Duke and Duchess to see geothermal wonders

October 30, 2018

Rotorua is excited to host Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Wednesday 31st October as part of their Royal Tour, opening their eyes to the geothermal marvels of the region.

Their Royal Highnesses’ are inspiring with their focus on conservation and the environment and it’s going to be eye opening for them to experience the geothermal nature of Rotorua.

Their visit will start in Ohinemutu, a thermal area and suburb of Rotorua city, on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This place is home to the Ngāti Whakaue tribe, of the Te Arawa waka (canoe) and the location was chosen by the tribe for its lakeside setting and abundant geothermal energy, used for cooking, bathing and heating.

Later in the day the Royals will walk through Government Gardens to meet with the public and it is this spot which is also home to the sources of hot geothermal water which feeds the natural mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat at Polynesian Spa.

The waters from two natural springs are fed into 28 mineral pools – the slightly acidic Priest Spring relieves tired muscles, aches and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish the skin.

Polynesian Spa also believes its ethos on sustainability is in line with the Duke and Duchess’ views on conservation and the environment.

Innovative with sustainability, Polynesian Spa continually improves its footprint on Planet Earth earning a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award.

Initiatives around the complex include capturing steam that rises from geothermal activity to heat water and maintain pool temperatures in place of electricity. Drying laundry with geothermal heat and in the cafe’s outdoor courtyard, you’ll get a pleasant surprise with the warmth coming from the seat also heated geothermally.

We wish the Duke and Duchess of Sussex all the best on their Royal visit – we can’t wait for them to experience the manaakitanga (hosting and nurturing) of Rotorua and its people.