FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

3Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find the answer here to any questions you may have or if you would like to talk to one of our friendly team members, please contact us:

Email: info@fernlandspa.nz
Phone: +64 07 5783081
Hours: Open 7 days (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day ), winter(April-Oct):9.30am – 10:30pm, summer(Nov-March):10:30am-10:30pm. Last private pool booking for the day is 9:45pm.

What days are you open?

The Thermal Pools are open 7 days a week, opening hours are: winter(April-Oct)8:30am-10pm
summer(Nov-March)10:30am-10:30pm.

We are even open every public holiday except Christmas Day and Boxing Day when our facility is closed.

Where is Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs

We are located at 250 Cambridge Road, Bethlehem , Tauranga

Car Parking?

Plenty of car parking is available on site. Our driveway access is quite steep in parts and we have campers walking around the grounds so we ask you to please drive at 15kms and be mindful of pedestrians .

Faq’s Pool Complex

What can I wear when swimming in the main pool?

Swimwear only. This includes board shorts and nylon rash shirts are permitted. T-shirts, singlets and streetwear is not permitted.

Can I hire swimsuits or shorts?

Yes, they are available for hire. Swimsuits or shorts hire – $3 plus a $15 refundable deposit.

Are towels included?

Towels are not included in the entrance price but can be hired. Cost – $3 hire plus a $15 refundable deposit.

Do I need to book to use the Main Pool or Private Pools?

No you don’t need to pre-book to use the main pool unless you are a group over 10.

Booking private pools is recommended and essential during the busy winter period. This can be done online(recommended) or by phoning us on 07578 3081, or on arrival at reception , this is subject to availability. you will need to know the type of private pool, time of day and length of time you wish to soak for.

There is a minimum 2 persons per booking. Access to the main pool after a private pool booking is half price

Group Bookings

Group bookings need to be pre-arranged to receive entry discount. Also it allows us to have enough staff available and prepared for your group’s arrival.

Does the private thermal pool admission include access to the main pool ?

Main pool entry is half price after soaking in a private pool.

What age is a child?

A child is 2-13 years old. A baby in arms ( under 2 years is $2.00)

What age is a senior?

A senior is 65 years and over.

Rules for children under 5

Actively supervise children at all times.
Poolsafe requires all children under 8 years to be actively supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver.
Children under 5 years must be within arm’s reach at all times.
Children 5-7 years must be in visual contact and close enough to give immediate assistance at all times.
A responsible caregiver is defined as someone aged 16 years or older .We do not have life guards on duty as we are a passive pool and children under 16 can not be left unattended at Fernland Spa

Is there a price for students?

Sorry we don’t have a separate price for students.

Where do we store our clothes when at Fernland Spa?

There are shelves by the main pool that are visible when soaking in the pool. We suggest not leaving your belongings in the changing rooms. Valuables can be left at reception.

Are there changing rooms? Do the changing rooms have showers?

Yes – there are separate female and male changing rooms. There are rinse showers available in each changing room, it is thought to be of advantage to avoid washing after soaking to gain the greatest benefits from the mineral water. We do not have a family changing room but if we have availability we can allow use the change room of a private pool.

Is there wheelchair access to the pools and changing rooms?

No – there is steps into the main pool. The private pools also have steps into them. Visitors must be able enough to safely use steps to gain access and if necessary bring a caregiver with them. The pools are not suitable for frail or immobile persons.

Can I take my own food or picnic into the Thermal Pools?

No food can be consumed in the pool area however feel free to bring your own lunch or picnic to enjoy in the garden area. The pavilion is reserved for bookings of groups over 6 and must be booked in advance.
We encourage visitors to stay well hydrated, A drinking fountain is available and you can bring a drink bottle ( unbreakable ). Drinks are also available to purchase from our shop.

I'm pregnant, is it safe to use the pools?

Care needs to be taken not to become overheated and keep regularly hydrated. It is recommended to check with your doctor or mid-wife if you are unsure.

