Guest during the waterfall showers stage of the Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki, part of the seven-step cultural wellness experience.

Wai Ariki nominated in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2026

We are proud to share that Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has been nominated in three categories in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2026:

Luxury Cultural Spa
Luxury Lakeside Spa
Luxury Thermal Spa

This recognition celebrates the experience we are privileged to share here in Rotorua, where geothermal wai (water), Ngāti Whakaue culture and our connection to place come together to create something uniquely Wai Ariki.

  • A group of people relax together in an outdoor thermal pool at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, with views across to Mokoia Island on Lake Rotorua. Gold badge reads "Nominee Luxury Lakeside Spa, World Luxury Spa Awards 2026."
  • A woman with a clay mud mineral mask applies it to her face with both hands, eyes closed, set against a patterned wall backdrop. Gold badge reads "Nominee Luxury Thermal Spa, World Luxury Spa Awards 2026."
  • A woman lies on a treatment table on a woven Māori-patterned pillow while a therapist's hands, one with a tā moko (Māori tattoo), gently cradle her face. Gold badge reads "Nominee Luxury Cultural Spa, World Luxury Spa Awards 2026."

VOTE FOR WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS AND SPA

If your time at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has stayed with you, we would be honoured to receive your vote. You can support Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa across each of our three nominated categories.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Our 2026 World Luxury Spa Awards Nominations

Luxury Cultural Spa

Culture is woven throughout the Wai Ariki experience.
Inspired by the legacy, stories and healing traditions of Ngāti Whakaue, our experiences have been created to connect guests with the people and place of Rotorua through wai, design, storytelling and manaakitanga (hospitality and care).

Luxury Lakeside Spa

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua, surrounded by the geothermal landscape at the heart of the city.
From geothermal bathing to Sanctuary spa treatments, the lakefront setting forms an important part of the sense of place experienced throughout Wai Ariki.

Luxury Thermal Spa

Geothermal wai (water) is at the heart of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

Our signature Restorative Journey takes guests through a sequence of bathing and thermal experiences, creating time to slow down, reconnect and experience Rotorua’s geothermal environment in a distinctly Wai Ariki way.

A SPA EXPERIENCE BORN IN ROTORUA

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury geothermal bathing and spa destination on the shores of Lake Rotorua, New Zealand.
Our signature Restorative Journey, premium geothermal bathing, private bathing and Sanctuary spa treatments are grounded in our connection to wai, whenua (land) and Ngāti Whakaue culture.

For us, this nomination is recognition not only of the experience our manuhiri (guests) enjoy, but of the story and place that make Wai Ariki unique.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

To everyone who has visited Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, shared our story, recommended us to friends and whānau, or returned to spend time with us again, thank you.

Your support allows us to continue sharing this special place with visitors from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
We would be honoured to have your vote in the 2026 World Luxury Spa Awards.

EXPERIENCE WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS AND SPA

Planning a visit to Rotorua?

Discover geothermal bathing, our signature Restorative Journey, private bathing and Sanctuary spa treatments at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

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