restorative journey
wai Whakaora
Our Restorative Journey – A 2-Hour Cultural Wellness Spa Experience
Unique in the world, this multi-sensory wellness experience blends cultural commentary with the restorative elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam, in the heart of Rotorua. Purposefully curated to restore balance across mind, body, and spirit, this 7-step therapeutic journey draws on the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue practices and culture.
2 Hours
$175 pp
Sharing this experience with someone? View our Packages for Two
1. TE HIHIRI
THE BLESSING STONE (MAURI 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 Maketu. 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, renewal, and restoration as you continue your journey through Wai Whakaora.
2. WAIRERE
WATERFALL SHOWERS
Te Iringa, The Waterfall Showers
Te Iringa draws on the symbolic connection to the waterfalls of the Ngāti Whakaue ancestral lands. Passing through a series of soft water streams, this experience energises the body and clears the mind, preparing you for the next phase of your cultural wellness journey.
This act mirrors the ancestral practice of taking a cleansing cold dip before entering the wai ariki (hot springs), a tradition believed to purify the body and spirit. Te Iringa offers both a physical and spiritual cleanse, helping you leave behind worldly distractions and connect deeply with the journey ahead.
3. TE TUKINGA
TONGARIRO FIRE & ICE CAVES
Te Ahi Tipua provides an invigorating icy temperatures of Mount Tongariro (which Ngātoroirangi climbed) to the heat and fiery geothermal surrounds of Ngāti Whakaue (where the embers of ahi is said to fall during his sister’s plight to save him, thus became geothermal hotspots). Traditionally, Māori had a cold dip first, so they didn’t take any debris into the Wai Ariki. They also understood that moving from one extreme to the next gave them more vigour.
Elements of te ao Māori are infused and reflected in the fire and ice caves. Based on the origin and story of Ngātoroirangi bringing geothermal to this region. The fire and ice caves give a series of hot and cold, wet and dry experiences to transform the mind, body and soul.
4. TE TAIWHANGA MATUA
LAKE VIEW THERMAL POOLS
Immerse yourself in our tranquil pools and enjoy the scenic vistas of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. Enjoy the benefits of five pools, two geothermal pools, hydrotherapy pool, plunge and herbal pool which make up the five pools of Te Taiwhanga Matua.
5. TE PAE PARU
GEOTHERMAL MUD LOUNGE
Experience the restorative power of Te Pae Paru, a space that honours Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) by using naturally occurring geothermal mud to nourish and restore the skin. This unique practice reflects the deep connection to the land that Ngāti Whakaue has upheld for centuries.
Traditionally, Māori warriors utilised this mud to create a paste, applying it to scars and wounds as part of their healing process after battle. Today, this resource is celebrated in modern wellness practices: lighter mud is used for body treatments and facials.
6. KOHU WAI ARIKI
STEAM ROOM
Step into Kohu Wai Ariki, a unique steam cave designed to refresh your skin, deeply relax your body, and restore your spirit. Rest on heated bed as gentle geothermal steam envelops you, offering a tranquil experience inspired by the cleansing traditions of Ngāti Whakaue. Historically, natural steam from geothermal vents was used to cleanse both internally and externally, detoxifying the body and clearing airways and sinuses.
7. TE NGAO
BLESSING STONE (MAURI 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 Blessing Stone.
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 JOURNEY PACKAGES
Restorative Journey + Sanctuary Bathing
Wai Whakaora + Āhuru Mōwai
Indulge in our premium bathing experience. Begin at The Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) to change into your swimwear before continuing on to your Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), which combines our hot and cold facilities, bathing across multiple geothermal pools, and our signature mud and steam experience. Then enjoy the intimate pools in The Sanctuary area, featuring our buoyant stargaze pool. Complete your experience relaxing on the Sanctuary concourse day beds, taking in views of Lake Rotorua.
180 Minutes
$270
Puna Tūmataiti + Wai Whakaora
Restorative Journey + Private Geothermal Pool
Puna Tūmataiti + Wai Whakaora: A deeply restorative experience ideal for celebrating a special occasion together in Rotorua. Begin in your own private Puna Tūmataiti (private pool) to soak in the mineral-rich geothermal waters at your own pace, then move into the two-hour Wai Whakaora (Restorative Journey).
BEST FOR: couples wanting private pool time plus the signature Restorative Journey, without a massage or facial.
- Private Geothermal Pool – 45 minutes
- Restorative Journey – 2 hours
- Grazing platter
180 Minutes
$460
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