What temperature are the pools?

The temperatures are maintained by Fernland Spa Staff, if you prefer a very hot or cooler pool we advise you to phone us in advance and we will try to arrange this. We adjust the temperature of the water to suit the climate and in general the main pool is cooler than the private pools. In the hottest months of the year we endeavour to keep the pool temperatures’ at a comfortable level and may not be able to provide pools of over 39.5.

Summer Range
Main Pool 36.5-38°
Private Thermal pools: 37-39°
Bubbly Thermal Pools 37-39°

Winter Range
Main Pool 38-38.5°
Private Thermal pools: 38-40°
Bubbly Thermal Pools 38.5-40°

Are the pools suitable for children under 2 years of age?

We suggest phoning before visiting to check the pool temperature and if you wish to book a private pool advise the staff. All children not toilet trained must wear swimmer nappies, these are available for purchase at reception for $3.00.

Do you add any other chemicals such as chlorine into the pools?

All pools are emptied cleaned and refilled daily and have their own fresh supply running throughout the day, the water is pure untreated thermal mineral water and contains no chlorine. It is crystal clear and odourless As part of the pool cleaning procedure carried out at night chlorine is used, this is flushed out before filling.

Will the thermal water discolour my swimsuit?

No, it is great for your skin, the water is very soft and odourless and will not affect swimwear. The thermal water will not discolour jewellery, so it is safe to wear whist bathing.

What are the benefits of the water?

The thermal water are full of minerals that can help your body repair and rejuvenate. Being in the water increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, nourishing vital organs and tissues. The increased temperature of the water can help stimulate your immune system. Mineral springs contain high amounts of negative ions, which help promote wonderful feelings of physical well-being.

SAFETY PROTACOL
We recommend you do not submerge your head when bathing.
Please use railings when entering or exiting the pool.
Some surfaces maybe slippery at times, please use caution in and around the pools.
Please do not climb in the gardens.

CODE OF CONDUCT
The pools are to be used for relaxation and your own personal therapy.
Disorderly behaviour, offensive language and any destruction caused to Fernland Spa will result in being asked to leave immediately.
Please respect other people’s property and quiet environment of the pools.
Food, alcohol and glass water containers are not allowed in pool area.

OTHER
A staff member will be available at reception (please use pager if unattended) if you require any assistance or advice.

Please report any breach of safety protocols or code of conduct to nearest staff member.
Any breach of the safety protocol or code of conduct may result in you being asked to leave immediately.
Fernland Spa will not be held responsible for any injury, loss or personal damage caused as a result of your disregard for any safety protocol or code of conduct.

Other Activities in Tauranga

Contact the Tauranga i-SITE Visitor Centre: phone 0064 7 578 8103 or visit www.bayofplenty.com

Distance from Tauranga City

Fernland Spa is a 5 to 10 minute drive from the city centre depending on traffic.

How do I get to the Thermal Pools if I don't have a car?

Bay hopper service route 60 runs buses from Turanga City centre right past our driveway on the every 30 minutes from the hour.

Directions from Mount Maunganui/ Tauranga Cruise Ship Terminal

The easiest option is to take a taxi from the cruise ship terminal to Fernland Spa, this will take approximately 15 minutes and cost around $30 for a car or $35 for a van (NZ dollars). We are well known in Tauranga so any Taxi driver should have no difficulty finding us.

The next and cheaper option is to take the shuttle that transports passengers to Tauranga city, this is a return service to and from Tauranga central and costs $10. It this will take approximately 10 minutes and you will be in the city by the local bus centre, from here you could take the Bay Hopper number 60 bus (Belvedere). This service runs every half hour

The staff at the information centre will be able to assist you with the time table. The bus runs right past our entrance and you can catch the bus back into town from just across the road.

Please be aware we have a steep driveway so if you are frail or short of breath it may be a challenge for you.

Are there BBQ's available for us to use in the complex?

