[12] It has dilute alkaline NaCl-type (salty), 37 to 54 °C (99 to 129 °F),[13] thermal water flowing from early Jurassic basement rocks at about 350 litres (92 US gal) per minute,[14] probably originating at least 3 kilometres (2 mi) deep[15] and sharing a source with Naike and Waikorea, as they all have similar chemical composition.

In 1921 this description was given:Waingaro/ on the coach-road from Ngaruawhahia to the west coast, has waters of the most strictly simple 'thermal' type, containing only 22 grains of solids to the gallon.

In 1942 a corrugated iron shelter, which had covered the spring on the north side of the road, was swept away by a flood.

[18] [19] The narrow, 2 km (1.2 mi) gravel road from Ohautira Rd to the boat ramp and whitebait stands at Waingaro Landing now sees little traffic, but was once much more important.

About 1883 a Crown Grant of 1,000 acres (400 ha) on the banks of the Waingaro stream was taken on by M. Barton or Patene, then Mr Clarke, then by Sam Picken.

[21] Picken travelled to Huntly by train, crossing the Waikato by boat, then rode on a bridle track to Glen Afton and finally on a native track through heavy bush of rimu and mataī on the hills, and kahikatea on the flats.

By 1893 most land had been bought, except 600 acres (240 ha) at the Hot Springs on a 21-year lease to Sam Wilson, who built the hotel.

[21] Charles Sutton bought the 30 ft (9.1 m) steam launch 'Vesta', which could tow a punt from Raglan to Waingaro in one hour.

However, the fire seems to have been extinguished[26] and the 'Nita' was later bought by Billy McQueen, who traded round the harbour till about 1920.

[27] The County Council agreed to extend the shed and wharf in 1910, though not buy extra land for it.