Before they closed, visitors rated the Waiwera Thermal pools highly, but thought upkeep could be improved.

A popular north Auckland hot pools complex is being re-possessed, with the owner citing defaults on rental payments.

A notice has appeared on Waiwera hot pools' front door, issued by land owner Waiwera Properties cancelling the lease on the complex.

A history of defaults on rental payments has culminated in the cancellation of the lease and the change of locks on the doors of Waiwera Thermal Resort, Waiwera Properties project director Evan Vertue said in a statement.

"It's a pity that it has come to this. We have reluctantly re-entered the premises due to continual tenant default and consider this option a last resort.

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"We don't welcome making this move, but we have no other option."

Lawrence Smith Waiwera hot pools closed in February for six-month refurbishment, but never reopened.

Waiwera Thermal Resort made all staff redundant ahead of a six-month refurbishment of the facility in February, but never re-opened.

There had been no activity on the premises since early September, Vertue said.

The facility had been run by Russian billionaire Mikhail Khimich who also ran a water-bottling business, Waiwera Water New Zealand, on the site, which bottled Waiwera water to sell domestically and overseas.

SUPPLIED Russian billionaire Mikhail Khimich has been running the Waiwera hot pools resort business.

The resort and bottling plant owners purchased a leasehold interest in the property in 2010, Vertue said.

"Waiwera Thermal Resort has been enjoyed by many families over the years, it is a popular destination for locals and visitors to our country," Vertue said. "We would far rather see it thriving and enjoyed by all."

There were no plans to re-open the facility at this stage as Waiwera Properties was waiting for the dust to settle on this issue.

Juliet McGhie Waiwera hot pools currently look derelict and run down

The Inland Revenue Commissioner made an application the High Court to have Waiwera Water liquidated last year.

Waiwera Water was formed in 2011 and was owned by Khimich, Companies Office documents show. His address shifted from Moscow to Auckland in 2016.