Balnevia
Steaming terraced mineral pools beside Lake Rotorua at dusk

Rotorua/New Zealand

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.

Official website

Getting there

A ten-minute walk from central Rotorua, at the end of Hinemoa Street beside the Government Gardens.

Location

Rotorua, New Zealand-38.1400, 176.2540View on Balnevia map

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