Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)

About This Experience

The Pavilion Pools are Polynesian Spa's bathing area for guests aged 12 and over, from $31 per person on GetYourGuide. You get eight hot pools fed by two springs, a deep stand-up pool and a foot reflexology walk; towels and lockers are extra, so bring your own towel or plan to hire one.

Three pools take slightly acidic water from Priest Spring and sit at 39 to 41°C, the hottest in this area. Three more cascade down a slope with alkaline Rachel Spring water at 38 to 40°C, and a fourth Rachel Spring pool at 40°C looks out over Lake Rotorua. The deep stand-up pool is 1.3 m and held at 38°C, a good spot to stretch out after a long drive. Between pools, the reflexology walk is a stone path for bare feet.

This ticket suits adults and teenagers who want plenty of hot water for a modest price and do not need extras. It has more pools than the Deluxe Lake Spa, but no cold plunge, no heated recliners and no included towels; one reviewer misses a cold pool, another found the one-use locker fee steep. In 442 GetYourGuide reviews, the most of any Polynesian Spa ticket on this site, guests rate it 4.4, singling out the clean facility, the range of temperatures and the lake views at night.

The spa stays open until 11pm, with last entry at 10pm, so the Pavilion Pools work well as a late soak after a day of sightseeing. Children under 12 are not admitted; families with younger kids should look at the Deluxe Lake Spa or the Family Pools. If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, check with your doctor before you book.

Highlights

• Eight geothermal hot pools for guests aged 12 and over at Polynesian Spa
• Three Priest Spring acidic pools at 39 to 41°C and three cascading Rachel Spring alkaline pools at 38 to 40°C
• Deep 1.3 m stand-up pool at 38°C for stretching and gentle movement
• Rachel Spring pool at 40°C looking out over Lake Rotorua
• Stone foot reflexology walk between the pools
• Open until 11pm, with last entry at 10pm, for a late soak under the stars

What's Included

• ✓ Entry to the Pavilion Pools at Polynesian Spa (ages 12+)
• ✓ Three Priest Spring acidic mineral hot pools at 39 to 41°C
• ✓ Three cascading Rachel Spring alkaline mineral hot pools at 38 to 40°C
• ✓ Deep Rachel Spring alkaline stand-up pool at 38°C
• ✓ Rachel Spring alkaline mineral hot pool overlooking Lake Rotorua at 40°C
• ✓ Foot reflexology walk
• ✓ Changing rooms with private cubicles and free storage tubs

Not Included

• Lockers (available to hire on site)
• Towels (available to hire on site)
• Swimsuits and swim shorts (available to hire on site)
• Deluxe Lake Spa, private pools and other bathing areas
• Transport to and from the spa

What to Bring

• Swimwear made for swimming (no cotton, denim, leggings or underwear)
• Your own towel, or budget to hire one
• Flip-flops
• Reusable water bottle
• A dry change of clothes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Ages 12 and over only; younger children can use the Deluxe Lake Spa or the Family Pools instead.
• Polynesian Spa is open every day, 9am to 11pm; last pool entry is 10pm and guests are asked to leave the pools from 10:40pm.
• Towels, lockers and swimwear are not included but can be hired on site; free storage tubs are provided if you do not need a locked locker.
• Remove jewelry before you soak: the mineral water can tarnish silver and some gold.
• Spend no more than about 15 minutes at a time in the hotter pools and drink plenty of water. Alcohol, glass, smoking, vaping, jumping and diving are not allowed.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users.
• 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 Pavilion Pools are inside the main complex.