Restorative bathing
wai Whakataa
1-HOUR bathing EXPERIENCE
Step into a haven of relaxation and renewal with our restorative bathing experience. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a moment to recharge, our unique pools provide the perfect environment for total mind and body restoration. Overlooking the serene waters of Lake Rotorua, this one-hour experience offers a chance to reconnect, unwind, and let the healing properties of water work their magic:
Available early morning and late evenings only. Bookable from the 27th December 2024.
60 Minutes
$99 pp
1. TE HIHIRI
THE BLESSING STONE
Your restorative experience starts at Te Hihiri, a place of energy and lifeforce. Here, you’ll encounter the sacred stone known as mauri, a powerful tuhua (obsidian) stone brought from Tarawera. This stone symbolises our connection to the whenua (land), our tūpuna (ancestors), and the spirituality of Māori culture.
At Te Hihiri, everyone is offered a karakia (blessing or prayer) to set the tone for the journey. This sacred moment invites you to release stress, worries, and burdens of the world, leaving them with the stone. This act opens the way for relaxation, rejuvenation, and restoration as you continue your journey through Wai Whakaora.
2. WHANGAPIPIRO
GEO SOAK POOL (38-40°C)
The rejuvenating waters of Whangapipiro, also known as Rachel Spring, are expertly channeled into Wai Ariki, where you can safely immerse in the soothing and skin-softening benefits. Celebrated for its silica-rich, alkaline properties, these remarkable waters leave skin smoother and more radiant.
3. PUNA WAI WERA
HOT GEO POOL (40-41°C)
Puna Wai Wera offers a unique geothermal experience, similar to Whangapipiro, but with waters perfectly tempered for bathing heated naturally beneath the earth. This natural hot spring provides the ideal environment to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of geothermal bathing.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility, wellness, or a connection to nature, Puna Wai Wera invites you to immerse yourself in its warm, inviting waters and embrace the restorative power of this geothermal treasure.
4. PUNA TIO
ICE COLD PLUNGE POOL (12°C)
Discover the revitalising tradition of cold water immersion in Puna Tio, the Cold Plunge Pool. Modern research supports the wisdom of traditional Māori practices, which recognised the benefits of alternating hot and cold temperatures to enhance vigor, stamina, and overall wellness.
Whether you’re seeking rapid recovery after an injury or looking to boost your physical resilience, a cold plunge at Puna Tio is the perfect way to refresh and rejuvenate your body.
5. WAI PAHEKO
HERBAL POOL (38-39°C)
Step into the calming embrace of Wai Paheko, the Herbal Pool. Infused with the soothing properties of kawakawa, mānuka, and kānuka plants, these waters provide natural aromatherapy benefits to promote relaxation, calmness, and healing.
Inspired by the waters in Maketū, the sacred landing place of the Te Arawa canoe and the first settlement of Ngāti Whakaue ancestors, Wai Paheko recreates a cherished tradition.
6. WAI WHAKAOHO
HYDROTHERAPY POOL (36°C)
Geothermally heated, this tranquil oasis is designed to soothe both body and mind.
Unwind on relaxation beds submerged in the warm, bubbling waters, where gentle streams massage your body as you lay back. Enhance your hydrotherapy experience with invigorating waterfall showers and targeted jets, expertly positioned to relieve tension in your shoulders, neck, and lower back.
Let Wai Whakaoho’s therapeutic features melt away stress and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
7. TE NGAO
BLESSING STONE
To complete your restorative experience, we invite you to end your cultural wellness journey through the Wai Whakaora, Restorative Journey, with a visit to Te Ngao.
This journey is designed to nurture and support your taha tinana (physical wellbeing) and taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), guiding you towards a state of balance and healing. As the final step, Te Ngao offers a powerful blessing of taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), helping you to heal, restore, and emerge renewed.
Through this closing blessing, you will be invited to fully restore your spirit, completing the journey towards overall wellness and inner peace.
RESTORATIVE BATHING experiences +
Restorative Journey + Sanctuary Bathing
Wai Whakaora + Āhuru Mōwai
Indulge in our premium bathing experience. Firstly arrive at The Sanctuary (Ahuru Mowai) to change into your swimwear before commencing on your Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) which combines our hot and cold facilities, bathing in our multiple geothermal pools and our signature self mud and steam experience. Next enjoy the intimate pools in The Sanctuary area which features our buoyant stargaze pool. Complete your experience relaxing on the sanctuary concourse day beds to enjoy the lakefront views.
180 Minutes
$270
Wai Whakaora + Puna Tūmataiti
Restorative Journey + Private Geothermal Pool
A truly exclusive experience, ideal for celebrating a special occasion. Experience the transformative benefits of our rejuvenating mineral waters and our Restorative Journey, followed by tea, water and a graze platter served in our cafe.
This package allows access for two people to your own private pool for 1 hour + our Restorative Journey.
180 Minutes
$450
give the gift of wellness with a wai ariki gift certificate
Subscribe
Get the latest updates and offers in your inbox