Rotorua-based, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, the iwi-owned luxury spa managed by Belgravia Leisure, is at the forefront of a powerful surge in Māori tourism – a sector that has grown by 23 percent since 2018, now valued at $1.2 billion, according to recently released Census data. Released in March, the figures highlight the…
Ever thought about what Māori architecture looks like in the 21st century? The Drawing Board, a new Whakaata Māori documentary series, explores exactly that. Showcasing a wave of modern Māori architecture sweeping across Aotearoa, led by some of the country’s freshest design talent. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is proud to be featured in…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa was recently honoured with a moving performance by Māori performing arts group, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, touching the hearts of all in attendance. The performance was a true celebration of Māori culture and heritage. Wai Ariki, located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is a world-class wellness…
Akatu Marsters joined us in March 2024, bringing her rich heritage and diverse experience to Wai Ariki. Of NZ Māori and Cook Island descent, Akatu grew up in Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua, where cultural sharing and hospitality were deeply embedded in daily life. This strong cultural foundation led her to a career in tourism, including a…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
The Black Ferns, New Zealand’s top women’s rugby team, have discovered a game-changing recovery secret within the walls of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Nestled by Lake Rotorua, this hidden gem provided the perfect retreat and recovery spot for the athletes after some gruelling training sessions. Known for their dominance in rugby, the Black…
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…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Robertson as its new General Manager, effective 1st December 2023. Debbie Robertson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having held the general manager position at Velocity Valley and various key management positions within tourism over the…
