Rotorua: Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - Restorative Journey
28 Reviews
Activities for couples
Luxury experiences
Entry tickets
Tours
For adults
Wheelchair accessible
Nestled on Lake Rotorua's foreshore, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa offers the Restorative Journey – an enriching experience of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam designed to rejuvenate and restore.
Highlights
- A culturally infused spa experience inspired by the Ngāti Whakaue people
- Soak in the mineral rich waters that hold healing properties relaxing the body
- Nourish skin with geothermal mud, finish with calming steam for complete renewal
Description
Experience the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey – a two-hour, culturally infused spa experience inspired by the Ngāti Whakaue people and set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Rotorua.
This journey begins at the mauri (lifeforce/energy) stone, inviting you to release tensions, stress, and the worries of the world. This is also where a blessing is offered to each guest. Here, you’ll have the option to let go of what weighs you down, creating a space of openness and calm for the transformative experience ahead.
As you move through the journey, you’ll feel the spirit of pūrākau – stories that bring each therapy to life – guiding your way to renewal and connection. Begin with refreshing waterfall showers that cleanse and prepare the body, followed by therapeutic saunas that allow you to unwind deeply. Feel invigorated through alternating hot and cold therapies designed to energize the senses and encourage a full-body reset.
Next, sink into mineral-rich geothermal pools, embracing the warmth of the natural waters that hold healing properties and connect you to the land. Move on to a rejuvenating hydrotherapy experience, designed to ease tension and provide gentle, restorative movement for your muscles.
You’ll then be welcomed into the calming mud lounge, where the mineral-rich muds soothe, soften, and cleanse, leaving your skin nourished and rejuvenated. Finally, complete your journey in the tranquil steam room, allowing the warmth and calm to envelop you as you reflect on this unique blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment.
The Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey is more than just a spa treatment; it’s a deeply immersive, culturally enriching experience that connects you to the land, the heritage, and yourself. Leave feeling completely renewed, balanced, and reconnected to the beauty of Rotorua’s landscape and the stories of the Ngāti Whakaue people.
Includes
2-hour Wellness Journey
Te Hirihiri - Traditional Māori blessing
Wairere - Waterfall Showers
Te Tukinga - Fire & Ice room with saunas, wade pool, and frigidarium
Te Taiwhanga Matua - Geothermal mineral alkaline, cold-water plunge, herbal, and hydrotherapy pools
Te Pae Paru - Geothermal Mud Lounge (self-application natural mud mixed with Indigenous plant/oils)
Kohu Wai Ariki - Steam Room with heated stone
Te Ngao - Closing Māori blessing
Maori culture and healing traditions
Robe and towel
Water station facilities
Stunning views overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island
Important Information
- Walking distance from Rotorua CBD
Free car parking onsite
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund