restorative journey
wai Whakaora

2-hour cultural wellness experience

Drawing mineral rich, deeply restorative waters directly from the earth, our Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) delivers a unique therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating experience, which leads you through 5 distinct areas, each drawing on the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue practices and culture:
– Te Iringa, The Waterfall Showers
– Te Ahi Tupua, Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves
– Te Taiwhanga Matua, Thermal Pools
– Te Pae Paru, Geothermal Mud Lounge
– Kohu Wai Ariki, Steam Room

  • Spa essential items included

120 Minutes

$175
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1. TE IRINGA

WATERFALL SHOWERS
The first step on Wai Whakaora (the Restorative Journey), Te Iringa -(the waterfall showers) provide a symbolic connection to the waterfalls of the ancestral lands of the Ngāti Whakaue people. Guests pass through a series of soft streams of water to energise the body and open awareness to the present before continuing on the cultural wellness journey. The experience connects to the cultural practice of taking a cleansing cold dip before entering wai ariki (the hot springs).

2. TE AHI TUPUA

TONGARIRO FIRE & ICE CAVES

Elements of te ao Māori (Māori worldview) are reflected in the fire and ice caves, inspired by the origin story of Ngātoroirangi that brought geothermal springs to the region. The fire and ice caves give you a series of hot and cold, wet and dry experiences to invigorate body and soul and provide transformative wellbeing. In Māori wellbeing practice, it is understood that moving between extreme temperatures improved vigour and stamina. Today’s medical research confirms this indigenous wisdom, with studies showing how alternating between hot and cold bathing experiences can improve physical and mental wellbeing.

3. TE TAIWHANGA MATUA

MAIN CONCOURSE THERMAL POOLS

Soak up the healing properties of our geothermal waters in five pools that make up Te Taiwhanga Matua. The five pools are:

  • whangapipiro / geo soak pool (37-38°C)
  • puna wai wera/ hot geo pool (40-41°C)
  • puna tio / ice plunge Pool (12°C)
  • wai whakaoho / hydroptherapy pool (36°C)
  • waipaheko / Herbal pool (38-39°C)

4. TE PAE PARU

GEOTHERMAL MUD LOUNGE

In the Māori worldview, Papatūānuku is the land. She is a mother earth figure who gives birth to and nourishes all things, including people. Our geothermal mud lounge experience represents Papatūānuku, using naturally occurring mud to rejuvenate and nourish the skin, and to connect with the land as Ngāti Whakaue have done for hundreds of years.

5. KOHU WAI ARIKI

STEAM ROOM

Enter steam cave, where you can rest on heated stones to further refresh and rejuvenate your skin and deeply relax your body. The Kohu Wai Ariki is inspired by the caves where Ngāti Whakaue would go to cleanse, resting in the natural steam from geothermal activity. Māori worldview describes mist as ‘the soft, warm sigh’ of the earth mother Papatūānuku, as an expression of love (aroha) to sky father, Ranginui.

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.

  • Spa essential items included

180 Minutes

$270
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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
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give the gift of wellness with a wai ariki gift certificate

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