Rotorua’s iwi-owned wellness destination, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa has been recognised on the global stage after winning both Oceania’s Best Day Spa and New Zealand’s Best Day Spa at the 2026 World Spa Awards.
The prestigious awards celebrate excellence across the international spa and wellness industry, placing Wai Ariki among the world’s leading wellness destinations.
For General Manager Debbie Robertson, the recognition reflects the power of combining world-class wellness with the culture, traditions and stories of Ngāti Whakaue.
“Wai Ariki offers an experience that is not only unique to Aotearoa but also to Rotorua. It brings together natural elements, cultural storytelling and luxury wellness in a way that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” she said.
“Recognition like this is an important step in sharing the beauty, strength and richness of our Māori culture with visitors from around the globe.”
A cultural wellness experience grounded in place
At the heart of the Wai Ariki experience is the Restorative Journey, a two-hour cultural wellness experience that combines geothermal heat, water, mud and steam with cultural storytelling and indigenous knowledge.
Guided through seven immersive stages, guests are invited to reconnect with their mauri and restore balance to their wairua, creating an experience that is deeply connected to the history, culture and natural environment of Rotorua.
Recognition for a world-class team
The awards represent a significant milestone for Wai Ariki, acknowledging the passion, care and expertise of the team behind every guest experience.
The recognition also highlights the growing global interest in authentic indigenous wellness experiences and reinforces Wai Ariki’s position as a leading wellness destination in New Zealand and Oceania.
To learn more, visit the Wai Ariki website here.
Key facts:
- Rotorua-based New Zealand wellness destination Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa has been named Oceania’s Best Day Spa and New Zealand’s Best Day Spa at the 2026 World Spa Awards
- The World Spa Awards recognise excellence across the global spa and wellness industry
- Wai Ariki is an iwi-owned wellness destination that shares the culture, stories and traditions of Ngāti Whakaue
- The spa’s signature Restorative Journey is a two-hour cultural wellness experience combining geothermal heat, water, mud and steam with cultural storytelling and indigenous knowledge
- Guests are guided through seven immersive stages designed to reconnect them with their mauri (life force) and restore balance to their wairua (spirit)
- The recognition reinforces Wai Ariki’s position as one of the leading cultural wellness destinations in New Zealand and Oceania.
