dirty bugger.
Food, well, these days you cant take your own food. Which I get I guess, I mean they do need to make money after-all. A local Waiwera mate of mine told me the food was terrible, I was pleasantly surprised. They do kids meals for 8 bucks, or dollars for those international readers; all your usual choices. The chicken burgers went down well with the boys.
The slides, what happened to them? They actually have less than they did 10 years ago, bit stink if you ask me? The place overall was good, the slides were not bad - in fact, here is a snapshot of one for you lovely readers:
I would say that it was a good day out however I would also say that I suspect they aren't in the business of maintaining their loyal Auckland followers, if they were perhaps they would have re-invested money in keeping up with maintenance and making the place feel modern? Maybe I am just being a mitch (male bitch) but hey... and to have one less slide that last time, what happened? I think they could improve their capture of the local market in putting a few new really excellent slides and tubes in then hitting a bit of a marketing campaign!
I'd rate it 6 out of 10, but as I said, kids cant see these little picky things so as long as they are thrilled with their experience, why not?
It cost me 45 dollars for entry, 5 dollars for the locker. This was for two adults and two kids.
Lunch all up cost us 45 dollars also, so a day out for under a hundred was not bad going. Check it out for yourself!
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