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.

  • Spa essential items
  • 60 minutes Sanctuary Bathing + 60 minutes Facial

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

gift certificates

Give the gift of wellness and restoration with one of our gift certificates.

Whether your voucher is for whānau (family) or hōa (friends) – or something to enjoy together – all will delight at Wai Ariki where taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental) and taha wairua (spiritual) health are delivered. We focus on bespoke and exclusive experiences, inspired by the legacy and traditional practices of Ngāti Whakaue, drawing on locally created and supplied products, founded on ancient healing.

Please see our FAQs for further information on our Gift Certificates.

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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