Polynesian Spa Story
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa has often been described as New Zealand’s leading international spa, providing visitors with a unique thermal spa experience on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
After undergoing a major eighteen-month and $4.5 million redevelopment in 2006/07, Polynesian Spa was this year voted for the 5th time, amongst the top ten spas in the world by readers of the prestigious UK Condé Nast Traveller magazine (medical/thermal/natural spas category). Polynesian Spa was the only thermal spa outside Europe to feature in the top ten.
History
Polynesian Spa is also one of the oldest spas in New Zealand. Its history dates back to the days before our first international tourist visitors. Locals and travellers from around the country would journey to the central north island town of Rotorua to ‘take the waters’ of the hot pools.
There has been a bath house at Polynesian Spa for close to 130 years, ever since the rheumatism-wracked Catholic priest, Father Mahoney first soaked in his hand-excavated pool. Before that, local Maori acclaimed the therapeutic benefits of the water and bathed for centuries in the acidic pool Te Pupunitanga, later renamed the Priest’s Bath.
The Pavilion Bath House opened on the site and in 1931 the Ward Baths were opened. The Ward baths have been under lease from the government since 1972 and the operation is now known as Polynesian Spa.
Today there are a huge variety of bathing options available to visitors with 26 hot mineral spring pools ranging in temperature from 36˚C to 42˚C. There are deluxe, adult-only, private and family pools and also one large freshwater chlorinated family pool.
Protected History
Managing Director Martin Lobb says “The Spa is protected under the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and every development we do here is approved by the trust. We have carefully maintained existing features from the 1930’s and added new pools and buildings in sympathy with the historical site.” The result is completely New Zealand, and a wonderful restful experience.
Lake Spa Pools
Step into the clear soothing thermal waters of the deluxe Lake Spa, and become immersed in an environment of beauty and tranquillity. Overlooking Lake Rotorua, and surrounded by native flora, each of the Lake Spa’s four shallow hot mineral rock pools featured has a special characteristic and temperature to suit individual requirements. Temperatures vary from 36˚C to 42˚C.
A waterfall, a grotto and quality locker rooms with amenities, further enhance the luxurious mood of this serene area. Following your exclusive bathing experience, step into the relaxation lounge to enjoy healthy light cuisine or a glass of wine while looking out over the lake.
Lake Spa Retreat
For visitors with time to completely unwind and relax, the Lake Spa Retreat, set amid native New Zealand flora and with views of Lake Rotorua, offers an enticing array of sumptuous spa therapies and hydro spa therapies. There are eight therapy rooms and three relaxation areas.
Using natural New Zealand products in the therapies such as Rotorua thermal mud, manuka honey, kiwifruit and lavender, visitors are delivered into relaxation heaven. A signature treatment is the famed Aix spa water massage that has been available at Polynesian Spa for over thirty years.
Guests are encouraged to arrive one hour prior to their spa therapy appointment time to enjoy a soak in the deluxe thermal pools and enjoy the peaceful postcard views of Lake Rotorua. Bathing in the deluxe Lake Spa is an integral part of every spa therapy. Spa therapy bookings are essential.
Adult Pools and Priest Spa
This part of the complex contains seven pools and is restricted to adults only. Three pools are named the Priest Spa Pools, after one of the earliest visitors, catholic priest Father Mahoney.
Father Mahoney regularly bathed in the thermal water and commended its benefits for his arthritis. The acidic therapeutic water comes from the Radium hot spring and ranges from 39˚C to 42˚C.
Also in the adult area are three alkaline pools ranging from 36˚C to 39˚C and a larger, deeper alkaline pool at 39˚C.
Private Hot Pools
For a more secluded experience, try one of 13 hot mineral alkaline rock pools that are well suited to couples. Four of these pools have views of Lake Rotorua and the temperature is set at 39˚C. Each pool has its own heated changing room and shower.
Family Spa Pools
A large freshwater chlorinated pool (33˚C) provides a toddler’s section, and a small hydro slide. Overlooking this pool are two alkaline pools (37˚C and 40˚C) to enable parents to relax in the soothing thermal water while supervising their children.
Where: Lakefront, Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Open: 8am - 11pm daily
Bookings: Essential
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