The Healing Waters of Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa is the only place where mineral waters from two different natural springs meet, creating a unique and therapeutic bathing experience across 28 hot pools:

• The Priest Spring is named after Father Mahoney, a Catholic priest who, in 1878, found relief from his crippling arthritis after bathing in the waters. This slightly acidic spring is known for easing muscle tension, aches, and pains.
• The Rachel Spring provides alkaline water, enriched with sodium silicate, which has a soothing and nourishing effect on the skin. Historically, it was believed that bathing in these waters could enhance and maintain youthful skin.

Nowhere else can you experience the benefits of these two surface springs together—this special combination is exclusive to Polynesian Spa.

Why are there geothermal waters in Rotorua?

Rotorua is situated within the Taupō Volcanic Zone, a geothermal field extending from Whakaari (White Island) off the Bay of Plenty coast to Mount Ruapehu in the south.

This region is renowned for its geothermal features, including volcanic crater lakes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, hissing fumaroles, colourful sinter terraces, and hot springs, attracting visitors since the 1800s.

Māori Geothermal Legends

Rotorua’s geothermal phenomena hold deep cultural significance for the Māori people, often regarded as gifts from the gods.

One prominent legend speaks of Ngātoroirangi, a tohunga (priest) who guided the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa. While exploring the central North Island, he ascended Mount Tongariro and was overcome by intense cold. He called upon his sisters in Hawaiki, who sent fire demons to his aid. As these entities traveled to reach him, they surfaced at various points, creating a trail of geothermal activity. This journey explains the presence of volcanic and thermal features in the region, with the Te Arawa tribe serving as their guardians.

Māori consider themselves kaitiaki (guardians) of these geothermal resources, with each hot mineral spring in Rotorua known and named, reflecting their cultural importance.

To delve deeper into Rotorua’s geothermal history, visit RotoruaNZ.com.