Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool

About This Experience

The Family Pools are Polynesian Spa's area for children: a heated freshwater pool with a small hydroslide, plus two mineral hot pools where parents can soak and still keep an eye on the kids, from $19 per person on GetYourGuide. There is no time limit on the day, lifeguards supervise the swimming pool, and children under 5 go free.

The freshwater pool is chlorinated and heated to 33°C, with shallow and deeper sections, so non-swimmers and confident swimmers can both use it. The slide drops into the same pool. Alongside it, two pools take alkaline water from Rachel Spring, one at 37°C for a mild soak and one at 40°C. Changing rooms and showers are included; towels and swimwear can be hired and lockers rented.

This ticket suits families with younger children who want a safe, lively pool day in Rotorua, and parents who would like a hot soak without leaving the kids' side. It is noisier than the adult areas, and the setting is more swimming-baths than lakeside rock pool. In 24 GetYourGuide reviews (4.5 average) grandparents and parents praise the slide and the lifeguards; one Canadian family found the area dated and worn and had to keep a parent in the kids' pool at all times, and another visitor felt it was small for a baby compared with the Deluxe Lake Spa.

Plan around the rules. Children under 12 must be with a caregiver, under-8s must be actively supervised by someone 16 or over, and infants need swim nappies. At busy times there can be a 30 to 60 minute wait to enter because of capacity limits, so the on-site 88Ra Café is handy. If your children are 12 or over, the Pavilion Pools or the all-ages Deluxe Lake Spa give you the lakeside geothermal pools instead.

Highlights

• Large freshwater pool heated to 33°C, with shallow and deeper ends for swimmers of all levels
• Small hydroslide into the pool for children
• Two Rachel Spring alkaline mineral pools at 37°C and 40°C, with a view of the kids' pool
• Lifeguards supervise the swimming pool
• Children under 5 go free
• Unlimited bathing time on the day you book

What's Included

• ✓ Day admission to the Family Pools at Polynesian Spa
• ✓ Heated freshwater swimming pool (33°C) with a small hydroslide
• ✓ Two Rachel Spring alkaline mineral hot pools (37°C and 40°C)
• ✓ Lifeguard-supervised swimming pool
• ✓ Changing rooms and showers

Not Included

• Food and drinks (the on-site 88Ra Café sells meals, smoothies and gelato)
• Towels and swimwear (available to hire)
• Lockers (available to rent)
• Other bathing areas, such as the Deluxe Lake Spa and Pavilion Pools
• Transport to and from the spa

What to Bring

• Swimwear for everyone (no cotton, denim or leggings)
• Swim nappies for infants (also sold on site)
• Towels, or budget to hire them
• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• Booking times are indicative: at peak times there may be a 30 to 60 minute wait to get into the pools because of capacity limits.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver, and under-8s must be actively supervised by an adult aged 16 or over.
• Infants and children under 5 enter free but must wear swim nappies, which are sold on site.
• The freshwater pool is chlorinated; the two hot pools use Rachel Spring mineral water.
• Polynesian Spa is open every day, 9am to 11pm; last pool entry is 10pm.
• Pregnant travelers and anyone with a heart condition should check with a doctor before bathing in the hot pools.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.

Meeting Point

Make your own way to Polynesian Spa at 1000 Hinemoa Street on the Rotorua lakefront; the Family Pools are part of the main complex.