For the first time in nearly 30 years, a popular Bay of Plenty business which taps into the region's unique underground natural geothermal water resource, along with its associated land and buildings, is on the market for sale.

Set on a 2.15ha native bush clad site, Fernland Spa is a well-established recreational operation offering a range of thermal mineral pools, picnic and function areas, a small camping ground, additional visitor accommodation and a manager's dwelling.

The freehold property lies on the eastern side of Cambridge Road in the established Tauranga suburb of Bethlehem Heights.

Having first opened to the public in the mid-1970s, Fernland Spa has been in the same family ownership since 1989.

Its owners are now looking to move on in a new direction after investing significant time and money into the seven-day-a-week business and the property's infrastructure.

Jo Stewart and Lloyd Davidson of Bayleys Tauranga are marketing the freehold land, buildings and business via a tender campaign closing 4pm, Thursday, December 3.

Stewart says with international borders remaining sealed to all but returning New Zealand residents, the domestic tourism market is enjoying a revival as people "scratch their travel itch" by seeing more of the country.

"Fernland Spa has long been a favoured place for Tauranga locals to visit and its appeal has spread right around New Zealand with many families returning each year to simply enjoy the pools or to stay in the camping ground and have the pools on their doorstep.

"I think as more Kiwis start to actively explore New Zealand's playground, gems like Fernland Spa will find a whole new audience as families look to make memories with some wholesome road trips."

Davidson says early enquiry on the property suggests that the buyer is very likely to come from the Bay of Plenty region or from someone elsewhere on the country wishing to invest in the robust and proven tourism fundamentals that the area boasts.