faq
ABOUT WAI ARIKI AND OUR WATER
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a Ngāti Whakaue-owned geothermal wellness destination in Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand. Our name means Chiefly Waters, and everything here flows from that: the mineral-rich geothermal water drawn from deep within the earth, the cultural practices of our iwi (tribe), and a genuine commitment to hauora (holistic wellbeing). We offer the world-first Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey, private geothermal pools and baths, spa treatments inside The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai), a full café, and a retail store. Open every day except Christmas Day.
Hauora is a Māori concept of health and wellbeing that goes beyond the physical. It holds that true wellbeing is made up of four pillars, each as important as the others: taha tinana (physical health), taha hinengaro (mental health), taha wairua (spiritual health), and taha whānau (the health that comes from belonging and connection). At Wai Ariki, every experience is shaped by this understanding. The wai (water), the treatments, the tikanga (cultural practices), and the space itself all care for guests across all four dimensions of their hauora.
Wai Ariki’s geothermal water rises from deep within the earth beneath Rotorua, heated naturally by the volcanic activity that has shaped this region for thousands of years. The water is not treated or artificially heated – it arrives at temperature, mineral-rich, and entirely natural. This is the same geothermal system that has made Rotorua one of the most active thermal landscapes on earth.
The natural sulphur content of geothermal water produces a distinctive scent that is characteristic of Rotorua’s thermal landscape. It is completely normal and fades quickly after you leave the pools. Most visitors find it part of the experience of being in one of the most geothermally active places on earth. If you are sensitive to sulphur, let our team know when you arrive.
The deep green colour of our wai (water) comes from the rich concentration of minerals it collects as it travels up from deep within the earth, through ancient volcanic rock. It arrives at the surface exactly as Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) produces it: untreated, unfiltered, and unchanged. Heated water holds far more dissolved minerals than cold water, and that mineral richness is what softens the kiri (skin), eases the tinana (body), and creates that distinctive feeling of weightlessness in the wai. The colour is the signature of that mineral intensity.
Our geothermal pools contain a mineral called Silica. Silica is found in many geothermal pools and is leached from deep, superheated volcanic rock. When this hot, pressurised water reaches the surface, it cools, causing the silica to precipitate out of the water and will show as the small white floaties in the pools. The silica is what causes the water to feel silky soft and will leave your skin soft and smooth after a soak.
Not all pools in the Wai Whakata Restorative Bathing area are geothermal, and that is intentional. Each pool has a distinct purpose within the journey, and the combination of different water types is part of what makes the experience work as a whole.
The geothermal pools are fed directly by Rotorua’s natural thermal source, rising from deep within the earth. The water is mineral-rich and naturally heated, and these pools form the thermal foundation of the journey.
The hydrotherapy pool uses water jets and pressure to work on the body in a different way. Where the geothermal pools work through heat and mineral content, hydrotherapy works through movement and targeted pressure, loosening tension in muscles and improving circulation. It is particularly good for anyone carrying physical tightness in the back, shoulders, or legs.
The herbal pool is warm and botanically prepared with native New Zealand plants: Mānuka, Kawakawa, and Kumarahou. These plants have long been used in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) for their properties in caring for the body. The water is gentle and enveloping.
The cold plunge pool is the counterpoint to everything that comes before it. Cold water immersion causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate rapidly when you return to warmth, which improves circulation and creates the shift in energy that many visitors describe as the moment the journey clicks into place. It is not compulsory, but most people who try it are glad they did. Start with 10 to 15 seconds and build from there.
The sequence matters. Moving through the pools in order, from heat to pressure to botanical warmth to cold and back to heat, is not arbitrary. Each transition asks something different of the body and creates the cumulative effect of the full two-hour journey.
All private pools and all private baths at Wai Ariki are geothermal.
No. The geothermal water at Wai Ariki is for bathing only and should not be consumed. Please do not bring glass containers into the bathing areas. Non-glass refillable water bottles are welcome, and fresh drinking water is available throughout the experience.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Wai Ariki is a year-round destination. Our geothermal pools are naturally warm, making winter visits deeply satisfying, and our cold plunge pool offers a sharp, invigorating contrast on warmer days. Some areas are covered and open to the elements, while others are fully temperature-controlled. Whenever you visit, the water, the culture, and the manaakitanga (hospitality) remain constant.
We strongly recommend booking in advance, particularly for the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey and spa treatments, as spaces fill quickly. Full prepayment is required at the time of booking. You can also see our availability on the specific experiences’ page or under the BOOK NOW tab. Alternatively, give us a call on 07 349 7111 and we can check for you. We do accept walk-ins to fill available spaces, but this is not guaranteed. Our reception team will advise what is available on the day.
