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Wai Ariki Rotorua: We try NZ’s new mindblowing spa

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Brook Sabin and Radha Engling are on a six-week Stuff Travel Maui motorhome trip around New Zealand, looking for the best things to do this summer.

After journeying through an ice cave, sauna, hot pools and mud spa — I felt new again.

Rotorua is already known as the spa capital of New Zealand. But the competition has heated up even further with the opening of the new ultra-luxury Wai Ariki.

The $60 million luxury hot springs and spa — which opened last year — is unlike anything in New Zealand.

Guests follow a “transformative journey” that follows the traditional healing techniques of Ngāti Whakaue - the local iwi behind the venture.

You have five geothermal and therapy pools to unwind in during your journey.
You have five geothermal and therapy pools to unwind in during your journey.

The two-hour experience begins with Te Iringa, a hot and cold waterfall experience, before moving to the Tongariro Fire and Ice Caves.

After that, there’s a series of geothermal pools to unwind in, before heading to the geothermal mud lounge. The final stage is a Kohu Wai Ariki, which is a spectacular circular steam room.

The herbal pool is infused with botanicals.
The herbal pool is infused with botanicals.

Watch the video above for Brook Sabin’s experience, as he travels around New Zealand this summer in a Maui motorhome.

Fact file:

Brook Sabin and Radha Engling are travelling New Zealand in a Maui Cascade motorhome
Brook Sabin and Radha Engling are travelling New Zealand in a Maui Cascade motorhome

A 120-minute bathing experience starts from $155. See: wai-ariki.co.nz

Brook and Radha stayed at Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park.
Brook and Radha stayed at Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park.

The author’s trip was supported by RotoruaNZ. To plan your Rotorua holiday, head to: rotoruanz.com

BE IN TO WIN a 7-day holiday in a Maui motorhome to travel anywhere in New Zealand! Head to stuff.co.nz/roadtrip to enter. And if you spot Brook and Radha on the road, ask them for the password to get a second entry into the competition.

Brook and Radha’s nationwide road trip is supported by Maui Motorhomes. To book your dream camper holiday, head to: maui-rentals.com. Thanks to Top 10 Holiday Parks Group for their support.