From global honours to recognition across the Asia Pacific, 2026 has brought a series of significant accolades for Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, acknowledging an experience grounded in Ngāti Whakaue identity, geothermal wai (water) and a distinctly Māori expression of hauora (wellbeing). There are many ways to measure a year. At Wai Ariki Spa,…
More than 36,000 people currently live with or have survived breast cancer in New Zealand. As the most common cancer for women nationwide, 1 in 9 Kiwi women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Mental recovery can be just as complex as physical recovery for many. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Karen Aleksich brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for wellness to her role as Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa’s Guest Experience Manager. With a journey spanning continents and cultures, Karen’s story is one of dedication, innovation and a commitment to the well-being of others. Karen’s wellness journey began in her late…
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Robertson as its new General Manager, effective 1st December 2023. Debbie Robertson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having held the general manager position at Velocity Valley and various key management positions within tourism over the…