nau mai haere mai
welcome to wai ariki hot springs and spa
Discover Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, Rotorua’s premier Māori cultural wellness destination, where luxury spa experiences and geothermal bathing are guided by the healing traditions of local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue.
Grounded in manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and inspired by the restorative qualities of pure geothermal wai (water), every experience at Wai Ariki is designed to nurture wellbeing, connection, and balance.
Whether you’re visiting Rotorua as a couple, solo traveller, or group of friends, or seeking an authentic New Zealand wellness retreat, Wai Ariki offers a unique blend of contemporary luxury and deep cultural heritage. From mineral-rich hot pools and geothermal bathing to thoughtfully curated spa treatments and restorative wellness rituals, each journey invites you to slow down, reconnect with your mauri (life force), and discover the stories of the people who have cared for this land for generations.
Book geothermal bathing, luxury spa treatments, and Māori cultural wellness experiences online year-round, and experience one of Rotorua’s most distinctive wellness destinations at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
WHERE MĀORI CULTURE
AND HEALING GEOTHERMAL
WATERS MEET
Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa brings together the wellbeing traditions of Ngāti Whakaue, the restorative power of geothermal waters, and contemporary luxury. Here, cultural connection and wellness are woven into every experience.
The name Wai Ariki, meaning “Chiefly Waters,” honours the geothermal waters that have flowed from deep within the earth for centuries and the enduring relationship between Ngāti Whakaue and this place. Guided by Māori values and warm hospitality, Wai Ariki offers an authentic cultural wellness experience found nowhere else in Aotearoa.
Wai Whakaora
Restorative Journey
Bathing Across Five Pools + Sauna + Mud + Steam
Embark on a two-hour restorative journey with Wai Whakaora – the Restorative Journey. This unique, immersive cultural wellness experience blends the natural elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam with the rich cultural traditions of Ngāti Whakaue. Your seven-step therapeutic journey is purposefully designed to restore balance across mind, body, and spirit.
BEST FOR: first-time visitors wanting the complete signature Wai Ariki experience.
2 hours
$175
WAI WHAKATĀ
Restorative Bathing
Bathing Across Five Pools
Step into a sanctuary of warmth and renewal with Wai Whakatā, a one-hour restorative bathing experience at Wai Ariki. Designed to soothe both body and mind, this experience offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and unwind. Immerse yourself in five distinctive pools including mineral-rich geothermal water.
BEST FOR: a shorter visit, or anyone wanting mineral bathing.
60 Minutes
$99
Mirimiri Wai Ariki & Āhuru Mōwai
Signature Massage & Sanctuary Bathing
Indulge in a luxury cultural spa experience in Rotorua with our Signature Massage & Sanctuary Bathing package. Begin your journey in the tranquil Sanctuary, where mineral-rich pools, prepare you for ultimate relaxation. Then, surrender to a 90-minute signature massage in, designed to restore harmony between your mauri (vital energy) and wairua (spirit).
2.5 Hours
$315
Āhuru Mōwai + Mirimiri Wai Ariki
Wai Ariki Signature Massage + Bathing
Indulge in a luxury spa experience in Rotorua with our Signature Massage & Sanctuary Bathing package. Begin your journey in the tranquil Sanctuary, where mineral-rich pools, prepare you for ultimate relaxation. Then, surrender to a 90-minute signature massage in, designed to restore harmony between your mauri (vital energy) and wairua (spirit).
2.5 HOURS
$355
Mata Mānuka + Āhuru Mōwai
Mānuka Nourishing Facial + Sanctuary Bathing
Revitalise with Aotearoa’s Mānuka Honey: antibacterial, hydrating, and radiant. Then enjoy a visit to The Sanctuary inviting rest in mineral-rich waters, drawn directly from the source, for a unique and rejuvenating thermal escape.
120 Minutes
$245
Wai Whakaora & Āhuru Mōwai
Restorative Journey & Sanctuary Bathing
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) is a luxurious haven that provides a place of peace, tranquillity and calm for visitors (manuhiri) to experience traditional Ngāti Whakaue therapies in unique spaces that directly reflect our centuries-old legacy in this region.
180 Minutes
$270
PRIVATE BATHING, SPA TREATMENTS & SEASONAL OFFERS
PUNA TŪMATAITI
Private Geothermal Pools
Designed for two to four guests, a Puna Tūmataiti private pool offers a mineral-rich geothermal soak in your own exclusive bathing space. Ideal for small groups of up to four seeking a luxury spa experience in complete privacy. Pool temperatures range from 36–39°C.
BEST FOR: couples or friends wanting a private, relaxed soak together, ideal for modesty or simply enjoying quiet time as a pair.
ngāwha
Private Geothermal Baths
Enjoy the restorative benefits of Wai Ariki Spa’s mineral-rich geothermal waters in a serene, private setting with our Ngāwha baths. Perfect for individuals, couples, or friends seeking a luxury spa experience in Rotorua, this private bathing ritual is designed to restore balance and soothe the senses.
BEST FOR: a more intimate, curated ritual with therapeutic mud, salts, and herbal products.
Takurua
Discover our Winter Specials
As the days darken and the air cools, we are invited to slow down — to soften, to rest, and reconnect with what matters most.prepare your body and spirit for the cooler months ahead with our Winter Specials.
THOUGHTFULLY CURATED WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
Packages to reconnect, rejuvenate and restore
Our experience packages bring together geothermal bathing and sanctuary spa treatments that complement one another, allowing time to unwind, restore balance, and experience the warmth of manaakitanga (hospitality and care) throughout your visit.
Every visit to Wai Ariki is an opportunity to experience Rotorua through the living traditions of Ngāti Whakaue, where geothermal wai (water), contemporary luxury, and authentic manaakitanga come together. Guests leave with a restored sense of balance and a deeper connection to this remarkable place.
Operating Hours
Wai Ariki is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
SUMMER HOURS
September to February
Wai Ariki is open until 11pm.
Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey
Daily: 9am, Last entry 8:30pm
Wai Whakatā Restorative Bathing
Daily: 9am, Last entry 9:45pm
Puna Tūmataiti Private Pools
Daily: 9am, Last bookable slot 9:45pm
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Spa Treatments
60 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 5:15pm
90 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 4:45pm
Te Rourou Café
Sun to Thu: 9am to 5:30pm
Fri to Sat: 9am to 7:30pm
Te Aronui Retail
Daily: 9am to 11pm
WINTER HOURS
March to August
Wai Ariki is open until 10:30pm.
Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey
Daily: 9am, Last entry 8pm
Wai Whakatā Restorative Bathing
Daily: 9am, Last entry 9:15pm
Puna Tūmataiti Private Pools
Daily: 9am, Last bookable slot 9:15pm
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Spa Treatments
60 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 5:15pm
90 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 4:45pm
Te Rourou Café
Sun to Thu: 9am to 5:30pm
Fri to Sat: 9am to 7:30pm
Te Aronui Retail
Daily: 9am to 10:30pm
Subscribe
Get the latest updates and offers in your inbox