
Polynesian Spa
Lakeside alkaline and acidic mineral pools on the shore of Lake Rotorua.
- Bathing
- Indoor / Outdoor
Polynesian Spa sits on the edge of Lake Rotorua, where two distinct springs — the alkaline Rachel and the acidic Priest — feed a terrace of pools stepping down to the water.
Balnevia view
Why visit
You can move between two chemically different waters in one afternoon, with the lake and its steam vents in front of you.
Recommendations
Hotels nearby
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The water
Thermal water
- Source
- Rachel and Priest springs
- Mineralisation
- Alkaline sodium silicate and acidic sulphate
- Character
- Two distinct waters: the alkaline Rachel spring for the skin, the mildly acidic Priest spring for joints.
Facilities
- Thermal pools
- Outdoor pools
- Massage treatments
- Café
History
Bathing here dates to the 1880s, when a Catholic priest reported relief from arthritis in the spring that now bears the name Priest.
Practical information
The adults-only Deluxe Lake Spa pools are the quietest; towels and lockers are rented on site.
Getting there
A ten-minute walk from central Rotorua, at the end of Hinemoa Street beside the Government Gardens.
Location
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