Three years after opening on Rotorua’s lakefront, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is celebrating a workplace culture grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) with more than 80 percent of its team members identifying as Māori. Owned by local iwi Ngāti Whakaue, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is focused on welcoming guests…
Visitors from across Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island) have travelled to Rotorua this Matariki to experience a uniquely Aotearoa blend of Māori culture, geothermal wellness, local entertainment and storytelling beneath the stars at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Held across three evenings from 9 to 11 July, Wai Ariki Spa’s limited-ticket Sip, Show &…
Most pools hold water, Wai Ariki draws it from the land and returns it daily – here’s why. Wai Ariki a sustainable geothermal spa experience in Rotorua Most pools hold water. At Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, we draw it from the land and return it, every day. Environmental stewardship and the sustainable use…
Wai Ariki Named Finalist in Two Categories at the World Spa Awards 2026 Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa has been named a finalist in two categories at the prestigious World Spa Awards 2026, recognising the unique cultural wellness experience offered in the heart of Rotorua. The Ngāti Whakaue-owned destination has been shortlisted for: The…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa was a proud sponsor of the Rotorua Marathon this month, encouraging its own team to take part in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest sporting events. Seven staff members from across the business entered a range of distances, with most participating for the first time. Wai Ariki Spa Attendant…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is proudly celebrating the completion of its very first internship programme, welcoming two aspiring therapists into an immersive eight week learning experience grounded deeply in te ao Māori.
You might know Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa as the Rotorua icon known for its striking architecture, deep Ngāti Whakaue culture, celebrity visitors and glowing guest reviews, currently rated 4.8 from more than 1k Google reviews. From comedians and musicians to international film stars, Wai Ariki has become a must do experience for visitors seeking cultural wellness in Aotearoa New…
Forget valentines – it’s all about the galentines at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa this February 14, with exclusive bathing experiences, rejuvenating treatments and sweet treats on offer for Galentine’s Day. Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki blends the region’s natural geothermal waters with traditional Māori bathing practices to create a one-of-a-kind wellness experience. Galentine’s Day (a spin-off of Valentine’s Day) is a celebration meant to acknowledge and uplift female friendship – and what better way to show appreciation for hoa wāhine (female friends) than at a place built…
This Waitangi Day, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa proudly hosts a free community celebration. Join us on Friday, 6 February 2026, from 10am – 3pm, for a day filled with culture, learning, entertainment and connection.
The search for a Christmas gift that feels personal can be tricky – especially for that loved one who says they have everything. This year, give a gift that speaks to both the heart and mind. Te Aronui, the newly refurbished gift store at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, offers a curated collection of Māori-inspired wellness products and spa gifts. These gifts – sourced from Rotorua and…
Recently recognised as Belgravia Leisure’s New Zealand Venue of the Year 2025 and Most Unique Property at the 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is cementing its reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier wellness destinations. And in another win for the award-winning Rotorua venue, the team has now welcomed Jesse Tamm as Sales Executive, an appointment aimed at…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has earned national recognition at the 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards, named Most Unique Property. The venue was also featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list. Published yearly by the global travel authority, this list features the top 50 must-visit destinations and essential experiences for next year from around the globe….
Fresh from being crowned one of the Top 10 Places to Relax and Rejuvenate in 2025 at the SMH Traveller Awards, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa have marked the occasion by unveiling a vibrant refresh of its onsite café rooted in culture, nature and community: Te Rourou. Whether you’re fresh from the spa…
Make your next girls’ weekend getaway unforgettable with a spa day in Rotorua. Discover group packages that are perfect for friends at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.
With the new spring season comes the opportunity to cleanse and declutter. Discover how to perform a spring clean on your mind at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.
This year marks the 50 year celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Yet, with only 4.3 percent of Aotearoa able to hold a conversation in te reo Māori, the wero (challenge) has been laid to businesses to do their part to preserve the taonga. Since its inception in 1975, Te wiki o Te…
Celebrate Father’s Day in Rotorua with a gift rooted in Māori tradition. Discover Wai Ariki’s hot springs packages – indulgent, restorative, and meaningful
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 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…
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…