Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
Experience cultural wellness at our award-winning adult Spa located on the foreshore of Lake Rotorua.
This new luxury spa offers an array of expeiences, including the popular 2hr Restorative Journey - a combination of geothermal heat, water, mud & steam. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury spa and wellness centre set to open on Rotorua’s lakefront in early 2023. Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa will deliver health and wellness experiences infused with authentic te arawa and Māori culture, to create a rejuvenating experience to remember and share. With Māori culture at its heart, the development draws on the 650 year legacy of the local Maori tribe, Ngāti Whakaue’s and Rotorua’s famed spa heritage. Its name, Wai Ariki or “chiefly waters”, is a reminder of the origin of Rotorua’s healing thermal waters, which have drawn visitors to the city for more than 130 years. Wai Ariki’s unique features combine with therapeutic mineral waters to deliver a world class bathing, spa and wellness facility that provides a place to relax, sustain and heal. Developed by Pukeroa Oruawhata, in conjunction with acclaimed spa and wellness provider Belgravia Leisure, Wai Ariki will be necessary to visit, and leave a desire to return.
11/10/2026
Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed the quality of our seasonal hot stone massage experience, learning more about Māori culture and the kindness of our staff. Sharing our culture and traditions is an important part of the Wai Ariki experience, and we’re honoured that it added meaning to your visit🩵
Today is World Mental Health Day 🩵
For around 800 years, Ngāti Whakaue have used naturally sourced geothermal (waiwhatu) energy as a source of healing, sustenance and power. Ngāti Whakaue embraced these natural hot springs as calming spaces, using geothermal waters for healing, relaxation and connection. The geothermal steam was believed to release tension in the body, mind and spirit, to create a full sense of mauri ora, or wellbeing.
The practices and benefits of Ngāti Whakaue’s thermal bathing culture remain as meaningful today as they were 800 years ago. In a world that can feel busier and more demanding than ever, taking time to check in with yourself has never been more important. Whether that means doing something you love, reconnecting with friends and whānau, or visiting Wai Ariki to reconnect, reflect and find moments of stillness through wai - we hope you take a moment today to care for yourself.
Feel the tension melt away at Wai Ariki 💫
03/10/2026
Our geothermal pools are naturally rich in minerals and offer a deeply restorative bathing experience ✨
Whangapipiro / Geo Soak Pool is our largest geothermal pool, where you can enjoy breathtaking views across Lake Rotorua. Fed by the geothermal waters of Whangapipiro / Rachel Spring, the silica-laden alkaline waters are said to have a softening effect, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Designed to relax and reconnect, mind body and spirit, Whanhapipiro is one of five unique pool you can enjoy in our seven-step Restorative Journey.
Book your Restorative Journey and experience the healing properties of our mineral-rich waters today: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/bathing/restorative-journey/
02/10/2026
Two must-do Rotorua experiences. One great offer🌟
This October and November, every Restorative Journey booking complimentary entry to the Redwoods Glowworms guided experience at Redwoods Treewalk.
First, enjoy the magic of Rotorua's geothermal energy with our Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey, a two hour cultural wellness experience inspired by Ngati Whakaue traditions and the regions geothermal landscape.
Then, get complimentary entry to the Redwoods Glowworms cave where thousands of glowworms illuminate the darkness, revealing one of Rotorua’s most remarkable spectacles.
Together, these experiences invite you to experience Rotorua through the elements of wai (water), geothermal energy, forest and light.
Offer valid from 1 October to 30 November.
Check our website for full details, and bookings: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/glowworms/
01/10/2026
Restore yourself and support the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust this October.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is proud to partner with the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust for Bathe for Pink, a special Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign that combines relaxation, wellbeing and community support.
For every Private Pool booking purchased throughout October, Wai Ariki Spa will donate $10 to the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust, helping support local women and whānau affected by breast cancer.
Bathe for Pink offers an opportunity to enjoy a restorative geothermal experience while contributing to a meaningful local cause 🩷
Book your $110 private pool experience here: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/event/bathe-for-pink-rotorua/
27/09/2026
From keeping the winter bugs and chills at bay to taking a well-deserved moment to recharge and restore, Wai Ariki is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Thank for taking the time to leave this lovely review 💫
25/09/2026
Need some time to yourself? Why not take it from the mineral-rich waters of a geothermal bath 💧
Inspired by the warmth and renewal of Kōanga (Spring), our Ngāwhā Sensory Ritual Experience is the perfect solo escape. Over 75 minutes, refresh your skin, and immerse yourself in a Private Geothermal Bath to slow down, reconnect, and renew.
Only available this Spring, book in today: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/koangaoffers/
24/09/2026
Petals of Light, a vibrant spring exhibition by local artist Anahera Pedersen is on now at Wai Ariki 🌸
As a proud retired nana, Anahera discovered a passion for crafting extraordinary giant floral sculptures that celebrate the beauty, strength, and wonder of nature. What began as a hobby has blossomed into a striking collection of handcrafted statement pieces, each standing over a metre tall and designed to spark joy, curiosity, and connection.
Make sure to head down and see it for yourself, exclusively on show at our Wai Ariki Te RouRou Café from 1 Sept to 30 Nov. Showing hours are 9am-5pm on weekdays, and 9am-7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
23/09/2026
It's your final chance to win 6 months of restoration, on us. Book our signature Restorative Journey this month, and you'll be in the draw to win one Restorative Journey each month, from October 2026 through to March 2027. That's six months of relaxation and renewal.
And until the end of September, NZ residents can experience our Restorative Journey for just $145. Now is the perfect time to pause, unwind and renew at Wai Ariki.
Book today and be in the draw to win: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/bathing/restorative-journey/
Winner announced on 1 October 🩵
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
Website
Address
1047 Whakaue Street
Rotorua
3010
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 10:30pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 10:30pm |
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