AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
RECOGNISED BY THE WORLD,
ROOTED IN 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 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 today.
ACCREDITATION
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.
EXPERIENCE, SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS
WORLD LUXURY SPA AWARDS, Finalist, 2026
Competing in three categories, Luxury Cultural Spa, Luxury Lakeside Spa, and Luxury Thermal Spa, at one of the spa industry’s leading international awards, voted for by travellers worldwide.
WORLD SPA AWARDS, Finalist, 2026
Named a finalist in two categories, New Zealand’s Best Day Spa and World’s Best Mineral & Hot Springs Spa, recognising Wai Ariki’s cultural wellness experience on the global stage.
MOST UNIQUE PROPERTY, SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS, 2025
Awarded by the Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards for offering an experience unlike any other in the world, where culture, wellness, and nature come together.
BEST NEW SPA, SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS, 2023
Awarded just four months after opening, recognising Wai Ariki as one of the region’s most exciting new wellness destinations.
BEST IN TRAVEL 2026, Lonely Planet
Featured among Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s top 50 must-visit destinations and experiences for 2026.
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, 2025
Recognised across Belgravia Leisure’s national portfolio for outstanding venue standards and guest experience.
JUDGES’ CHOISE 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 what it is, our kaimahi (staff), our manuhiri (guests),and the Ngāti Whakaue traditions that shape every experience we offer.
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