Super rugby: Hot springs visit was just the tonic for Chiefs

The Chiefs players enjoy a soak in the Athenree Hot Springs after some team building exercises. Photo/Supplied

Pre-season team building was why the Chiefs spent a day and a half at Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park last week.

The Chiefs had been split into four marae and the stay commenced with setting their camp up to reflect their marae, gathering materials to build a raft, and learning the art of using a taiaha.

They then laid down the challenge to the others and when accepted they welcomed them on to their marae and gave a brief history about how their marae was formed.

At low tide the Chiefs walked across the estuary towards Bowentown and then participated in team games on the adjacent Waihi Beach.

On the way back the teams completed their rafts and raced these back to Athenree on the rising tide.

The day concluded with a barbecue dinner and team quiz session at the Holiday Park.

Early the next morning it was a short workout session followed by a refreshing soak in the thermal pools.

Mike and Sheryl Horne, the Owners of Athenree Hot Springs, loved having the players to stay.

"Athenree was the ideal spot for the Chiefs team building as our Holiday Park offers peace and quiet, park-like grounds, thermal pools, plus the estuary and Waihi Beach for their activities ."