Polynesian Spa
A century-old lakeside bathhouse in Rotorua with two mineral springs, the alkaline Priest spring and the acidic Rachel spring, and 26 pools, with lake-view adult areas separated from family areas.
Polynesian Spa sits on the lakeshore just east of central Rotorua, beside the Government Gardens. A bathhouse has stood here since 1882, and it opened under its current name in 1972. It has repeatedly been rated among the world's top ten hot springs. The waters come from two natural springs: the alkaline Priest spring, named after a priest who was cured of arthritis after bathing in it in 1878 (water temperature about 39–42°C, soothing for muscles), and the acidic Rachel spring, rich in silica, which leaves skin smooth. The 26 pools are divided into zones. The Deluxe Lake Spa is for adults, with five rock pools facing Lake Rotorua and Sulphur Bay. It is the most recommended, at about NZ$40–50. Pavilion Pools is a general adult area at about NZ$30. Family Spa has a warm swimming pool and slides and suits children. Private pools can be booked for exclusive use at about NZ$25–30 per person per 30 minutes. The Lake Spa offers mud wraps and massage at about NZ$150–250. Facilities include lockers, showers, towel hire and a café. In the lake zone, you can watch the sunset and the black swans on the lake in the evening. Getting there: it is a 10-minute walk from the city centre, next to the Eat Streat dining strip. Notes: drink plenty of water before and after soaking, and stay in each pool no longer than 15 minutes. Remove all silver jewellery and watches, since sulphur will tarnish them. Keep pool water out of your eyes. The lake zone is for ages 14 and over. Weekend evenings are busy, so book time slots online. Swimwear can be brought or hired.
Opening hours
08:00–23:00
Nearby sights
- Government Gardens & Rotorua Museum
- Eat Streat
- Ohinemutu & St Faith's Church
- Kuirau Park
- Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
- The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
- Te Puia (Whakarewarewa)
- Skyline Rotorua