Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs)

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is the only Māori Cultural Wellness Spa in New Zealand proudly owned by an local iwi (tribe), Ngāti Whakaue.

To maintain a relaxed atmosphere, only 16 guests are welcomed per 30 minutes time slot, ensuring comfort and room to unwind.

*Cafe and retail onsite.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Age restrictions, suitable for 16years and older

Not recommended for those with high or low blood pressures

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Two hour Wellness Journey

Te Ngao - Closing Māori blessing

Te Hihiri: Lifeforce & Energy Stone - Blessing Offered

Water station facilities

Kohu Wai Ariki - Steam Room with heated stone

Te Pae Paru - Geothermal Mud Lounge (self application natural mud mixed with indigenous plant/oils)

Te Taiwhanga Matua - Geothermal mineral alkaline, cold-water plunge, herbal, and hydrotherapy pools

Te Ahi Tipua: Fire & Ice room with saunas, wade pool and frigidarium

Cultural & Wellness Guided Walk through Restorative Journey

Stunning views overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island

Locker, robe and towel included

Transfers not included - Self Drive Only

No food or beverages provided

What To Expect

Experience the Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey—a two-hour, culturally rich spa experience inspired by Ngāti Whakaue and set by Lake Rotorua. Begin at the mauri stone, releasing stress and receiving a blessing to create space for calm and openness. Throughout the journey, pūrākau (stories) guide each therapy. Start with refreshing waterfall showers, followed by therapeutic saunas to unwind. Alternate between hot and cold therapies to energise your senses. Relax in mineral-rich geothermal pools, enjoy a rejuvenating hydrotherapy experience, and soothe your skin in the mud lounge with nourishing mineral-rich muds. Finish in the tranquil steam room, reflecting on this blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment. The Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey is more than just a spa treatment; it’s a deeply immersive, culturally enriching experience that connects you to the land, the heritage, and yourself. Leave feeling completely renewed, balanced, and reconnected to the beauty of Rotorua’s landscape and the stories of the Ngāti Whakaue people.

Options

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs)

Reviews

4.62

58 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

An experience not to be skipped
Getaway09680483721,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
An immersive experience in all but would have loved a massage as a part of the experience. A definite do with couples. Not a miss at all.
Wasn’t my first visit and won’t be my last!
sa boyle,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was my SECOND trip here & certainly won’t be my last! This time I treated my husband, my mum and dad (who have NEVER attended anything like this!) and my mother in law. Hands down this is one of the BEST experiences! The venue and staff are amazing, beautiful and luxurious!! The journey experience is so special! Please do yourself a favour and do this! So so relaxing and simply soul nourishing!! Highly recommend!
Amazing
H4098JUjesset,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing. Good price. Great experience and relaxing vibe. 2hrs went too fast. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Went for a birthday bit will def be going again and taking as many people with me as I can.
Relaxing start to the day
ShaunL,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had booked online in advance of our bathing journey and had a wonderful time. Our checkin was smooth with a Māori introduction before entering the five pools which including hot, cold and jets. All were great and very relaxing. We visited the cafe afterwards and enjoyed some hot drinks and some cakes. All in all a great start to our day of exploring Rotorua.
Amazing experience....
Hanne v,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience. Really relaxing and good to learn more about Māori culture. Facilities here are top quality and definitely worth the price tag
Awesome - I emerged with colour in my cheeks and a spring in my step.
PMT1961,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If I thought $175 for a two hour experience might be a bit steep before I went in, I certainly didn’t feel that way by the time we came out. It was worth every cent. I felt as if I’d had a fortnight’s holiday. Everything is done beautifully, from the aromatherapy mist showers to the ice bucket experience (sorry about my screaming), the three choices of sauna (the hay one really is good for people with allergies), the spa pools - loved those massage jets, the all over mud mask and the steam room. The surroundings are beautiful and tranquil and Wai Ariki limiting how many people go through at any one time means it feels exclusive and very private. No uncomfortably close squishing into spa pools with lots of other bods. Loved the lovely showers, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and lotions and the free wooden combs - I had indeed forgotten mine. My only quibble is it would be good to ask people to leave their cellphones in their lockers. They might only have been taking selfies in the pools but I wouldn’t want my blubber captured in the background. Otherwise, I’m recommending this experience to everyone I know and I think I’ll be making an annual trip. I really do feel restored and rejuvenated.
Wai Ariki Hot Spring spa 2 hrs
A4623JYvickyl,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A beautifully designed space that blends luxury with cultural depth. The Restorative Journey is self-guided, which gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. The Karakia at the start is a lovely touch,The herbal pools and steam rooms are divine, and the whole experience feels thoughtfully curated and pools were amazing. The Staff were kind and welcoming, Overall, it’s a unique experience—more than your average spa day.
Exceeded Expectations
kiwiana7902014,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wai Ariki is more than just going to hot pools. The package we bought gave us a wonderful variety of experiences and we were fully absorbed for 2 hours. It was fun exploring and enjoying the different options. Loved the way it reflects Maori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal uniqueness. The architecture of the building is stunning, the service is lovely, and the shop had good quality, reasonably priced products. The whole experience exceeded our expectations.
Great...
Parminder K,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience,different than other spa pools.highly recommend for family,couple.great customer service
Great experience
bloodflowers01,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had not only the restoration journey, but also the massage and facial care. Everything we liked very much. But with the massage you have to mention that they should massage really hard, otherwise you will only be stroked delicately. Overall absolutely recommended.