The historic Polynesian Spa on the shore of Lake Rotorua has a truly unique location. Not far from this day spa, you can find geysers, bubbling mud pools and other features of the largest geothermal area in the Southern Hemisphere. In Rotorua and at the spa, the odor of sulfur wafts through the air. The spa is centered around two hot springs. In one, the water is acidic, and in the other, the water is alkaline. 

The Radium and Priest Hot Springs are acidic springs which flow from the pumice. The spa can't control the temperature, clarity, or water level of these springs which vary from 33C to 43C (92F to 110F) and are for the use of adults only. Soaks in this water provide relief from aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism and travel weariness. This is where the first "spa" on the site, the Pavilion Bath House, was opened in 1882. Before that, it was undoubtedly used by the Maori.

2004 Update! The Radium and Priest Hot Springs have been replaced by three new pools. Read more about it.

The water which fills the main bathing pools - 17 private pools, four pools of the Lake Spa Retreat, and small Family Spa pools - is a soft alkaline water (containing mostly sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride) which flows from a deep, boiling spring 100 meters from the complex. This water has to be cooled by the addition of public water. The alkaline waters are relaxing and have a very soothing effect on the skin.

Many people come to The Polynesian Spa just to soak in the pools. The price to visit the pools ranges from $10NZ - $25NZ (that was ~$4US - $11US with the exchange rate at the time I visited in March, 2001). The price includes towels, changing rooms, soap, shampoo, vanities, hair dryers, lockers, and relaxation lounge. However, The Polynesian Spa offers much more than the pools alone. It has offered Aix massage for almost 30 years, and on January 19, 2001, The Lake Spa Retreat had its grand opening. This facility has three relaxation lounges and eight therapy rooms - three wet and five dry. Two of the dry treatment rooms have wonderful views of Sulphur Bay. 

According to Lake Spa Retreat Manager, Felicity Turner, the retreat was designed to be quiet - a place for "just you and your soul." A lot of thought went into the details. For example, showers were designed so you don't have to get your hair wet. Spa therapists all have international beauty qualifications and are hired because they have a passion for what they do. The goal of the spa is to provide relaxation and enjoyment. Felicity says that's why they don't offer any painful treatments such as waxing. You can't be relaxed if you are in pain. All spa treatments start with a soak in the alkaline pools. This loosens the muscles so much that deep muscle, shiatsu, and acupressure massages cannot be done or they would leave bruises. Felicity's three year plan for the spa includes the addition of a white mud menu, a full aromatherapy menu, watsu, waterbalancing, pilates, and yoga.

I had an Aix Massage (1/2 hour and includes use of the pools). The name comes from Aix les Bains in France where it originated and it is essentially a massage given under a Vichy Shower. I started in the locker room (one of the areas Felicity plans to redecorate soon) and put on my bathing suit. I had been instructed to soak in the alkaline pools for about a half hour. There was a private pool in the women's area for those who do not wish to use the co-ed pools outside. But the day was beautiful, the sky was blue, and the view hard to beat so out I went. The four pools are in a natural setting among plants and boulders and overlook a bird sanctuary. They get progressively hotter from one to the next. The idea is to spend a few minutes in each starting with the coolest and ending up in the warmest. By the time the half hour was over, I was pretty mellow and relaxed. I headed for the Aix Massage waiting area. Before long, my therapist Shanelle Winiata, came to get me. She was wearing a bathing suit under her robe. We were both about to get very wet. I climbed on the massage table still in my bathing suit. Shanelle covered my head with a towel during the massage to control the splashing on my face from the overhead showerheads. Using warm coconut oil as a massage medium, Shanelle gave me a light, smooth, flowing massage under the jets of warm water. She massaged my back, arms, legs, and upper chest and neck. It was relaxing and refreshing. No wonder it's been around for 30 years! There are private showers in the Aix Massage area. Also back in the locker room, I had my choice of private, open European (standing), or open Japanese (seated) showers. The facility was immaculately clean. According to Felicity, the high alkalinity of the water kills bacteria. Shanelle is Maori. Her great grandmothers were tohunga (spiritual healers). Traditionally Maori healers are chosen by the tribe because they are recognized to be gifted. One does not elect to become a healer. Shanelle has not been chosen to be a healer, but she certainly has a healing touch.

Services Offered at The Lake Spa Retreat

The Lake Spa Retreat uses Dermologica professional skincare product range. 

All treatments and packages involve the use of the mineral springs.

PARTIAL and COMBINATION THERAPIES

SKIN CARE THERAPIES

Two final cautions: 

I stayed at the Waiteti Lakeside Lodge just outside of Rotorua while I was in the area. Waiteti Lakeside Lodge participates in HOME AT FIRST’s program.

If you would like help creating your own tour of New Zealand, HOME AT FIRST can help you plan and arrange all the details. HOME AT FIRST’s  "Welcome Home" program is perfect for the independent traveler who wants to explore New Zealand on his/her own. HOME AT FIRST can help you design a unique itinerary based on your interests (including spas!). HOME AT FIRST packages include: 

Kia Ora!
(Maori greeting meaning Be Well, Be Healthy)

Photos copyright 2001, Julie Register