What is "waiwera"

Waiwera is a locality situated in the north of the Auckland Region in New Zealand. The name is of Māori origin and means "Hot Water" (Wai = Water and Wera = Hot). Its main claim to fame are the hot water springs which were well known in pre-European times and reputedly visited by Māori from as far away as Thames. The first European settler to promote the springs was Robert Graham who established a health resort in 1848. During the late 19th century there was a regular steam ferry service from Auckland.

Waiwera is 6 km north of Orewa, 6 km south-east of Puhoi, 23 km south-east of Warkworth and approximately 35 km from the Auckland City centre. The settlement lies at the outlet of a river also called Waiwera. Less than 1 kilometre north of the Waiwera turn-off lies the turn-off to Wenderholm Regional Park which is situated on the far side of the headland to the north of the Waiwera River outlet.