Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a geothermal spa at 1047 Whakaue Street in central Rotorua, owned by Ngāti Whakaue. Its signature is the Restorative Journey, a seven-step, two-hour experience through fire and ice caves, lakeview thermal pools, geothermal mud and steam, with Māori storytelling. The spa also offers massage, facials and body treatments in its Āhuru Mōwai spa sanctuary, plus lakefront food and drinks and a gift shop. Visitors are welcomed with a Māori introduction and can use the three saunas, mineral pools, a cold plunge and a cold river.
Guests say the experience is calm, beautiful and restorative, and the staff are friendly and caring. One guest booked a Restorative Journey for a birthday, and another thought the two-hour journey was a little expensive but well worth it. Open Locally lists Grand Thai Spa Massage 0.6 kilometres away, rated 4.8 from 88 reviews. Our pick in Rotorua for a two-hour geothermal journey with a Māori welcome.