nau mai haere mai
On the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki is a luxury Māori cultural wellness destination, built on the legacy of Ngāti Whakaue healing practices.
WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE
WAI ARIKI, WHERE HEALING WATERS AND MĀORI CULTURE MEET
Step into Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, 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
Embark on a transformative journey of healing and renewal with Wai Whakaora – the Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki. This unique, two-hour immersive wellness experience blends the natural elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam with the rich cultural traditions of Ngāti Whakaue. This seven-step therapeutic journey offers a deeply grounding escape unlike any other and is purposefully designed to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
120 Minutes
$175
WAI WHAKATĀ
Restorative Bathing
Winter Wellness Special – Just $59 for a limited time.
Step into a sanctuary of warmth and renewal with Wai Whakatā, a restorative bathing experience designed to soothe both body and mind. This one-hour journey offers the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a moment of stillness, Wai Whakatā invites you to unwind, reflect, and experience the healing power of water.
60 Minutes
$59
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
Āhuru Mōwai + Mirimiri Wai Ariki
Wai Ariki Signature Massage + Bathing
This massage begins and ends with karakia (prayer) crafted to enable a calm and serene state of being during treatment and a fond farewell to finish the experience. Mirimiri is a traditional form of body work, incorporating traditional tools and healing agents to ensure a unique experience is had. With our therapist’s using a light to medium pressure you are guaranteed to leave you feeling deeply relaxed and culturally connected.
150 Minutes
$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 & GIFTING
puna Tūmataiti
Private Geothermal
Experience the restorative power of Rotorua’s geothermal waters in your own private bathing suite. Perfect for individuals or couples, this serene escape offers a deeply personal journey of warmth, wellness, and cultural connection.
Āhuru Mōwai
Spa Sanctuary
Immerse yourself in a luxurious spa experience that combines ancient Māori healing traditions, geothermal therapies, and premium treatments including massages, body rituals, and facials. Each element is designed to promote deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic wellness.
He Oranga Koha
A Gift of Wellness
Share the gift of wellness with a Wai Ariki Spa gift voucher. Perfect for any occasion, our experiences offer the ultimate in healing, relaxation and luxurious rejuvenation.
Operating Hours
Wai Ariki is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Restorative Journey Wai Whakaora
2 Hour Cultural Wellness Experience
Daily: 9:00AM – 11:00PM (Latest arrival 8:30PM)
Bathing
Daily: 8:45AM – 8.45PM
Private Pools
Daily: 9:00AM – 10:00PM (Latest arrival 9:30PM)
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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