New Year, New Beginnings - Relax & Rejuvenate in Rotorua
By Rachel Pinder
After surviving the excesses of the festive season, with all those extra indulgences – from the many mince pies and office parties to the endless fingerfood and creamy pavlovas, you might be feeling a bit sluggish. So a visit to Rotorua could be just the thing to rejuvenate your flagging spirits. We’ve put together some great relaxing attractions in the Sulphur City that are guaranteed to smooth away those daily stresses and leave you feeling completely invigorated.
Five Ways to Unwind
1) Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa
Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa is New Zealand's only geothermal mud bath and spa facility. Located in the heart of an active thermal reserve. Hells Gate’s three baths can cater for up to nine people. Each mud bath is surrounded by native manuka trees and contains up to 100kg of geothermal mud. The mud and the sulphurous geothermal water opens pores, allowing the ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat the skin.
2) Polynesian Spa
Arguably one of the best-known Rotorua spa attractions, Polynesian Spa provides a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. With a fusion of hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque lake views, it’s no wonder Polynesian Spa has been voted a World Top 10 Spa (medical and thermal) by Conde Nast Traveller magazine from 2004-2007.
3) Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
A 25-minute drive from the city centre, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is the place to experience the living waters of Te Manaroa Spring, New Zealand’s largest single source of boiling water. The complex was established in 1972 and sports a splash pool, a sit and soak pool, a tranquil garden pool and four private pools where bathers can control the temperature.
4) Spa at QE
In the heart of Rotorua, you can relax in thermal mineral pool and nourishing liquid mud baths, and enjoy the latest spa treatments including Watsu and Lithos therapies. Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water, while Lithos (Greek for rock) uses heated and chilled rocks to enhance the benefits of massage. Also on offer are foot massages, body wraps and scrubs, deluxe facials and the popular Aix (aches) treatment, which combines massage with jets of thermal water.
5) Volcanic Air Safaris - Scenic Floatplane Flight
While you’re relaxing in Rotorua, why not lift your spirits with a stunning aerial vista of Mount Tarawera and the steam-wreathed Waimangu Volcanic Valley? Mount Tarawera erupted back in 1886, destroying the famous Pink and White Terraces and creating a massive 8km long volcanic rift along its summit. Volcanic Air Safaris will fly you over some of the region’s highlights for magnificent bird’s-eye views of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua’s famous Blue and Green Lakes and the geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.
Useful information
Order your free copies of Jasons Central and Eastern North Island RoutePlanner
Images courtesy of Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing, Volcanic Air Safaris and Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa
