Wai Ariki Spa Rotorua – My Rejuvenating Journey

Sometimes we all need to slow down, switch off and simply take some time for ourselves.

Life can get pretty hectic sometimes. Between work, family, everyday responsibilities and everything else life throws at us, it can be easy to forget to stop and take a little time for ourselves.

Living in Rotorua, I’m lucky to have some incredible wellness experiences right on my doorstep, and one place I had been wanting to experience was Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki is a luxury Māori cultural wellness experience owned and curated by Ngāti Whakaue, combining geothermal waters with Māori wellbeing traditions and a beautiful focus on restoring mind, body and spirit.

So I decided it was time to take a little break from everyday life and experience the Wai Whakaora – Restorative Journey.

A journey to relax, restore and reconnect

The Restorative Journey is a two-hour, seven-step experience that takes you through a combination of water, heat, cold, geothermal mud and steam, with each stage designed to create a different feeling of relaxation and renewal.

What I really loved about the experience is that it isn't simply about getting into a hot pool.

There is a real sense of moving through a journey.

From the moment you begin, you are encouraged to leave the outside world behind and concentrate on yourself.

And honestly, I think we could all use a little more of that.

The waterfall showers

One of the first experiences is the beautiful waterfall shower area.

With water flowing over you and the atmosphere changing around you, it feels like the perfect way to wash away the busyness of the day and prepare for the rest of the journey.

It was such a simple experience, but I found it really helped me mentally switch off.

Sometimes it's amazing what a little warm water and quiet can do.

Fire and Ice

Next comes the Fire & Ice Caves, where you experience the contrast between heat and cold.

This part really wakes up the senses!

Moving between different temperatures creates such a contrast and gives you that feeling of being completely present in the moment.

It's definitely one of those experiences where you have to embrace it rather than overthink it.

The geothermal pools

Then came one of my favourite parts — the geothermal pools.

There is something so relaxing about sitting in warm geothermal water while surrounded by the atmosphere of Rotorua.

The Wai Ariki experience includes several different pools, including geothermal pools, a hydrotherapy pool, herbal pool and cold plunge. The pools range from warm geothermal temperatures through to a 12°C cold plunge.

The hydrotherapy pool pictured in my photos was particularly relaxing, with the jets and bubbling water helping to create that lovely feeling of letting your body unwind.

Geothermal mud

Then it was time to experience something a little different — the Geothermal Mud Lounge.

Geothermal mud has been part of the traditional healing practices connected with this area for generations, and at Wai Ariki it forms part of the modern wellness journey.

There is something quite fun about covering yourself in mud and simply relaxing while it works its way into your skin.

It's definitely not something you get to do every day!

Steam and stillness

The final stages take you into the steam experience, where everything becomes quieter and more peaceful.

After moving through the different temperatures, water and geothermal experiences, the steam feels like the perfect way to slow everything down again.

This is where I really started to appreciate the idea behind the whole journey.

It's not about rushing from one experience to the next.

It's about pausing.

Breathing.

Relaxing.

And giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for a while.

More than just a spa

What makes Wai Ariki different for me is the connection to Māori culture, the land and Rotorua's geothermal environment.

The Restorative Journey is based on the wellbeing traditions of Ngāti Whakaue and is designed around the idea of restoring balance across the body, mind and spirit.

I loved that the experience wasn't just about luxury.

There was meaning behind each stage.

It encouraged me to slow down and chill out.

My thoughts

I came away feeling relaxed, refreshed and like I had finally given myself permission to stop for a couple of hours.

wellness doesn't always have to mean making huge changes.

Sometimes it's simply taking two hours for yourself.

Getting away from your phone.

Putting the everyday stresses aside.

Sitting in warm geothermal water.

Taking a deep breath.

And remembering that looking after yourself is important too.

Living in Rotorua, I'm reminded all the time how lucky we are to have such incredible natural geothermal experiences around us — and Wai Ariki brings that together with culture, relaxation and luxury in such a beautiful way.

If you're visiting Rotorua or you're a local looking for a little wellness escape, Wai Ariki is definitely an experience worth putting on your list.

Because sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is simply slow down, breathe and recharge. ❤️

Charz x

📍 Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa

Rotorua, New Zealand

www.wai-ariki.co.nz

The Wai Whakaora Restorative Journey is a two-hour experience. Wai Ariki currently lists it at $175 per person and includes spa essentials such as a towel, robe and locker.

They have a special on for September for New Zealanders $145

Discounts for Rotorua locals also enquire with the team

some information courtesy of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa