AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
world class recognition.
Proudly rotorua.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a Ngāti Whakaue-owned geothermal wellness destination in Rotorua, recognised nationally and internationally
since opening in 2023 for its cultural authenticity, architecture, and guest experience. These accolades reflect what our guests, industry peers,
and tourism organisations have shared with us: that Wai Ariki Spa offers something genuinely distinctive in the world of wellness travel.
As a Ngāti Whakaue-owned destination, every award also acknowledges the people, traditions, and whakapapa (ancestral connections)
that continue to guide Wai Ariki Spa today.
ACCREDITATION & SUSTAINABILITY
QUALMARK GOLD
Wai Ariki Spa holds Qualmark Gold, New Zealand’s highest official tourism accreditation, delivered in partnership with Tourism New Zealand. First achieved in November 2023 on our very first assessment, and reaffirmed in February 2026, Qualmark Gold reflects the depth and consistency of our operations across design, sustainability, cultural integrity, and leadership.
TIAKI PROMISE
Wai Ariki Spa proudly supports the Tiaki Promise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s commitment to caring for our land, sea, and culture, for generations to come. As a Ngāti Whakaue-owned destination built on centuries of relationship with this whenua (land), we welcome every guest to travel with care, treading lightly and leaving this place in an even better state than they found it. Discover the full story of our water here.
EXPERIENCE, SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS
WORLD SPA AWARDS, Winner, 2026
Winner in two categories, New Zealand’s Best Day Spa and World’s Best Mineral & Hot Springs Spa, recognising Wai Ariki Spa’s cultural wellness experience on the global stage.
LUXLIFE MAGAZINE, LUX Leaders in Luxury Awards, Winner, 2026
Recognised as Best Indigenous Wellness Spa Experience 2026 – New Zealand in the LUXlife Health, Beauty & Wellness Awards, celebrating Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa’s culturally grounded approach to hauora (wellbeing), geothermal bathing, and authentic Māori hospitality.
LUXLIFE MAGAZINE, LUX Global Excellence Awards, Winner, 2026
Awarded Best Luxury Geothermal Spa 2026 – Oceania and Indigenous Luxury Wellness Excellence Award 2026 – Oceania, recognising Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa’s commitment to excellence in luxury wellness, geothermal experiences, cultural authenticity, and service leadership across Oceania.
WORLD LUXURY SPA AWARDS, Winner, 2026
Recognised at the 2026 World Luxury Spa Awards with three prestigious accolades, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading wellness destinations. The spa was awarded Best Luxury Cultural Spa – Global Winner, Best Luxury Thermal Spa in Australia & Oceania, and Best Luxury Lakeside Spa in Australia & Oceania, following votes cast by travellers and wellness guests from around the world. These awards recognise Wai Ariki’s unique connection to Ngāti Whakaue culture, geothermal wellbeing experiences, and commitment to manaakitanga (hospitality and care)
ASIA PACIFIC SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS, Winner, 2025
Awarded Most Unique Property, recognising Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa for creating an experience where Māori culture, geothermal wellness, and the natural beauty of Rotorua come together in a way unlike anywhere else in the world.
ASIA PACIFIC SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS, Winner, 2023
Awarded Best New Spa just four months after opening, recognising Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa as one of the region’s most promising new wellness destinations.
LONELY PLANET BEST IN TRAVEL, 2026
Featured in Best in Travel 2026, Lonely Planet’s annual collection of the world’s most compelling destinations and experiences to visit.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN AWARDS
WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL, Finalist, 2024
Shortlisted in the Completed Buildings, Hotel and Leisure category at the world’s largest architecture awards, competing among some of the most innovative projects globally.
COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD, WAIKATO & BAY OF PLENTY ARCHITECTURE AWARDS, 2024
Recognised for architecture that honours Te Arawa cultural narratives and the natural geothermal environment.
DESIGNERS INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND BEST AWARDS, 2023
Wai Ariki Spa received three accolades in a single year: a Purple Pin for Best Overall Design in the Spatial section, and two Gold Pins, in the Public, Private & Institutional category, and the Health & Wellbeing category.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY AWARDS
BELGRAVIA LEISURE NEW ZEALAND VENUE OF THE YEAR, 2026
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa was honoured to receive the NZ Venue of the Year Award for the second consecutive year at the 2026 Belgravia Leisure Awards.
BELGRAVIA LEISURE NEW ZEALAND VENUE OF THE YEAR, 2025
Recognised across Belgravia Leisure’s national portfolio for outstanding venue standards and guest experience.
JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD, CENTRAL PROPERTY PEOPLE AWARDS, 2023
Shared recognition for excellence in property and development.
EVERY RECOGNITION BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.
Every award reflects the people who make Wai Ariki Spa what it is, our kaimahi (staff), our manuhiri (guests), and the Ngāti Whakaue traditions that shape every experience we offer.
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