Your confirmation email will state your arrival time. This is when your experience begins. We recommend arriving at your designated time, or at least 15 minutes before, to allow time to check in and get settled before your experience starts.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is located at 1047 Whakaue Street, Central Rotorua. Free on-site parking is available for all guests.
We are located next to the lake front. Less than a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive from most accommodation.
As an adults-only facility, we welcome guests aged 16 years and over for our bathing and spa experiences. Younger guests are welcome in our onsite Te Rourou Café and Te Aronui Gift Store.
Yes. We have mobility accessible parking, changing rooms, and toilets on site. For the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey, we have a water wheelchair available for use in the saunas, large pool, mud lounge, and steam room, with a hoist available to assist access into the remaining pools.
The Puna Tūmataiti Private Pools are accessible, with a hoist available for guests up to 100kg. Some experiences are not accessible due to the nature of the environment. Please contact our reservations team before your visit so we can ensure your experience is comfortable and well-planned.
For spa treatments, The Sanctuary pools are equipped with a hoist, and we can offer all treatments provided the guest is able to transfer from the wheelchair to the treatment bed, either independently or with assistance from a family member or friend.
Should you need additional space for changing, please contact our reservations team and we can organise a private changing area for you.
Yes, of course. Contact our reservations team prior to your visit and we can arrange a private tour along with a transcript to help support your experience. If you use voice-to-text, be aware most apps do not follow our accent or Māori words very well. The transcript should help with the difference.
Geothermal bathing, saunas, and steam rooms are not recommended during pregnancy, as immersing the body in heated water can raise your core temperature, which can cause health risks during pregnancy. For these reasons, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate bathing or thermal experiences for guests who are pregnant.
All our facials and Pregnancy Massage are safe for you to participate in.
OUR EXPERIENCES
The Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey is a 2-hour, 7-step cultural wellness experience rooted in the traditions of Ngāti Whakaue, the iwi (tribe) who have called this land home for centuries. Move through a Blessing Stone, Waterfall Showers, Fire and Ice Caves, Geothermal Pools, Mud Beds, a Steam Cave, and a closing karakia (blessing). Each step draws on the natural elements of this geothermal land and the mātauranga (knowledge) carried through generations.
The Puna Tūmataiti are our private geothermal pools, available exclusively for your group. Each pool holds 2 to 4 guests and is fed by mineral-rich water drawn from deep within the earth, at temperatures of 36 to 40 degrees. A minimum of 2 guests is required for health and safety reasons. Spa essential items are included.
Summer: 9am, last bookable session 9:45pm
Winter: 9am, last bookable session 9:15pm
The Ngāwhā Private Geothermal Bath is a completely private indoor bath fed by mineral-rich geothermal water drawn from deep within the earth. Awaiting you at your bath: a locally sourced face and body mud mask, bath salts, a native herbal bag of Mānuka, Kawakawa, and Kumarahou, and herbal soap to apply at your own pace. Towels, face cloths, and wash cloths are included. Available solo or for two, in 45 or 75 minute sessions, with a Deluxe option that adds a seasonal scrub.
Our spa treatments take place inside The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) and include massages, facials, and body treatments grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori worldview). Most treatments include 60 minutes of pre-treatment mineral bathing in The Sanctuary. Options include our Āhuru Mōwai + Mirimiri Wai Ariki Signature Massage, Wellness Massage (60 or 90 min), Muscle Focus Massage, Mānuka Facial, and Pregnancy Massage
Yes. We have a range of experiences designed for two, including the Tānga Waiwaiā Wedding Package, the Tānga Haumanu Takirua Sanctuary Retreat for Two, and the Wai Whakaora + Puna Tūmataiti Restorative Journey and Private Geothermal Pool. All private pool experiences require a minimum of 2 guests.
Yes. We have two private bathing options. The Puna Tūmataiti Private Geothermal Pools accommodate 2 to 4 guests and are available as part of the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey or as a standalone experience. The Ngāwhā Private Geothermal Baths are available for one or two guests.
The Sanctuary Bathing is a semi-private area designated only for those who have booked treatments. Within The Sanctuary we have two geothermal pools and a chlorinated star/sky gazing pool.
The Restorative Bathing is our public pools and are available to everyone. These pools include the Geothermal Pools, Cold Plunge, Herbal Pool and Hydrotherapy Pool
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVE
Please bring your own swimwear. All guests must wear proper swimwear at all times in the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey, The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) pools, and all other bathing areas. Cotton clothing such as t-shirts is not permitted as absorbent fibres can carry contaminants and obstruct pool filters. A small selection of swimwear is available to purchase in Te Aronui, our retail store, if needed.
We recommend waterproof footwear such as jandals or sandals for wet areas, a refillable water bottle (non glass) and a bag to take your wet clothing home with you afterwards. We do not have any plastic bags on site.
Inclusions vary by experience:
Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey: locker, towel, drinking water and robe.
