Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs)
Overview
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.
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
- Stunning views overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island
- Locker, robe and towel included
- Cultural & Wellness Guided Walk through Restorative Journey
- Transfers not included - Self Drive Only
- No food or beverages provided
Meeting Location
1047 Whakaue Street
Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for those with high or low blood pressures
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Age restrictions, suitable for 16years and older
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs)?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-468006P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 112 traveler reviews collected by City Sky Diving and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

Kahukiwi Experiences Phase One is a 3-hour, fully-guided, Māori cultural tour into the heart of Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao. Guided by a vibrant, passionate guide, guests...
$107

Join a small-group morning tour from Rotorua to explore two top geothermal parks: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Get picked up around 8-8:30...
$132

Take a guided or self-guided tour of New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve, walking amongst erupting waters, an active mud volcano and land coral. Experience...
$26

Get picked up from your Rotorua accommodation between 8AM and 8:30 AM. Commentated scenic drive to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for 1hr guided walk. See colourful...
$238
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Thousands of Years in the Making a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an...
$28

Enter the world of Mitai Māori Village and embrace our history and culture. Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling...
$102

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed...
$166

Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative...
$188







