Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury spa and wellness centre. It will be proudly managed by Belgravia Leisure and is set to open on Rotorua’s lakefront in early 2022.

Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa will deliver health and wellness experiences infused with authentic Te Arawa and Māori culture, to create a rejuvenating experience to remember and share.

With Māori culture at its heart, the development draws on the 650 year legacy of the local Maori tribe, Ngāti Whakaue’s and Rotorua’s famed spa heritage.

Its name, Wai Ariki or “chiefly waters”, is a reminder of the origin of Rotorua’s healing thermal waters, which have drawn visitors to the city for more than 130 years.

Wai Ariki’s unique features combine with therapeutic mineral waters to deliver a world class bathing, spa and wellness facility that provides a place to relax, sustain and heal.

Cultural Connections

Highlighting the essence of Rotorua and its people, past and present, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has Te Arawa and Māori culture at its heart, with the 650-year history of Ngāti Whakaue and Rotorua’s historical spa legacy forming an intrinsic part of its name and brand.

The name Wai Ariki means “chiefly waters”, and is a reminder of the origin of Rotorua’s thermal waters, which were called to Aotearoa by Ngatoroirangi. 

Pukeroa Oruawhata trustee and kaumatua, Monty Morrison says the cultural authenticity of the spa development has been a critical element, and local Ngāti Whakaue representatives have been heavily involved in the concept development.

“We want to respect and acknowledge our tupuna, and ensure the branding, concept and wider development tells the stories of Ngāti Whakaue.”

The teams at Belgravia Leisure and BelgraviaPRO are eagerly anticipating the opening of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in 2022. Watch this space as we share more exciting news about Wai Arikie’s grand opening in the coming months!