Polynesian Spa
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Relax, recharge and reset at Polynesian Spa - Rotorua's original lakefront geothermal spa. Meditation, yoga and wellness days or weekends are offered on site.
Soak in alkaline and acidic mineral waters, enjoy private pools and therapies, and discover the magic of bathing since the 1800s. Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading international day spa, providing a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. In a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot spring pool bathing, sumptuous spa and massage therapies, retail therapy and delicious food from the on-site cafe. We invite you to experience this World Top Ten Spa , as voted by readers of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller magazine many times over. HISTORY OF POLYNESIAN SPA
Polynesian Spa is a mineral spring spa that has been privately owned and operated by the Lobb family for fifty years. Prior to that time, the New Zealand Government, through its Tourist Department, operated three mineral bathing facilities starting with the Pavillion Bathhouse in the 1880s, with the last being the Ward Baths, opened in 1931 and eventually closed in 1971. Polynesian Spa (Polynesian Pools back then) along with their investment partners Rangatira Investments Ltd, began a series of re-developments transforming the old, government-owned bath-houses into a modern commercial spa, with developments continuing today. Today, Polynesian Spa offers hot mineral bathing in 28 bathing pools including both public and private pools, family pools and a luxury day spa retreat. There is also a contemporary cafe on site - 88Ra, and a Spa Essentials Gift shop which sells high quality spa and signature geothermal mud products. The day spa has been voted a World Top 10 Spa by the Conde Nast Traveller many times over. The complex retains a significant remindersof it’s past history with several of the pools and buildings being survivors of the 1931 Ward Baths and declared protected heritage sites. WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THE HOT SPRINGS ON SITE? Polynesian Spa has access to two types of mineral water; one alkaline and one acidic which is a unique point of difference. Local Māori acclaimed the therapeutic benefits of the water and bathed for centuries in the acidic pool 'Te Pupunitanga', now called the Priest’s Bath. European thermal bathing history at Polynesian Spa began in 1878 when a Catholic Priest named Father Mahoney bathed regularly in the thermal spring water of hand dug pools on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Over several months his arthritis was greatly alleviated, initiating an international reputation for the therapeutic properties of the hot mineral springs. Many thousands of visitors to the spa have attested to the remedial effect the hot mineral waters have on muscular complaints, arthritis and rheumatism. The natural hot spring of alkaline water originally known by the Arawa people as Whangapipiro or Whangapapiro was later re-named Rachel Spring and is the source of our alkaline spring water. This goethermal source can be viewed and is found 100m down the road from us in the Government Gardens. These alkaline waters rich in sodium silicates have a soothing and antiseptic effect on the skin. Bathing areas feature both of these waters for total rejuvenation. Polynesian Spa hosts clients from all around the world.
School holiday plans? Consider them sorted.
Warm water, happy kids, relaxed parents. Everybody wins. 😁
16/09/2026
Spring is here, and we're taking it as our cue to shake off the winter cobwebs and step into the new season feeling refreshed. 🌸
And if you're due a proper reset, why stop at one soak?
Our Double Dipper packages let you combine two Polynesian Spa experiences in one visit, from private pools with lake views to the Deluxe Lake Spa and our historic Pavilion Pools.
Pick the combination that suits you, settle in, and make a little more time for yourself this spring. 💙
Check out the options: https://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/bathing/
14/09/2026
Turns out, slowing down is kinda chic. 😌
And if it involves geothermal waters, a fluffy robe, and nowhere else to be? Even better.
Consider this your sign to make relaxation fashionable again.
Absolutely fabulous product. Come try it out in our Spa Essentials Shop.
10/09/2026
Nothing makes us happier than sending you back into the world feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and a little more relaxed. 💙
Thank you for the lovely words!
07/09/2026
Consider this your sign to upgrade your self-care routine. 💆♂️
Our Therapy of the Month, Pure Fiji Man Exfoliate & Elevate, is a head-to-toe reset designed to buff away dullness, soothe tired muscles, and leave you feeling completely recharged.
Your experience includes:
🌊 60-minute soak in the Deluxe Lake Spa before your treatment
✨ Full-body exfoliation with raw cane sugar and nutrient-rich oils
💆 Relaxing back and arm massage
🥥 Pure Fiji Man body moisturiser to leave skin feeling smooth and deeply nourished
🍋 Herbal teas, lemon water & freshly pressed juice or smoothie
😌 Time to unwind in the relaxation lounge
Good skin, relaxed muscles, quieter mind. We call that time well spent.
03/09/2026
Warning: Compliments on your skin may increase dramatically 😉
Our Timeless Facial combines nourishing skincare with soothing massage techniques to help you completely switch off.
Featuring Skin Deep favourites like the Manuka Honey Mask with Active UMF 12+ or Pure Source Mud Mask, along with honey-enriched moisturisers and a refreshing facial mist, every step is designed to leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and beautifully refreshed.
Your experience also includes a complimentary soak in the Deluxe Lake Spa before your treatment, followed by time to unwind in the relaxation lounge.
Book your Timeless Facial: https://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/retreat/timeless-facial/
02/09/2026
A huge congratulations to the Lakes FC Women's Football Team on winning the Waikato Bay of Plenty W-League!
We’re proud to sponsor this talented group of wāhine and support women’s football in our region. An outstanding achievement and a fantastic result for the whole team.
Well deserved, champions!🏆⚽
31/08/2026
With 28 geothermal pools to choose from, where do you start?
It all depends on what your body needs.
💧 Looking to soothe tired muscles? Head for the Priest Spring pools. Naturally rich in sulphate minerals, these highly acidic waters have long been valued for helping to ease joint aches and tired muscles.
✨ After softer, nourished skin? Rachel Spring's alkaline waters are naturally rich in sodium silicate, a mineral known for leaving skin feeling beautifully soft and refreshed.
Whichever pool you choose, you'll be soaking in the natural benefits of Rotorua's geothermal waters.
Or better yet... try both. 💙
Some sounds are better experienced in person. 💙
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Address
1000 Hinemoa Street
Rotorua
3010
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 11pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 11pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 11pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 11pm |
| Friday | 9am - 11pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 11pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 11pm |