Heartland Springs

## Overview Heartland Springs is a public drinking spring located in the rural community of Mangatāwhiri, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. Situated along Irish Road, this spring sits within the gently rolling farmland and native bush country south of Auckland, in an area historically shaped by both Māori settlement and European colonial agriculture. Mangatāwhiri holds particular historical significance — the Mangatāwhiri Stream nearby is widely recognized as the boundary crossed by British troops in July 1863, marking the beginning of the Waikato War (one of the major conflicts of the New Zealand Wars). The surrounding landscape is steeped in both Māori and colonial heritage, making a visit to Heartland Springs an opportunity to connect with the region's deep cultural roots as well as its natural resources. The spring has historically been used as a local drinking water source, and visitors have reported the water to be clean and refreshing. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From Auckland, head south on State Highway 1 (Southern Motorway) toward Hamilton. 2. Take the Mangatāwhiri / Maramarua exit and follow signs toward Mangatāwhiri. 3. Turn onto Irish Road in Mangatāwhiri (postcode 2471). 4. The spring is located between house numbers 39 and 75 on Irish Road. Look for signage or a visible water outlet along the roadside. 5. **GPS Coordinates:** -37.2214, 175.0375 — use these for precise navigation, as the area is rural and signage may be limited. ## What to Expect Heartland Springs is set in a quiet, pastoral part of the Waikato countryside. The surrounding area features a mix of green farmland and pockets of native New Zealand bush. Irish Road is a rural road with limited traffic, making for a peaceful visit. As a public drinking spring, the site is accessible from the roadside. Visitors should be prepared for a simple, no-frills setup — this is a natural spring rather than a developed park or recreation area. There are no known facilities such as restrooms or picnic tables in the immediate vicinity. The Waikato region experiences a temperate climate with rainfall spread throughout the year, so the spring is expected to flow consistently. However, heavy rain events may temporarily affect water clarity. Bringing your own containers for water collection is recommended. The rural setting and proximity to sites of historical significance in the Mangatāwhiri area make this a worthwhile stop for those exploring the Waikato region or traveling between Auckland and Hamilton.