A Perfect Day Around Polynesian Spa: Soaks, Sculptures and Strolls
March 17, 2026
You’ve just spent a couple of blissful hours soaking in Polynesian Spa’s geothermal pools, feeling those mineral-rich waters work their magic on your tired muscles and busy mind. You’re relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated – so what’s next?
Don’t jump in the car just yet, because the area around Polynesian Spa is brilliant for a leisurely afternoon of exploration, and you won’t need to spend a cent. Get changed, grab a coffee and a bite at 88Ra Café, have a browse of our Spa Essentials Shop for some self-care goodies to take home, then set off on a gentle wander that combines nature, art, and wildlife. With ample free on-site carparking and spaces for campervans to stay overnight, take your time – there’s no rush to race off!
Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail
The Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail is one of Rotorua’s best-kept secrets. Right across from Polynesian Spa, this trail features 17 sculptures by local and international artists, located throughout an active geothermal landscape.
Walk the pathways as steam rises from the ground, the earth hisses and bubbles, and that distinctive sulphur smell fills the air. The art installations sit within this raw volcanic environment – a beautiful contrast of human creativity meeting natural power, both just as awe-inspiring as the other.
Take your time wandering between the pieces, as you weave around the steaming thermal activity. It’s free, it’s fascinating, and most visitors to Rotorua have no idea it exists.
If it’s raining, or you’re wanting an even bigger dose of creativity, head to the Arts Village just over the road. This community-driven centre is a space bursting full of inspiration and connection, with a vibrant mix of exhibitions, workshops and artisan markets.
Government Gardens
From the sculpture trail, head towards the iconic Government Gardens. The historic Rotorua Museum building – a Tudor-style bathhouse built in 1908 – sits amid stunningly-manicured gardens. While the museum is currently closed for renovations and earthquake strengthening, you can still appreciate the gardens, with their gorgeous roses, colourful flower beds, and ancient trees. Learn about the historic hot springs that provide an insight into Rotorua’s spa heritage, when visitors travelled from around the world seeking the healing properties of these geothermal waters.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Continue your walk towards Sulphur Bay, a geothermal sanctuary on the southeastern shore of Lake Rotorua. Follow the tracks, passing more steaming vents and bubbling mud pools as you go. The milky-coloured waters are quite the sight, caused by sulphur particles suspended in the water.
The route takes you past Sulphur Point and continues to the jetty at the tip of the small peninsula. Birdlife thrives in the thermal landscape, taking refuge in the floating grassy islands. Look out for the endangered black-billed gulls roosting on exposed rocks, pūkeko hot-footing around steaming ponds, and little black shags nesting in trees. You’ll also find ducks, swans, geese, and grebes in the bay itself.
Gaze out to Mokoia Island and take in the calmness and serenity. The view here is quintessentially Rotorua – geothermal activity and native greenery side by side.
Lakefront Playground and Walkway
As you loop back towards the main lakefront area, you’ll pass the recently-upgraded children’s playground and grassy areas. Either continue strolling along the flat boardwalks, or pause here and enjoy a picnic and a run around – ideal if the kids need to burn off some energy. Watch boats coming and going, spot floatplanes landing, or simply park up on a bench and lap up the panoramic lake views.
Make a day of it
So there you have it, the perfect recipe for a peaceful day in downtown Rotorua. A morning soak at Polynesian Spa, a coffee at our on-site 88Ra Café, then a picturesque wander around Sulphur Bay, the sculpture trail, and the lovely lakefront. Next time you’re at Polynesian Spa, don’t just splash and dash! Stay a while and explore what’s right on our doorstep.
