Our History
Our commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that every guest enjoys the health benefits of our natural thermal mineral pools, all while immersing themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of our longstanding spa.
Early Years – 1970
In the late 1950s, entrepreneur and former builder Des McIsaac, along with his wife, Paddy, sold the tearooms at the Kaimai Summit and purchased a 2.5-hectare block on Cambridge Road.
The land was undeveloped and swampy. Work began on developing the land, and large earthmoving machinery was used to construct the numerous terraces and flat areas that Des hoped to utilise for a 56-bedroom Thermal Motel and Conference Centre, promoting health and wellness with the benefits that come from mineral water. Several large pools and six private pools were envisioned.
Paddy had long suspected that geothermal water ran beneath the property, and the local water diviner confirmed these suspicions.
In 1970, drilling for hot water began, and the first bore was established, which is reasonably shallow at 200 metres and has a cooler supply of mineral water, reading at 37 degrees Celsius. This was not considered adequate, and so a second bore was established.
1973
In 1973, at 275 metres, pumping pure, crystal-clear mineral water at a rate of 30,000 litres per hour and at a temperature of 34 °C.
This water source is still used today, despite the installation of a new bore in 2011, with the water now testing at 56 degrees Celsius.
These two water sources are used to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year.
1974 – 1982
The Motel Complex never eventuated, but in 1975 Fernland Spa Hot Pools opened to the public.
Initially, there was just the large main pool, reception area, and male and female changing rooms. The four indoor private pools soon followed.
The property was also used at this time by Des and Paddy to supplement their income as a cold-water fish farm with 11 ponds in use.
Disaster Strikes
Disaster struck in 1974 when the city council inadvertently directed 200,000 litres of water through Fernland Spa during the cleaning of the Cambridge Road water reservoir.
The error resulted in a torrent of water that wiped out most of the fish stocks and left a trail of mud and debris throughout the pool and amenities.
The council expressed regret but offered no assistance in the cleanup, which took months. The McIacs ultimately won a court case against the council years later, but the strain was too great, and in 1982, they sold the business to a trust, which then leased the company to three families.
These families subsequently operated Fernland Spa for 7 years. The first family added four additional open-air private pools.
1989 – Today
The Lockart family took over the lease in 1989 and subsequently acquired the water rights, business, and 2.5 hectares surrounding the pool complex four years later.
Sue and Peter Lockart retired in 2002 and sold the business to their daughter and her husband, who still run it today.
Over this time, a small campground has been established, cabin accommodation added, and a pavilion built to host events.
What Our Clients Say
Discover why visitors fall in love with the peaceful atmosphere and restorative waters of Fernland Spa.
Leave us a review on
