Frequently Asked Questions

Wai Ariki is open every day except Christmas Day.

Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora)

• Pools: 9am – 10:30pm (Latest arrival 8:45pm)
• Private Pools: 9am – 9pm (Latest arrival 8pm)

Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) 

• Pools: 9am – 9pm (Latest Arrival 7:30pm)
• Spa Treatments: 10am - 7:30pm

Café

• Daily: 9am – 8pm

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is great in all seasons. We have warm geothermal pools for cooler days, and cold plunge pools for those warmer days. Some areas are covered but open, and air temperature varies according to seasons. Other areas are temperature controlled.

Please wear attire that makes you feel comfortable.

Waterproof footwear, such as thongs or sandals, is highly recommended throughout the springs and wet areas. Please note, footwear and a shirt are required to enter the café.

We suggest you do not wear jewellery in the springs as the minerals may cause tarnishing.

Due to the high mineral content of the water, this may cause discolouration of some swimwear. We highly recommend basic swimwear only. 

We highly recommend that you remove all jewellery before entering the pools as mineral water will tarnish silver jewellery and some gold. In such cases, you can clean it, or a jeweller will be able to assist you.

All individuals must wear proper swimming attire at all times which includes inside the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) Pools and/or other bathing experiences.

Clothing such as t-shirts and other absorbent materials e.g., cotton, are not permitted. They carry the potential to transport air and waterborne contaminants and/or their fibres can obstruct the pool filters.

Upon arrival and once checked in, you will proceed to the changing rooms to change into your swimwear.

Lockers and slippers are recommended and can be hired, as well as towels and bathrobes. For Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) experiences, these items are included.

If you have booked a Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) spa treatment, please change out of your wet swimwear and into the disposable underwear, robe and slippers provided, in the spa change rooms before entering the spa lounge area.

Please note that your confirmation email will clearly state an arrival time. This is when your Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa experience begins, and we recommend that you arrive at that designated time.

We have allowed plenty of time for you to enjoy our geothermal springs but if you have booked a spa treatment, please allow 15 minutes to change and relax. On arrival our spa receptionist will invite you into the lounge and ask you to complete a consultation form if you haven’t already done so. Your therapist will then discuss your treatment within the privacy of your spa suite.

Yes, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is suitable for adults 16yrs + only.

In the Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) we have private geothermal baths which can accommodate 1-2 people maximum for each session.

In the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) we have private pools for 2-4 people maximum, along with our private mud baths for 1-2 people.

Private use of any area can be arranged with our concierge as a group booking.

Your mobile phone can be used to read our QR codes and guide you through your journey throughout the venue.

Should you wish to take photos, for the courtesy and privacy for all our guests, we advise that you only include you and/or other members of your party inside the photo frames. Please ensure discretion.

Yes, please ask at reception.

To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you book in advance and include all members of your party in your booking.

Depending on availability, we may accommodate guests who have not booked in advance, but this is not guaranteed. Upon arrival our reception team will advise you of what experiences are available at the time.

A 100% charge will apply for all the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) and Spa Experience bookings cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice. Please contact us directly as soon as possible to avoid the late cancellation fee.

Please contact our reservations team for assistance.

You will receive an email confirmation once your booking has been made. For Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) guests, your experience includes complimentary use of a towel, robe, slippers, and a locker. These items are an additional cost for general admission Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) users.

Please review all inclusions, as per your reservation. If you need to make amendments, please contact our reservations team.

Gift Certificates can be purchased online here or over the phone.

Gift Certificates can be redeemed online or over the phone. If your purchase exceeds the gift card’s balance, you can pay the difference at the time of booking via a credit card. See Terms and Conditions.

Yes, Gift Certificates can be re-gifted. If a booking has been made, please call our reservations team to modify the booking. Identification may be required.

Gift Certificates cannot be extended beyond the validity date.

Consumption of any external Food and/or Beverages of any kind are not permitted. No such items can be brought into the premises or taken into the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) or Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai).

Packages and food may be ordered in advance or upon arrival from our Café.

We will certainly aim to cater to your dietary requirements and preferences. Please advise us at the time of booking and we will attempt to provide a suitable solution.

We have mobility accessible parking, change rooms and toilets.

Our Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) pools and Private Pools are accessible, and some pools offer hoists. Some of our experiences are not accessible due to the nature of the feature. Please contact our reservations team for more details.

Yes. Our reservations team can recommend the most safe and appropriate experiences in accordance with your health conditions.

If you have booked a Spa Treatment experience, upon arrival at the Sanctuary (Āhuru Mōwai) you will complete a spa consultation form. Your dedicated spa therapist will discuss this with you prior to your treatment.

Your wellbeing is our priority. We do not recommend bathing in the geothermal springs during pregnancy.

Saunas are not recommended. You may enjoy dipping your feet in the springs, but fully immersing your body may raise your body temperature, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Certain spa treatments are not recommended during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. However, there are several suitable treatments. Please call our reservation team to discuss suitable options.

We can recommend private bathing experiences whereby the water temperatures can be safely lowered for your safety and enjoyment.

Should you wish to proceed with use of the springs, you will be required to sign a liability waiver form.

To maintain the highest standards of health and safety, regular maintenance is carried out each day. From time to time some facilities may be temporarily unavailable. We always try to minimise disruption.

We will offer luxury villa style accommodation in the near future. In the meantime, we recommend a number of hotels close by.