Wai Ariki featured as THE spa and hot springs Aussies need to know about

Wai Ariki featured as THE spa and hot springs Aussies need to know about

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has received a glowing feature on News.com.au as a must-visit destination for Aussies seeking a wellness escape. Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki is far from your ordinary spa experience. The article, by journalist Brielle Burns, celebrates Wai Ariki’s unique blend of therapeutic geothermal waters and…

Aquaman returns! Jason Momoa named honorary citizen of Rotorua at Wai Ariki 

Aquaman returns! Jason Momoa named honorary citizen of Rotorua at Wai Ariki 

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is proud to have hosted Jason Momoa during his visit to Rotorua, where he was officially named an Honorary Citizen of the city. The announcement was made in a special ceremony at Wai Ariki, with Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell joining Jason on stage to share the exciting news with…

Celebrating tradition and talent: Wai Ariki embraces Māori writers 

Celebrating tradition and talent: Wai Ariki embraces Māori writers 

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa recently had the honour of hosting an event for the third annual Kupu Māori Writers Festival. Held from October 16th to 19th, 2024, the festival celebrated Māori storytelling and literature, bringing together nearly 40 writers, poets and cultural leaders from across Aotearoa.  The event at Wai Ariki highlighted the…

Wai Ariki hosts MKR judges for a cultural wellness experience 

Wai Ariki hosts MKR judges for a cultural wellness experience 

Even the toughest food critics need a break! My Kitchen Rules (MKR) judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have found the perfect place to unwind at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.   Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, the spa offered them a much-needed escape from their busy schedules.  Manu and Colin relaxed in…

Wai Ariki People’s Choice Finalist at the 2024 Spa & Wellness Awards

Wai Ariki People’s Choice Finalist at the 2024 Spa & Wellness Awards

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand, has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Spa & Wellness Awards, taking place in Byron Bay, NSW, this October. The awards, judged by esteemed industry experts, recognise excellence in the spa and wellness industry. Wai Ariki Hot…

Celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori: Embracing language and heritage 

Celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori: Embracing language and heritage 

This week marks the celebration of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, a time to honour the beauty and significance of Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a vital part of Wai Ariki’s cultural heritage, it’s essential to protect and nurture Te Reo so it can flourish for generations.  At…

The ultimate recovery after record-breaking Run The Forest 2024

The ultimate recovery after record-breaking Run The Forest 2024

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has provided a sanctuary for participants to rejuvenate after their impressive efforts in this years’ ‘Run The Forest’ event by Nduro Events. With over 3,000 participants, 91% of whom came from outside Rotorua, this year’s Run The Forest broke records and highlighted the incredible spirit of the wellness community….

Wai Ariki celebrates a year of wellness, culture and awards

Wai Ariki celebrates a year of wellness, culture and awards

What a year it’s been! Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa recently celebrated its first anniversary, marking an incredible year packed with achievements that have truly put Wai Ariki on the map as THE destination for cultural wellness and breathtaking architecture. In just twelve months, the Rotorua-based hot springs and spa, deeply rooted in Māori…

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa a finalist for World Architecture Awards

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa a finalist for World Architecture Awards

Just 12 months after its official opening and having already won numerous design awards, Rotorua’s luxury lakefront spa, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, has been nominated as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024. Designed to combine Rotorua’s natural geothermal resources with traditional Ngāti Whakaue wellbeing practices, the unique spa will now…

Wai Ariki’s Māori-inspired architecture wins prestigious award

Wai Ariki’s Māori-inspired architecture wins prestigious award

We are incredibly proud of the multi-award-winning venue Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, which has received yet another award for its Commercial Architecture at the 2024 Waikato & Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards. The recognition of esteemed architects, RCG, for their outstanding work has contributed to the success of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and…

All whaea welcome at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Cafe this Mother’s Day weekend

All whaea welcome at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Cafe this Mother’s Day weekend

With the greater part (60%) of the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa team being a whaea (mother), it’s no surprise that the business is built on the strength of whānau (family). Additionally, as the foundation of Wai Ariki’s offerings, te ao Maori (the Maori worldview) and Ngāti Whakaue culture and practices are grounded in…