Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa
4
Hot Springs & GeysersSpasThermal Spas
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
Relax and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa - a world-leading, natural mineral bathing and luxury day spa retreat. Channelling geothermal marvels in its backyard, the 28 mineral pools are fed from two natural springs for a combination that both nourishes the skin and relieves tired muscles, aches and pains. Specialising in a range of health and wellness treatments, Polynesian Spa has a decadent spa therapy menu. Wellness rituals ensure maximum rejuvenation and relaxation featuring hydrotherapy pools and a reflexology walk. Combining ancient healing practices with modern techniques, Polynesian Spa is frequently recognised as one of the top 10 spas in the world.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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  • WorldTravla7
    Cairns, Australia6,050 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Geothermal pools overlooking Lake Rotorua
    Polynesian Spa is one of the top tourist places (some say tourist traps) in Rotorua. I was keen to book a treatment here (despite the exorbitant prices) however they were all booked out. I did not let that stop me – I ended up getting a massage in town at Body Fix Spa and paying the $34 to enter the general spa area/public pools for a soak. This area is called the Pavilion Pools and it has 8 geothermal pools you can bathe in overlooking Lake Rotorua. It is worth the admission as the baths are relaxing and rejuvenating and the water is naturally warm from the geothermal springs. The pools do warm you up fast though (the pools are between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius), so you cannot stay too long in each spa. I spent around 5 minutes in one and would then get out and cool off and then try the next one. They also stay open until 10pm at night which is super cool if you fancy a night time session. Hint: bring your own towel as it costs $9 to hire one from Polynesia Spa. Outside there is a café which does coffee, juices and toasted sandwiches.
    Visited October 2022
    Travelled solo
    Written 26 March 2023
  • C Case
    Minneapolis, Minnesota184 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Experience in Stunning Setting but Not Necessarily a "Must Do"
    Visiting Rotorua for a few days and wanted to experience this spa, which our guide raved about. We spent about three hours trying each of the eight thermal pools. The scenic backdrop is incredible, feels like a movie set. Learned that we loved 102 and 104 degree pools but couldn't handle 106 for more than a few minutes. On our particular visit, the pools were more crowded than expected as were the changing rooms. All OK but surprised by numbers. We also tried the "reflexology walk" and agreed it was tortuous (beware!). All in all, we thought the cost (~$35 US) was appropriate. Very good experience but not necessarily a "must do."
    Visited February 2023
    Written 30 March 2023
  • Stella Duncan
    Dumfries, United Kingdom19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely spa
    I went with the pavilion pools - the cheapest option - and still had a great time. The pavilion pools have an incredible view of the lake. You get as long as you’d like in the pools. They charge extra for lockers and towels but there is space to sit your items you’d like access to or if you don’t want to pay for the locker. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. It does smell of sulphur but the water comes from hot springs so it’s expected and if you’re staying in Rotorua you’ll get used to it.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 April 2023
  • JanetB20102013
    Livingston, New Jersey145 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss this
    What a fabulous way to end a day hiking in the woods (or anything really). The entry fee is very reasonable. There are @ 8-10 different heated thermal pools at differently marked temperatures. All are outdoors and face a fantastic view of the lake and mountains. What could be more relaxing!!! You can stay for an hour or more, depending on what you want. Changing facilities are fine. Small snack bar for a gelato on the way out. A perfect afternoon!! Bring your own towels (and toiletries if you want to wash hair).
    Visited March 2023
    Written 15 April 2023
  • Eleven Roe
    Kihei, Hawaii186 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great place to take a dip
    This is a great place to take a dip in a hot pool and it has something for everyone. Families to the left, adults only to the right. My only disappointment is that we weren't given those instructions at check in. We went left thinking it was the adult area but it's not. Once we finally made it over to the adult area, we discovered that it is very nice and has more dipping options than the family side. If you don't have kids, just get the adult section admission and bring your own towel and lock, though you can still rent those items for a nominal fee.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 1 May 2023
  • KBELL
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Soak and spa therapy
    The soak in the priest pool followed by a spa therapy de-stress massage which was amazing. Very relaxing ànd indulgent afternoon with tea and fresh juice. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Would highly recommend.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 May 2023
  • Emlevs
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth it for treatment only - Spa is over rated
    I can’t fault the treatment - I had a timeless facial and it was to die for and the treatment area is gorgeous. However, the spa itself, I’m glad I didn’t pay to use it and it came complimentary through the treatment. Changing rooms very dated and I have been to some public leisure centres with nicer and cleaner showers. The pools look pretty but felt very dirty laying in them, didn’t feel relaxing due to the worry of how clean they were actually kept.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 May 2023
  • immigame
    Sydney, Australia9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Book a treatment for a more glamorous experience of the pools
    We booked a massage treatment & this was great value. Access to the 5 private pools are included with the treatment, as well as towels, robes and nice changing rooms. This sounds like a more glamorous way to enjoy the pools compared to some people’s reviews. The treatments were nice & the pools were lovely. Lovely thing to do first thing in the morning when it’s still cold outside.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 May 2023
  • Dave B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to unwind after full day of sightseeing
    8 great pools of varying temps to unwind and relax in after a full day of sightseeing; refreshing, beautiful night time view on the lake; highly recommend! Wish I could have taken pics, but I think that would have been inappropriate for others’ privacy. You must see/experience it for yourself to appreciate it.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 June 2023
  • freedreamz
    Whakamaru, New Zealand158 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice for a splurge
    We went the deluxe side, wow, lovely, very nice but is a little dated. Free lockable lockers, range of heated pools for all tastes, chilling plunge pool. The water does leave jewellery black and your bathers with a odor, (rinse well and wash asap). Will be back
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles3,880 reviews
Excellent
1,867
Very good
1,233
Average
470
Poor
179
Terrible
131

