Bathe, brew and bites: The Father’s Day gift that goes deeper
Celebrate Father’s Day in Rotorua with a gift rooted in Māori tradition. Discover Wai Ariki’s hot springs packages – indulgent, restorative, and meaningful
History of Māori Bathing
Te Arawa Māori bathing culture: New Zealand’s best kept secret For centuries, people from all around the world have appreciated a good spa day – and rightfully so. From therapeutic hot springs and geothermal pools, to facials and massages, what’s not to like? Yet, despite having our own, rich Māori bathing culture in New Zealand,…
Wai Ariki in the running for top international wellness awards
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has been named a double finalist in the World Spa Awards 2025, recognised in two prestigious categories. The categories are New Zealand’s Best Day Spa 2025 and World’s Best Mineral & Hot Springs Spa 2025. These nominations recognise Wai Ariki’s commitment to geothermal luxury, Māori-inspired healing and transformative wellness experiences in the…
‘Robe Time’: the secret to relaxation revealed
Need to reduce stress? More ‘robe time’ is the answer! If you’ve visited Wai Ariki before, you know that our signature hot springs and spa experiences come with one essential item – a specialised, Wai Ariki bathrobe. But, not only provided for your comfort and privacy, did you know that simply wrapping yourself up in…
A Holistic Approach to Wellness – Meet Kylie Gunn, Wai Ariki’s New Marketing Manager
For Kylie Gunn, wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a way of life. And it’s this deep-rooted belief in mindfulness, balance and connection that makes her feel instantly connected to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Kylie joined the team in March as our new Marketing Manager, bringing with her not only years of…
Māori tourism booms as international tourists demand authentic cultural experiences
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…
Wai Ariki showcases Māori innovation on The Drawing Board
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 welcomes champion Māori performing arts group Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue
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…
Meet Akatu Marsters, connecting people, culture and wellbeing at Wai Ariki
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 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…
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 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
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…
Black Ferns’ secret recovery weapon revealed
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…
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…
Wai Ariki Hosts Rotorua’s official Waitangi event: A wellness celebration like no other
In the heart of Rotorua, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa stood proud as the host of the official Waitangi event, “For the Love of the People | Mō te Aroha o te Iwi.” This year, the theme of wellness permeated through every aspect of the celebration, drawing over 4,000 manuhiri (visitors) who sought not…
Aquaman’s hidden oasis discovered! You won’t believe where Jason Momoa finds serenity
Aquaman star Jason Momoa has lived up to his name by enjoying a restorative soak at Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. The multi-award-winning venue is built on the legacy of Māori culture and Ngāti Whakaue healing practices, providing Momoa with an authentic experience while seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. Welcomed warmly by the team at…
Indigenous Women Lead and Inspire at 2024 Industry Summit at Wai Ariki
In a celebration of leadership and cultural heritage, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa recently played host to the 2024 Indigenous Women in Industry (IWI) Summit. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rotorua, New Zealand, this two-day economic summit brought together 80 remarkable indigenous women from around the world, offering a platform for networking, empowerment…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Pioneering Wellbeing and Travel Trends in 2024
Officially opened in June 2023, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is already proving a hit with local and international visitors alike, while it has also picked up a plethora of awards, including Best New Spa at the 2023 Spa and Wellness Awards, receiving three prestigious accolades at the Designers…
New Zealand’s Premier Spa Experience Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa receives Qualmark’s highest accreditation
We are thrilled to announce that Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has achieved the highest level of accreditation by Qualmark, New Zealand’s official mark of tourism excellence. Our spa has been officially recognised as a Qualmark Gold business, placing us among the elite sustainable tourism establishments in New Zealand. This accolade signifies our unwavering commitment…
