How to find The Squeeze near Taupō, New Zealand

Have you heard of New Zealand’s hidden gem called The Squeeze?

A secret hot water stream leads you from the banks of the Waikato River to find this natural geothermal wonder.

Thanks to it’s isolated location and an adventurous journey through a hot water filled crevice in the rock that culminates in an amazing hot water waterfall, this is one of the best natural hot pools to discover in New Zealand.

This guide contains everything you need to know about how to find The Squeeze near Taupō.

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WHAT IS THE SQUEEZE?

The Squeeze is a hard-to-find thermally-heated stream that leads you through fascinating eroded rock formations to a hot water waterfall and hot pools surrounded by native bush.

A fun adventure for both kids and ‘big kids’ alike, I think it’s one of the most exciting hot pools to discover near Taupō, and is definitely one of the most unique, natural hot pools in New Zealand.

Thanks to it’s hidden location, even finding the squeeze is an adventure in itself!

woman finds the squeeze near taupo — The Squeeze, near Taupō

THE SQUEEZE - WHAT TO EXPECT

The squeeze starts as a warm-water stream tucked in behind a marshy area on the edge of the Waikato River, and begins by meandering for a couple of hundred metres through a clearing of native bush.

woman walks along stream towards hot pools — First head up a warm-water stream

Shortly, the clearing then narrows and the reason for the name ‘The Squeeze’ becomes apparent. For another hundred metres or so, the stream passes through a tight eroded gorge in the rock where the hot water varies in depth and width as it snakes its way upstream.

The stream then continues out of the tight rock formation into another clearing where the shallow water continues for another couple of hundred metres through native bush.

man walks up a hot water stream towards hot pools — Continue up the stream

It’s not long before you can hear the gurgle of a waterfall, and after navigating a few more rocks, you’ll arrive at the base of this incredible hot water waterfall.

From here, either climb up the waterfall (if water levels allow), or follow a rough path over the banks to a small hot water pool at the top of the waterfall.

woman climbs up to hot water pools near taupo — Head up and over to the hot pools

Once you’re sufficiently relaxed, follow the stream back out through the squeeze to the river’s edge.

woman walks through the squeeze to the hot pools — Exiting The Squeeze

Congratulations! You’ve made it through The Squeeze!

HOW TO GET TO THE SQUEEZE

Hidden away in the banks of the Waikato River, part of the fun of visiting The Squeeze is actually finding it! Thanks to it water-only accessibility and lack of signage, there’s some effort involved in planning this adventure - however, the reward is totally worth it!

» THE WAIKATO RIVER

The Squeeze is located on the Waikato River, only the longest river in New Zealand! Luckily, I’m here to help you out!

The Squeeze can be found about half way between Rotorua and Taupō in an area renowned for it’s geothermal activity and many popular hot pools, geysers and silica terraces.

It’s important to know however that The Squeeze can only be accessed from the water. The surrounding farmland is private property and is not open to the general public.

To get to The Squeeze, you will need a boat, jetski, kayak or other form of water vessel that is capable of completing about a 12km round trip.

The closest boat ramps to launch from are:

Lake Ohakuri Boat Ramp, located to the north of The Squeeze. It is the most accessible and therefore likely to be the busier access point, but has plenty of parking.
Tutukau Road Boat Ramp, located to the south of The Squeeze. It is a little further off the main road and also a longer distance along the river from The Squeeze. It is likely to be quieter, but parking is more limited. The benefit is you get to pass through the beautiful Tutukau Gorge!

Come prepared for this adventure, as there are no facilities such as toilets or water supply at either of the ramps.

Also note that the boat ramp and docks closest to The Squeeze are actually at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park but they are not accessible to the general public, and therefore cannot be used to visit The Squeeze.

There are other boat ramps available to the south, however it is not possible to launch from further north of Lake Ohakuri boat ramp as it located right next to the Ohakuri Dam.