librariantony
Northampton, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
This was a return visit to enjoy a mud based treatment and this, plus the opportunity to use the hot pools made for a really good morning's experience.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cathybinoz
Strathfield South, Australia39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Had a lovely visit to the Polynesian spa
Booked a lake view private spa and lake view public pools
Was expensive but worth it for a special treat while on holidays
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard L
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
The baths were amazing, great setting and fantastic service.

I managed to drop my phone in a drain and it couldn’t be retrieved that day. Eventually they managed to get it out after 3 days under water. They kept me fully informed, dried it out and then posted it to my hotel. And it still works. Very grateful customer!
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graham P
Perth, Australia7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful location and fabulous facilities.
Every pool had a fantastic view of the hills and lake as you relaxed in the hot mineral waters
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saldenryd
Aarhus, Denmark108 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Nice clean, spa, bought tickets from GetYourGuide at a discounted rate and for that price the pavillion pool visit was good value for money. All 6 hot pools and the swimming pools are around 40 C, so the cold shower at the side was needed after a while. Splendid view over the bay from the lower pools.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard E
Middleton Stoney, UK1,026 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
It is so frustrating to find a facility which is of great benefit to people with disabilities yet lacks the facilities available to make access easier.
My wife uses a wheelchair and I assist her when necessary but it is difficult when lifting her in and out of the pools.
We have been to several pools where they have either fixed or mobile hoists to allow easy and safe access to pools also a dedicated accessible changing room with shower and extra space would be great (The facilities at the Council pools in Cambridge are the best we’ve come across so far).
At the very least they could offer a concession for the accompanying carer/assistant to make up for the lack of facilities.
When on vacation you should be able to relax and not risk injury through having to lift someone.
On a positive note the staff were great
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and we sincerely apologize for any frustration you and your wife encountered regarding accessibility during your visit to Polynesian Spa. Ensuring accessibility for all our guests is a priority, and we understand the importance of providing facilities that cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities. While we do not have the specific facilities you mentioned, we want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously and will consider it as we continue to improve our services. We also want to highlight that there is a medical bathing facility just down the road from us that may better accommodate your accessibility needs. Additionally, we typically offer complimentary entry for carers accompanying guests with disabilities as a gesture of support. We appreciate your positive comments about our staff and hope to have the opportunity to better meet your needs in the future.
Written 17 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

In sook
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
The general facilities are outdated, and I'm unsure about the hygiene.
The family pools are located behind walls or barriers something but they look squalid.
we experienced the general pools for adults.
it's wasting time and money
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us regarding your recent visit. We're sorry to hear that you found our general facilities outdated and had concerns about hygiene. We want to assure you that cleanliness and hygiene are top priorities for us, and our pools are emptied, cleaned, and refilled on a daily basis to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for our guests. Regarding the family pools, they are indeed cordoned off to provide a space where children can enjoy themselves freely in terms of noise levels. We understand that our facilities may not have met your expectations, and we appreciate your input as it helps us improve. We hope you'll consider giving us another chance in the future to provide you with a better experience.
Written 17 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ms14_delhi
Mumbai, India167 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We went for lake view private pool. It was a low depth small pool with clear view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The experience was good. We don’t regret coming here.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Karen D
Haslemere, UK6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A beautiful experience. The pools, the staff, the treatment and views from the relaxation room were fabulous. Will return from the UK.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hugh M
Everett, WA5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Peaceful beautiful setting. Not too crowed. We were on the deluxe lake spa side. Pools were clean and hot!! Resturant prices were reasonable.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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POLYNESIAN SPA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)