Rotorua: Private Luxury Geothermal Bath Experience

4.4 (4 verified reviews)

Couple toasting with herbal tea from two side-by-side bathtubs in Wai Ariki's private bath room

Two white single bathtubs in a gray tiled room, each with a wooden caddy, and a tea table between them

Woman and man relaxing in separate bathtubs on either side of a small brass tea table

Close-up of a bath caddy with wooden bowls of salts, a herbal soak bag and soap, beside a carafe of tea

Woman holding a glass of tea while reclining in a bathtub, with a carafe on the table beside her

About This Experience

This is Wai Ariki's private bathing ritual for two: a room of your own with two single geothermal bathtubs, herbal soak bags, bath salts, a mud mask and scrub for each of you, herbal tea, robes and a private shower, from $152 per group of up to two on GetYourGuide. It suits couples or two friends who want a private soak and a slow, hands-on ritual, without sharing a pool with anyone else.

A guide walks you to the Ngāwhā baths, where the two tubs sit side by side in a warm, tiled room with a small table and tea between them. Each tub has a wooden caddy laid out with the ritual's products: a herbal soak bag, herbal soap, bath salts to add to the mineral water, a mud mask and a mud scrub. Wai Ariki describes bathing in the mineral waters of Ngāwhā as an essential part of daily life for its people, and the spa's experiences are guided by the traditions of Ngāti Whakaue.

Because the price covers two people, it costs less per head than it first looks, and you are not paying for pools you will not use. It does not include entry to Wai Ariki's shared pools or the Restorative Journey, and transport and food are extra apart from the tea. The listing has just four GetYourGuide reviews so far (4.4 average); the one written review, from two friends catching up, singles out the warm room, the mud scrub and the choice of three teas.

Wai Ariki's usual rules apply: guests must be 16 or over, and the spa cannot accommodate pregnant guests in any thermal experience. The listing also flags it as unsuitable for anyone with claustrophobia, heart or back problems. The session length is not stated on the listing, so check the time on your booking and arrive early.

Highlights

Private room at Wai Ariki with two single geothermal bathtubs side by side, for you and one companion
A guide walks you to the Ngāwhā geothermal baths
Bath caddy each with a herbal soak bag, herbal soap, bath salts, a mud mask and a mud scrub
Herbal tea for two, with a choice of teas, served between the tubs
Robes, towels and a private shower with personal care products included
Priced per group of up to two, not per person

What's Included

✓ Guided walk to the Ngāwhā geothermal baths
✓ Private room with two single bathtubs
✓ Bathing in geothermal mineral water
✓ Robe and towel for two
✓ Private showers with personal care products
✓ Herbal tea for two
✓ Bath caddy for each guest: herbal soak bag, herbal soap, bath salts, mud mask and mud scrub

Not Included

Meals and drinks other than herbal tea
Transfers to and from Wai Ariki
Entry to other Wai Ariki experiences, such as the pools and Restorative Journey

What to Bring

Swimwear made for swimming (cotton T-shirts are not allowed)
Comfortable clothes and shoes
A credit card
A bag for wet swimwear

Good to Know & Caveats

The price is for a group of up to two people, sharing one room with two separate tubs.
Wai Ariki admits guests aged 16 and over to all bathing and spa experiences.
Wai Ariki cannot accommodate pregnant guests in bathing or thermal experiences.
The listing flags it as unsuitable for anyone with claustrophobia.
The listing does not state the session length; check the time on your booking.
Drink plenty of water before and after bathing.
Wai Ariki is open every day except Christmas Day.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.

Not Suitable For

Anyone under 16
Pregnant travelers
People with heart problems
People with back problems
People with claustrophobia

Meeting Point

Make your own way to Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa at 1047 Whakaue Street, Rotorua, where a guide walks you to the Ngāwhā baths.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.4/5 by 4 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

We absolutely loved the Ngawha Deluxe for Two! We were two friends catching up over the weekend, and the private tubs in the room worked perfectly. The room was warm and relaxing, just the right space to chat and unwind. The mud scrub was a highlight, super fun and left our skin feeling amazing. We really liked there was a choice of three teas too - it is such a nice touch. The whole experience felt really relaxing and a special treat. Ideal if you want a bit of pampering and a chance to unwind.
— Jenniffer, 2025-09

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the price per person or per couple?

Per group. The listing is priced from $152 for a group of up to two people, so one booking covers both of you. You share a private room but each have your own single bathtub, bath caddy, robe and towel, with herbal tea for two. Book it as one group, not two separate tickets.

What happens during the private bath?

A guide walks you to the Ngāwhā baths, a private room with two single tubs of geothermal mineral water. You each get a caddy with a herbal soak bag, herbal soap, bath salts, a mud mask and a mud scrub, and there is herbal tea between the tubs. A private shower with personal care products is included for afterwards.

How long is the session?

The GetYourGuide listing does not state a session length. Wai Ariki lists its own Ngāwhā Sensory Ritual, a private bathtub ritual for one or two guests, at 75 minutes, so expect something similar, but check the time shown on your booking confirmation and arrive early.

Does this include the Wai Ariki pools?

No. This ticket covers the private bath only. Entry to other Wai Ariki experiences, including the shared lake-view pools and the two-hour Restorative Journey, is not included. If you want both, book Restorative Bathing or the Restorative Journey separately for the same day.

Who cannot book this experience?

Wai Ariki admits guests aged 16 and over only, and it cannot accommodate pregnant guests in bathing or thermal experiences. The listing also marks it as not suitable for people with heart problems, back problems or claustrophobia. Check with Wai Ariki before booking if any of these apply to you.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Booked through GetYourGuide, it can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Transfers are not included, so plan to make your own way to Wai Ariki at 1047 Whakaue Street on the Rotorua lakefront. Meals and drinks other than the herbal tea are extra.