Wai Whakatā Restorative Bathing: locker, towel, , drinking water and robe.
Puna Tūmataiti Private Geothermal Pool: towels, robe, and drinking water.
Ngāwhā Private Geothermal Bath: Drinking water, towels, face cloths, wash cloths, locally sourced mud mask, bath salts, native herbal bag of Mānuka, Kawakawa, and Kumarahou, and herbal soap. The Deluxe option also includes a seasonal scrub.
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Spa Treatments: Drinking water, locker, towel, robe, and disposable underwear.
Please bring your own swimwear and waterproof footwear.
No external food or beverages are permitted on site. Food and beverages can be ordered from Te Rourou Café in advance or on arrival.
We recommend removing all jewellery before entering the pools. The mineral-rich geothermal water can tarnish silver jewellery and some gold. If tarnishing does occur, a jeweller will be able to assist with cleaning.
Yes. Before your spa treatment, you will be invited to bathe in The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) as part of your experience (this excludes facial treatments). When you are ready to move through to your treatment, please change out of your wet swimwear and into the disposable underwear and robe provided in the spa changing rooms before entering The Sanctuary lounge area. Upon arrival at The Sanctuary you will also complete a brief spa consultation form.
Your phone can be used to scan QR codes and access information throughout the venue. If you take photos, please be mindful of other guests and ensure only yourself or members of your own group appear in frame.
Yes. Te Rourou Café is open daily on site. Food and beverage can also be added to selected experiences and packages. View the menu at wai-ariki.co.nz/about/cafe/
Sunday to Thursday: 9am to 5:30pm
Friday and Saturday: 9am to 7:30pm
Yes. Wai Ariki Gift Vouchers are available for any experience or as a dollar value, and can be redeemed for any treatment or packages of the same value, or you can upgrade by paying extra. All vouchers are valid 3 years from the date of issue as per the new legislation taken affect on 16 March 2026. This legislation does not apply to any gift cards purchased before 16 March 2026 and the expiry date of any gift card or voucher issued before 16 March 2026 remains the same. Any sponsored or promotional vouchers are not included in this legislation.
If purchased online, the voucher will be emailed to you or the email provided. You can then print the voucher to gift or forward to the recipient.
BOOKINGS AND CANCELLATIONS
We understand plans can change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel. A 100% cancellation fee applies to all Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey, The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai), and spa experience bookings cancelled with less than 48 hours notice. Prepaid bookings are non-refundable. Unpaid bookings cancelled within 48 hours will incur a 100% charge. Please refer to our full terms and conditions at wai-ariki.co.nz/terms-conditions/
Please contact our reservations team as soon as possible. Please note that same-day bookings cannot be rescheduled to a future date as this falls within our 48-hour cancellation policy. You can however change to a different time on the same day, subject to availability.
MEMBERSHIPS
Yes, Rotorua Residents can join a complimentary membership, available to residents aged 16 years and over who live within the following postcodes: 3010, 3015, 3020, 3072, 3073, 3074, 3076, 3077, 3081, 3083, 3096, and 3097.
Click here for more info – Local Rotorua Membership Uru Hapori | Wai Ariki
To register, simply visit Wai Ariki Spa and speak with one of our wonderful kaimahi (staff). Please bring along photo ID and proof of local residency (such as a bill or addressed mail), and we will issue your Uru Hapori membership card. The membership is valid for one year from the date of registration and is per registered individual.
Yes, to receive your discounts you must register with Pukeroa Uruawhata Trust here Uru Whakaue Membership – Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust.
Only once they have verified your details will we be able to apply your discounts. You will receive a welcome email to advise you have been verified.
Operating Hours
Wai Ariki is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
SUMMER HOURS
September to February
Wai Ariki is open until 11pm.
Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey
Daily: 9am, Last entry 8:30pm
Wai Whakatā Restorative Bathing
Daily: 9am, Last entry 9:45pm
Puna Tūmataiti Private Pools
Daily: 9am, Last bookable slot 9:45pm
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Spa Treatments
60 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 5:15pm
90 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 4:45pm
Te Rourou Café
Sun to Thu: 9am to 5:30pm
Fri to Sat: 9am to 7:30pm
Te Aronui Retail
Daily: 9am to 11pm
WINTER HOURS
March to August
Wai Ariki is open until 10:30pm.
Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey
Daily: 9am, Last entry 8pm
Wai Whakatā Restorative Bathing
Daily: 9am, Last entry 9:15pm
Puna Tūmataiti Private Pools
Daily: 9am, Last bookable slot 9:15pm
The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Spa Treatments
60 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 5:15pm
90 min: Daily 10am, Last entry 4:45pm
Te Rourou Café
Sun to Thu: 9am to 5:30pm
Fri to Sat: 9am to 7:30pm
Te Aronui Retail
Daily: 9am to 10:30pm
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