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
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Activity code: C-468006P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 110 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- 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.
The minimum age to participate is 16..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs) is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs) will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
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
