Wai Ariki Spa supports breast cancer survivors through healing and community
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 supporting breast cancer survivors and their loved ones during Breast Cancer Awareness Month through two powerful initiatives. On 10-11 October, Wai Ariki participated in STOKEDNZ’s Topless Swim event and running its annual Bathe for Pink offering for a third consecutive year.
The initiatives reflect Wai Ariki Spa’s commitment to creating meaningful wellness experiences supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing, while helping raise awareness and funds for those impacted by breast cancer.
As part of Bathe for Pink, Wai Ariki Spa is providing complimentary private bathing sessions to local breast cancer survivors throughout October and donating $10 from every private pool booking to the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust.
“Breast cancer is a tough reality for many wāhine across Aotearoa,” said Wai Ariki Spa General Manager Debbie Robertson.
“We are extremely proud to provide a space that invites in survivors and the loved ones who support those taking part.”
“For us, wellbeing is more than just the physical. It’s about creating time and space to rest, reconnect and feel comfortable in your own skin. We’re proud to share the geothermal healing practices of our tūpuna (ancestors) with those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.”
Supporting STOKEDNZ’s Topless Swim
STOKEDNZ’s inaugural ‘Topless Swim’ event in October 2025 was born of founder Debra Brockelsby’s own desire to swim again following her fight against breast cancer.
The first Topless Swim brought 70 women together to Lake Rotoiti to support one another and take charge of their bodies. Despite the name, nobody was required to swim topless (although in 2025, every woman did). The intention was to create a space where women can choose how they show up without judgement, staring or explanation.
Since its inception, the event has evolved into a powerful gathering which has seen both interstate and international attendees from Australia and the USA travel to Rotorua for a weekend centred on connection and empowerment. STOKEDNZ have also led wider fundraising efforts for breast cancer, having raised over $54,000 to date.
Restoration and healing at Wai Ariki Spa
In the two-day event, day one marked the women-only Topless Swim, with a boat trip, lake swimming and hidden hot pools. Day two opened to everyone – including partners, friends and supporters – and attendees headed to the award-winning Wai Ariki Spa to experience their flagship Restorative Journey.
The two-hour experience combines seven stages of geothermal bathing and wellness, blending cultural tradition with geothermal heat, water, mud and steam.
Attendees at different points in their breast cancer journeys were in attendance, some having undergone mastectomies or reconstruction, some still undergoing treatment, while others have never had breast cancer but are there because someone they love has.
