Field safety protocol
Geothermal Spring Safety
New Zealand geothermal environments present serious hazards. Read this before visiting any spring.
Warning
Hot springs can cause serious injury or death.
Spring water can reach temperatures above 100 °C. Ground crusts around springs can be thin and collapse without warning. Many springs have steep sides, extreme pH, or toxic gas emissions.
Do not use this site for navigation. 1000 Springs Project is an educational tool. It does not grant access permission, location data may be approximate, and it does not reflect current site conditions.
Safety protocol
01.
Stay on marked paths
Never leave marked walking tracks or boardwalks at geothermal areas. Unmarked ground may look solid but can be thin crust over boiling water.
02.
Never cross barriers
Barriers exist for your protection. Do not climb over, duck under, or move barriers for any reason, including photography.
03.
Follow local signs and instructions
Follow all instructions posted at geothermal sites and from site staff or rangers. Rules differ between sites.
04.
Respect access status
Many springs are on private land or in restricted areas. This app does not grant access permission. Always check access status and get permission before visiting.
05.
Respect cultural significance
Many geothermal areas are tapu (sacred) to local Māori and have deep cultural significance. Treat them with respect and follow any cultural protocols requested by mana whenua.
06.
Never touch or enter spring water without authorisation
Water temperatures can be deceptively cool at the surface and scalding below. Immersion in geothermal water without scientific authorisation and safety equipment can be fatal.
07.
Keep children and pets close
Children and animals can move quickly. Always keep them within arm's reach at geothermal sites.
In an emergency
111
New Zealand emergency services
Get clear of the geothermal area immediately.
For burns: cool with clean running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice.
Alert other visitors and site staff.
Disclaimer — limitations of this site
This site is non-commercial and educational. It is not a safety tool.
Location data is sourced from the 1000 Springs Project and may be approximate.
Access status and site conditions change. This site may not reflect current conditions.
This site does not grant permission to access any spring or land.
Do not rely on this site to determine whether a site is safe or accessible.