The spa and hot springs hotspot Aussies need to know about
With wellness tourism on the rise, Aussies need to visit this city, famous for its geothermal activity and relaxing hot springs.
I’m no stranger to treating myself to the occasional massage or facial, especially to celebrate my birthday (or just simply … surviving 2024).
But if there’s one thing that’s always been high on my bucket list, it’s an overseas spa holiday – a relaxing getaway full of pampering, saunas, and fancy-smelling massage oil which will put my supermarket body wash/scrub combo to shame.
Thankfully, Aussies looking to unwind on a solo spa trip like myself or wanting to wrangle up the girls for a weekend away don’t have to look too far to experience a little slice of serenity.
Just last year, a luxurious new hot springs and spa opened in Rotorua – a leading international destination for wellness tourism – on New Zealand’s (Aotearoa’s) north island.
Just a four-hour flight from Sydney or, a 45-minute flight from Auckland, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and bubbling hot springs which has attracted the attention of international travellers since the 19th century (and a recent A-list celebrity).
As a spa lover, it only felt right to take the opportunity to visit in late October – one, because my brain was drowning in end-of-year to-do lists, and two, because of the aforementioned dire state of my self-care routine.
From the moment I stepped off the plane into the quiet city – which boasts bubbling hot springs, rolling hills and an impressive 18 lakes – I immediately felt a level of serenity you can only experience when you leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney.
Visitors may notice the subtle smell of hydrogen sulphide, which comes from the geothermal activity in the area and adds to the unique experience.
The next day, no time was wasted in checking out the new Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
A slice of paradise nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki is no ordinary spa.
It offers a number of thermal pools, a geothermal mud lounge, as well as massages and other treatments – so word of warning, you may never want to leave.
Wai Ariki is also one of only a handful of indigenous-owned spas in the world – combining restorative geothermal waters with the centuries-old legacy of local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whakaue culture.
Visitors will notice the culture reflected in the beautiful design of the building as well as the various wellness treatments, allowing you to connect to Aotearoa and its people.
I’m clearly not the only person who has stumbled upon the oasis.
Aquaman star Jason Momoa recently enjoyed a soak in Wai Ariki’s pools and returned again when he was officially named an Honorary Citizen of Rotorua in November.
Inside the spa
For first-time visitors like myself, the Restorative Journey experience is an absolute must and will have you soaking in heavenly thermal pools and basking in a series of saunas.
The even better news?
The experience is completely self-guided, meaning you get to tailor the experience to exactly what your body needs.
Visitors can choose from a two-hour $175 cultural wellness experience or a three-hour Restorative Journey experience including one hour of soaking in a private pool for $450.
First up, you begin in the Waterfall Showers (Te Iringa) – which are just as refreshing as they sound – and will see you walk through a series of soft streams to start the journey.
Then it’s time for the fire and ice caves (Te Ahi Tupu), inspired by the origin story of Ngātoroirangi, a famous tohunga and navigator who brought geothermal springs to the region.
Here, you make your way through different saunas, all ranging in temperature, where you can feel your body unwind and the stress melt away. In between, you cool your body down in a walk-though pool and (if you’re feeling brave like me) a cold water bucket.
The tantalising mix between hold and cold wakes up senses and will have you feeling rejuvenated (and slightly smug for pulling a bucket of cold water over your head).
Then it’s time to make your way outside to soak in all the benefits of the thermal pools (Te Taiwhanga Matua).
Take your pick from a number of pools, including 12 degree ice plunge pool and the hot geo pool, which ranges from 40-41 degrees.
Then let your body float as you and gaze out to the beautiful New Zealand horizon and remind yourself you’re not actually dreaming.
My favourite was the herbal pool where you can soak in 38 to 39 degree water while plants hang over head.
The best feature? The pool features bags of native tea leaves with medicinal effects – so it’s perfect for tea lovers like myself who have ever wondered what it would be like to soak in a giant cup of tea.
After your soak, peel yourself away to the mud lounge (Te Pae Paru). Here, I could live out my spa drams and smother myself in locally sourced geothermal mud to nourish to the skin and connect with the land.