» HOW TO FIND THE SQUEEZE

After launching, head towards Orakei Korako Geothermal Park (ie. head south from Lake Ohauri boat ramp or head north from Tutukau Road boat ramp).

The start of the stream that leads you to The Squeeze is located: here.

There is no signage or clearly marked trail telling you the right location or direction. The only tell-tale indication would be other boats tied up on the side of the river. So, to help you out, here is a visual guide of what to look out for:

where to find the squeeze on the waikato river — View looking from the start of The Squeeze to the Waikato River

where to find the squeeze start point — The start of The Squeeze

» WHERE TO LEAVE YOUR BOAT/KAYAK

The best place to leave your boat depends of the water level of the river, but it’s easy to find a place to leave your boat tied up to the trees on the edge of the river before heading up the stream.

There is a marshy area near the start of the stream where water levels vary and the bottom can be quite muddy, so make your way slowly to the edge of the river, taking care of the shallow areas.

It’s even easier in a kayak. It’s possible to bring kayaks right up into the beginning of the steam and leave them beached and/or tied up on the side of the stream where they can be tucked away out of view from boats on the river. You may need to carry them a short distance through the muddy water if levels are low, otherwise tie them up on the edge of the river next to the boats (if there are any there).

VISITING THE SQUEEZE BY JETBOAT OR KAYAK TOUR

If you’re visiting New Zealand and don’t have access to a private boat or kayak, it’s also possible to visit The Squeeze on either a jetboat tour with New Zealand River Jet or on a kayak tour with Taupō Kayaking Adventures. Costs and availability vary by provider.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT THE SQUEEZE

» THE BEST CONDITIONS

The best time to visit The Squeeze is when there has been low-to-average rainfall. Not only does it make The Squeeze more accessible, it means the water will be a nice warm temperature.

If possible, try and time your visit a couple of days after the last rainfall.

» THE BEST TIME OF DAY/YEAR

The Squeeze is accessible at any time of year. To have the hot pools to yourself, visit during Autumn, Winter or Spring and avoid the weekends.

The Squeeze will also be more picturesque on a cool autumnal or winter morning when steam will rise off the hot water and guide your way.

To have the hot pools to yourself, try and visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. However, the route is completely shaded by native bush, so it’s a nice place to escape the heat of the sun on a hot day.

WHEN NOT TO VISIT THE SQUEEZE

» AFTER FLOODING/HEAVY RAIN

Avoid visiting The Squeeze after significant rainfall as it may quickly become flooded and difficult to pass. You may even become trapped on the other side if flash flooding occurs. After significant rain, the temperature of the water reduces and you may find the river is no longer hot!

» AT NIGHT OR POOR CONDITIONS

Visiting The Squeeze at night should only be done if you’re familiar with the trail. There is no signage or markers to guide your path so it’s essential to know where you’re going.

» DURING BUSY PERIODS

Whilst access to The Squeeze is limited to those with boats, kayaks and the like, it is a popular place for local ‘boaties’ to visit. If you want the hot pools to yourself, avoid visiting during peak summer holidays and weekends.

man walks through the squeeze new zealand — A dry-bag is helpful for carrying keys and valuables

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SQUEEZE

» WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING ON THE SQUEEZE

The Squeeze doesn’t require any special gear to other hot pools, but there some items would make your trip more comfortable:

WATER SHOES| the river bed is a mix of mud, small stones, rocks, and small sticks. To make it more comfortable, wear water shoes such as reef booties or Tevas. Flip flops aren’t appropriate for walking to the squeeze as you’ll probably get them stuck in the mud.

WETSUIT | a wetsuit is a good idea for The Squeeze. Whilst the water is usually lovely and warm, temperatures can vary. The whole route is also shaded by trees so there’s no sunlight to warm up the area.

SWIMSUIT | you will be getting wet in The Squeeze, so even without a wetsuit, a swimsuit is required.

WATER | there are no facilities at the hot pools, so be sure to bring a bottle of water - especially as bathing in hot water can be dehydrating.

TOWEL | bring a towel, but leave it your vessel or car - you will be getting wet! However, it’s probably not worth bringing it through The Squeeze as it will be difficult to keep it dry.

LIFE JACKET | ideal for kids that may need to swim through deeper water, as well as for general safety when the water levels are high.

DRY SACK | if locking valuables in your boat isn’t possible, bring a dry bag for keys, wallets, phones and other valuables.

GOPRO | if you’re looking to capture your experience, a GoPro is ideal for The Squeeze. The minerals in the hot water aren’t the best for cellphones as it can tarnish metals so take care and give them a good wash after.

TRANSPORT | as detailed previously in the article, a boat, jetski or kayak/canoe are essential to reach The Squeeze as it’s only accessible from the river and can’t be reached by foot or car through private property.

woman discovers hot pools near taupo new zealand — A life jacket and wetsuit are handy but not essential in summer

IS THE SQUEEZE DANGEROUS?

The Squeeze is a water based activity, and as such, the conditions and your own personal level of ability and comfort in water should always be considered before attempting.

However, generally The Squeeze isn’t considered dangerous if you are confident with shallow water and some tight spaces.

The water level is always subject to variance depending on the time of year. The stream starts off very shallow, and you can always turn around and go back if you don’t feel confident with the water.

The Squeeze would only be dangerous for those with limited accessibility, with extreme fear of tight spaces, if flash flooding occurs, or if the water levels are above head height.

When we visited, the water levels were about average and the water came up to about waist height in places. There were a few kids (with parents) who had no trouble passing through The Squeeze by swimming through the deeper areas for a few metres in their life jackets.

As with all mineral-rich natural hot pools in New Zealand, be very careful not to submerge your head below water due to microbes that live in the warm temperatures.

woman walks through water filled crevice called the squeeze — Average water levels in The Squeeze

MORE THINGS TO CHECK OUT ON THE WAIKATO RIVER

Looking for more things to do on the Waikato River? Full of fascinating geothermal wonder, here are some of my other favourite things to do nearby:

» OTHER HOT SPRINGS

Other hot springs can be found all along this region of the Waikato River. None of these are marked on Google Maps, but as you cruise along the river, keep your eyes out for whispers of steam furling up through the bush.

Once you find one, tie your boat or kayak up to the trees on the bank and climb in for a soak. We discovered a multi-tiered spring complete with a bathtub, and even a ladder for access!

» ORAKEI KORAKO GEOTHERMAL PARK

Considered one of the best geothermal attractions in New Zealand, the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park can be found just upstream from The Squeeze. The park contains vibrant, multi-coloured silica terraces, a plethora of geysers and mudpools and other volcanic formations.

A short ferry takes guests across the river where you are free to explore the park at your own pace.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN TAUPŌ?

There are a ton of other things to do around the adventurous region of Taupō. One you’ve made it through The Squeeze, check out some of these other local highlights:

» HUKA FALLS

Like The Squeeze on a much, much larger scale, this voluminous waterfall is an impressive sight. The beginning of the Waikato River is funnelled through a rocky ravine before crashing down to the lower river valley below. There’s plenty of parking and various viewpoints to observe this force of nature.

» NGA-TORO-I-RANGI MAORI ROCK CARVINGS

One of the most famous examples of Māori contemporary art, this another spot to visit with a boat, jetski or kayak.

Whilst we personally visited with our own watercraft, we encountered a group of kayakers on this kayak tour and it looked like a great way to visit!

Tours leave from Acacia Bay and head across the deep waters of Lake Taupō to Mine Bay where the carvings are located.

woman on jetski in front of maori rock carving — Discover Nga-toro-i-rangi carving

» GEOTHERMAL SPAS

If adventuring upstream through rocks to find a hot pool isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of far more easily accessible hot pools around Taupō, both free and commercial. Soak into the thermal waters of Wairakei Terraces, an adult’s only thermal spa, or for a free but incredible option, head out to Kerosene Creek, a hot water river and waterfall only a short walk from the road.