BBQs is available for groups these need to be pre-arranged,
Please email info@fernlandspa.nz or call 075783081 to enquire.

Cost
Hire of covered pavilion is $3.00 per person. Please pay on arrival at pool reception.

Deposit
A $30.00 deposit is required for all reservations. Deposits are payable at time of booking. Please note bookings are not valid until function confirmation form is returned completed and signed and the deposit has been paid.

Deposits may be made at pool reception or by direct credit to Fernland Spa BNZ 02-0432-0147620-025

Payment
Must be made on the day on arrival at reception, unless otherwise arranged by management.

Postponement
If postponement is necessary (i.e. bad weather) we will endeavour to provide another date at first opportunity for your convenience.

Cancellation
Your deposit will be returned in full if 3 days’ notice is given for cancellation.

Refund of Deposit
Your deposit will be returned in full on completion of function when grounds and pavilion have been tidied to the satisfaction of management and all monies have been paid.
Please note: no credit card facilities available.

Conduct
A good standard of behaviour is expected. Children must be actively supervised by a caregiver when using the pool facility.

Main Pool Prices
Adult $15.00
Child $7.00
Senior Citizen $8.00
Groups 10+ concession rates may apply please enquire.

Fernland Spa takes all possible care to provide a clean and safe environment for your enjoyment. Users of this facility must ensure children are supervised and remain within the BBQ area are actively supervised in the pool and around the BBQs.
If you are unsure of safe lighting of the BBQs please ask a staff member for assistance.

Camping and Cabin Guests

We hope you enjoy your stay at our tranquil, natural campervan facilities. Please pay on arrival at pool reception. (This includes free access to the main pool during the opening hours).

Please be aware that the pool cleaner works from 1am till 5am each morning, sometimes using toxic cleaning chemicals—please avoid private pool rooms and main pool surround during this time.

The driveway access is closed by a gate after our opening hours, it will open automatically when you leave the premises If you will be out after our opening hours please ask staff for the code

When you check in you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions:

Sites
Awning and tent ropes are not to be connected to trees, hedges or fences and must be connected within the marked boundaries of the site. Drawbars must face the roadway to enable rapid relocation in an emergency. Campers must provide own waste container.

Amenity blocks
Please use main ablution block toilets and ensure facilities are left clean and tidy after use.
Kitchen facilities are provided for campers use only. Please leave the kitchen clean and tidy. Please dispose of all rubbish in bins provided.

Laundry facilities
There is a coin operated ($4.00) washing machine and dryer available located in building at the end of the private pools, use door on left.

Showers
There is a camp shower located at the end of the kitchen building. Alternatively showers in the main ablution block may be used or discuss an alternative with staff if both are busy.

Barbeques
Portable gas barbecues are permitted.

Lost Property
Will be held at reception and donated to charity after a one month period.
Property Damage and Theft: The camp ground owner shall not be held responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any property for any reason, regardless of the cause, including any fault pertaining to any fitting, appliance or piece of apparatus within the vicinity of Fernland Spa. Please ensure valuables are secure and all vehicles and doors are locked.

Speed Limit
The speed limit is 5kph at all times for all vehicles.

Vehicles
One vehicle only per site.

Emergencies
In the event of an emergency please assemble at the assembly point, top hot pools car park.

Electricity
Tents may be connected to power boxes with approved RCD leads. Vans left unoccupied on a site must disconnect power leads.

Fire Safety
There must be a 3 metre firebreak between tents, caravans and other accommodation facilities, drawbars and guide ropes excluded. Site holders must familiarise themselves with, and comply with, the Evacuation Plan for the camp ground.
Fires and Fireworks: No fireworks permitted in the camp ground. Open fires are also prohibited.

Smoking
No smoking in communal areas and buildings.

Animals
Animals are not permitted in the camp ground unless prior arrangement has been made with the manager.

Children
Parents, for safety please supervise your children and deep them away from the driveway and actively supervise when using the pool.

First Aid
Trained first aid staff and first aid assistance are available at reception.