Then it’s onto the steam room (Kohu Wai Ariki) – a final moment of relaxation before you rinse off in the showers and take a brief moment to connect with the cute and close out the experience.
Of course it doesn’t have to end there, I was fortunate enough to experience the Geothermal Mineral Pools and relaxing Stargaze Pool, where you can lie on your back and gaze up at the sky above you.
For those looking to bath in the mineral-rich therapeutic waters, a 60 minute session costs $99.
And because no spa experience is complete without a massage, I couldn’t leave without trying the 60-minute muscle focus massage, which costs $275 and is perfect for sore muscles.
As a massage lover, this was hands down one of the most relaxing massages I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, and the first time I felt myself drifting off into a total state of relaxation on the massage table.
By the time it was sadly time to leave, I walked out feeling refreshed, smelling incredible and having learnt more about the beautiful Māori culture.
Thankfully, the relaxation wasn’t over because I was heading back to stay at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua, where my own private outdoor spa was waiting back in my room.
The hotel also features its own spa and pool … just in case you wanted to keep the spa experience going.
Of course, there are other must-see experiences in Rotorua than just spas and hot springs.
Redwoods Nightlights
For a relaxing night-time activity (after a day of spas or other adventuring), the Redwoods Nightlights is a magical way to see the 100-year-old Redwoods Forest.
One of New Zealand’s top tourism experiences, Redwoods Nightlights is self guided 700-metre walk on suspension bridges ranging for six to 20 metres tall, where you can look out at the intricate lights and lanterns which illuminate the forest below.
For us Sydneysiders, think Vivid but among trees and less crowds.
It's great for families or a romantic activity for couples.
In fact, one couple, who were celebrating their honeymoon in Rotorua after tying the knot the week earlier called it a “perfect date night”.
“It’s very pretty and romantic with the lights,” said Janet Quan and David Seng, who added Rotorua was a “very relaxing and easy going” honeymoon spot.
Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua is another absolute must.
Located atop Mt Ngongotaha, the complex has something for everyone, families, thrill seekers, and wine lovers – for which I fall in the latter camp.
After riding the eight-seater Gondola to the top of the complex, you can fly through the sky on the Hyfly Zipline, try out the Skyswing or pretend you’re in Mario Kart and ride down the world’s longest luge tracks.
The attraction is part go kart and part toboggan, and offers five exhilarating tracks to twist and turn your way down.
For my fellow wine lovers, the complex also offers a tasting experience at Volcanic Hill’s Tasting Room, where you can relax and sip on incredible award-winning wines crafted onsite.
Just don’t forget to take a bottle home with you.
To soak up the wine, Stratosfare Restaurant Rotorua is an amazing place to enjoy lunch and while looking out at the panoramic views of Lake Rotorua.
Speaking of views, the Katoa Jet experience is another great way for adventure lovers to see Lake Rotorua and its surrounding landmarks in a view you wouldn’t get on land.
It was great fun learning more about the history of the area from a hilarious guide while travelling up to speeds of 85km/h.
Te Puia, Rotorua Geothermal Park
To experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Rotorua, I recommend visiting Te Puia, located in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley on the south side of Rotorua.
As part of the Te Rā guided experience and Haka combo, you will visit the site New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, watch a cultural performance and feast your eyes on the incredibly impressive and otherworldly Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere which reaches heights of up to 30m.
I returned to see the geysers at night, for an even more impressive viewing experience.
There’s nothing quite like sitting on a heated rock and watching the geothermal wonder come to life under the night sky.
Pig & Whistle Historic Pub
Lastly, what is a holiday without a classic pub dinner?
The Pig & Whistle Historic Pub, the site of Rotorua’s former police station, has some of the most incredible pub food and astonishing portions. Truly, I don’t think I’ve seen a larger single serve of slow-cooked brisket in my life.
No matter if you decide to indulge yourself in food or a spa experience, Rotorua needs to be your next location of a solo trip of weekend away with the girls.
Convincing yourself to leave the warm thermal waters to get on a plane back home will be the only issue.
This journalist travelled to Rotorua as a guest of RotoruaNZ
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