Okoroire

Okoroire
Coordinates: 37°57′07″S 175°48′18″E / 37.952°S 175.805°E / -37.952; 175.805
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato
DistrictSouth Waikato District
WardTīrau Ward
Electorates
Government
  Territorial AuthoritySouth Waikato District Council
  Regional councilWaikato Regional Council
  Mayor of South WaikatoGary Petley
  Waikato MPTim van de Molen
  Te Tai Hauāuru MPDebbie Ngarewa-Packer
Area
  Total
77.51 km2 (29.93 sq mi)
Population
 (2023 census)
  Total
384
  Density5.0/km2 (13/sq mi)

Okoroire (Māori: Ōkoroire) is a small settlement in the South Waikato District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, centred around the Okoroire Hot Springs. The place name means 'place of the koroire / toroire, an extinct species of ring-necked duck.

The hot springs consist of three naturally heated geothermal pools dug in 1880, which were extensively redeveloped in 2017 and 2018. The pools are surrounded by bush and ferns. During the late 19th century the pools were used by the sick for treatment and by Māori women to cleanse after giving birth.

Local attractions include whitewater rafting, bird-watching and fishing. Local walks include the Three Kauri Track, the Wairere Falls walk and Te Waihou walkway.

Okoroire Hotel, a historic country pub built in 1889 from ancient-timber, is located nearby near the banks of the Waihou River. It has been owned by the same family for three generations. The hotel was sold to a Chinese business in 2014. It made staff cutbacks in 2018, and the next year was forced to sell by the Overseas Investment Office after promised redevelopment had not occurred .

In 2016, members of the Chiefs rugby team were accused of exposing themselves to a stripper during an end-of-season event at the hot springs.