nau mai haere mai
On the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki is built on the legacy of Māori culture and Ngāti Whakaue healing practices. We invite you to experience Wai Ariki.
WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE, WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS AND SPA
Step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Owned and curated by the local iwi (tribe), you’ll discover the Wai Whakaora, a path to restoration, and the exclusive sanctuary, Āhuru Mōwai, both deeply rooted in Māori values. From thermal pools, a geothermal mud lounge, massage, facials and more, experience a world of uniqueness that transcends borders and touches hearts. Wai Ariki awaits to embrace you with its magic.
Wai Whakaora
Restorative Journey
Rest and find stillness in a truly unique mineral bathing experience that combines our region’s geothermal mineral waters with the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, traditional practices and manaakitanga (caring for people and community).
120 Minutes
$175
Mirimiri Wai Ariki & Āhuru Mōwai
Signature Massage & Sanctuary Bathing
This 90 minute massage helps to induce a calm balance between your mauri (vital energy) and your wairua (spirit). Your choice of signature oil blends, infused with rongoā rākau (plant remedies) further enhance this restorative massage.
150 Minutes
$315
Twilight Calm
Evening Bathing
Join us for a relaxing evening as you soak up the healing properties of our geothermal waters in five pools – mineral alkaline, cold plunge, herbal and hydrotherapy. Spa Essential items included. Click Learn More for exclusions.
90 Minutes
$99
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 & PACKAGES
puna Tūmataiti
Private Geothermal
Āhuru Mōwai
Spa Sanctuary
Puna Tūmataiti
Packages
Operating Hours
Wai Ariki is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Restorative Journey Wai Whakaora
Pools
Daily: 9:00AM – 10:00PM (Latest arrival 8:00PM)
Summer opening hours (1 Nov ’24 – 28 Feb 2025) : 9:00AM – 11PM (Latest arrival 8:30pm)
Private Pools
Daily: 9:00AM – 9:00PM (Latest arrival 8:00PM)
The Sanctuary Te Āhuru Mōwai
Sanctuary Pools
Daily: 9:00AM – 5.00PM (Latest arrival 4:30PM)
Spa Treatments
Daily: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Café
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
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