Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa named the Best New Spa at the 2023 Spa and Wellness Awards

Just four months after opening, Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has been crowned the Best New Spa for 2023 at the 2023 Spa & Wellness Awards.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the Asia Pacific spa and wellness industries.

David Tapsell, Chair of Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Limited, says the team is thrilled to be named the Best New Spa for 2023, commenting “Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is uniquely built on the legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing practices and manaakitanga - the concept of welcoming manuhiri (visitors) - and this allows Wai Ariki to stand out from the rest.

“We have only been open since June but Wai Ariki has been many years in the making. This award is a tribute to the effort of everyone who has been involved in this time and is a testament to our unwavering dedication to local culture, innovation and our overall customer experience at this world class venue.”

Kris Abbey, Editor in Chief, Spa & Wellness and founder of the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards, says quality, sustainability, innovation and originality are the fundamental criteria of the awards, which are judged by leading spa consultants and wellness experts.

She noted “it’s important to recognise and praise the trailblazers of today who push the boundaries and set the bar high in their respective fields.

“This includes the people, properties, spas, skincare and wellness brands that constantly commit to making experiences better for all.”

Sited on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa offers a unique blend of culture, relaxation and natural wonders.

It is inspired and owned by local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, Waik Ariki features two main spa areas, the Wai Whakaora (Restorative Journey) and the exclusive Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary). Both are places of peace and tranquility, founded on te ao Māori values, traditions and culture and are unique not only in Aotearoa, New Zealand, but also around the world.

A selection of the heated pools contains natural, geothermally heated water drawn directly from the Rachel Spring, that contains numerous beneficial minerals.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is the cover story in the latest issue of Australasian Leisure Management magazine. Click here to subscribe and view the article.

Images: Mineral bathing in the Sanctuary at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa (top), the retreats is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua (middle) and a revitalising spa massage experience at the facility (below). Credit: Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.