If you want to totally chill out and relax in the thermal waters which Rotorua is famous for, Polynesian Spa would be a good place to start.
Overlooking Lake Rotorua, Polynesian Spa has a huge variety of hot mineral spring pools, as well as tempting spa therapies at the Lake Spa Retreat.
All spa therapies include deluxe thermal bathing, and there is an enticing range of hydro and dry relaxation spa therapies available.
There are 26 hot mineral spring pools to choose from in four areas – deluxe, adult-only, private or family pools. There is also one large freshwater chlorinated family pool.
The Lake Spa is Polynesian Spa’s deluxe bathing and relaxation area. Four shallow hot mineral rock pools vary in temperature from 36 degrees to 42 degrees. The pools have a stunning view over Lake Rotorua, and are surrounded by native New Zealand fauna, a waterfall and a grotto.
The adult-only area has seven hot mineral spring pools, six with views of Lake Rotorua. Three of the pools range in temperature from 36 to 40 degrees, with water flowing from one pool to the next. There is one large deeper pool at 38 degrees.
And the three remaining Priest Spa pools range in temperature from 39 to 42 degrees, and contain Radium hot spring water, known for its therapeutic properties.
There are 13 private hot mineral rock pools. Four of these have panoramic views over Lake Rotorua. The other nine are new standard pools, and all are controlled at 39 degrees.
And I have to say after lazing around in the pools on a sunny afternoon, I definitely left the Polynesian Spa with a feeling of pure relaxation.
Many who’ve gone before me would agree. It’s quite interesting to know that in 1878, a Catholic priest called Father Mahoney bathed regularly in the thermal spring water where Polynesian Spa is now located. Over several months his arthritis greatly improved, initiating an international reputation for the therapeutic properties of the hot mineral spring water.
The 125 year history of thermal bathing at Polynesian Spa began with the opening of the first bath house on the site – the Pavilion Bath House in 1882 – followed by the Ward Baths in 1931. In 1972, the government of the day leased the Ward Baths to Polynesian Pools Ltd, and the spa is now known as Polynesian Spa.
Polynesian Spa can be found at the Lakefront, Hinemoa Street, Rotorua.
It is open from 8am until 11pm daily (last pool entry 10.15pm). Spa therapies are available from 9am until 8pm daily.
