We are located in Rotorua NZ.
Experience Pepeha Journeys 3.5hr Tiaki Promise Tour and then experience a seamless flow into the beautiful Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa for a 2hr Restorative Journey!
The restorative journey is unique in the world. This multi-sensory wellness experience blends cultural commentary with the healing elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam. Purposefully curated to relax and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit this 7-step therapeutic journey draws on the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue practices and culture including:
- Te Hihiri, Blessing Stone.
- Wairere, Waterfall Showers
- Te Tukinga, Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves
- Te Taiwhanga Matua, Lake View Pools
- Te Pae Paru, Geothermal Mud Lounge
- Kohu Wai Ariki, Steam Room
- Te Ngao, Blessing Stone
*Inclusion: Towels, locker, robe and vanity kit.
THE BLESSING STONE
Your restorative experience starts at Te Hihiri, a place of energy and lifeforce. Here, you’ll encounter the sacred stone known as mauri, a powerful tuhua (obsidian) stone brought from Maketu. This stone symbolises our connection to the whenua (land), our tūpuna (ancestors), and the spirituality of Māori culture.
WATERFALL SHOWERS
Te Iringa, The Waterfall Showers
Te Iringa draws on the symbolic connection to the waterfalls of the Ngāti Whakaue ancestral lands. Passing through a series of soft water streams, this experience energises the body and clears the mind, preparing you for the next phase of your cultural wellness journey.TONGARIRO FIRE & ICE CAVES
Te Ahi Tipua provides an invigorating icy temperatures of Mount Tongariro (which Ngātoroirangi climbed) to the heat and fiery geothermal surrounds of Ngāti Whakaue (where the embers of ahi is said to fall during his sister’s plight to save him, thus became geothermal hotspots). Traditionally, Māori had a cold dip first, so they didn’t take any debris into the Wai Ariki. They also understood that moving from one extreme to the next gave them more vigour.
LAKE VIEW THERMAL POOLS
Immerse yourself in our tranquil pools and enjoy the scenic vistas of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. Enjoy the benefits of five pools, two geothermal pools, hydrotherapy pool, plunge and herbal pool which make up the five pools of Te Taiwhanga Matua.
GEOTHERMAL MUD LOUNGE
Experience the restorative power of Te Pae Paru, a space that honours Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) by using naturally occurring geothermal mud to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. This unique practice reflects the deep connection to the land that Ngāti Whakaue has upheld for centuries.
STEAM ROOM
Step into Kohu Wai Ariki, a unique steam cave designed to refresh your skin, deeply relax your body, and rejuvenate your spirit. Rest on heated stones as gentle geothermal steam envelops you, offering a tranquil experience inspired by the cleansing traditions of Ngāti Whakaue. Historically, natural steam from geothermal vents was used to cleanse both internally and externally, detoxifying the body and clearing airways and sinuses.
BLESSING STONE
To complete your restorative experience, we invite you to end your cultural wellness journey through the Wai Whakaora, Restorative Journey, with a visit to Te Ngao.
This journey is designed to nurture and support your taha tinana (physical wellbeing) and taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), guiding you towards a state of balance and healing. As the final step, Te Ngao offers a powerful blessing of taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), helping you to heal, restore, and emerge renewed.
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Terms and Conditions
Please provide any physical or medical conditions at time of purchase a ticket (e.g. hearing, walking, sight, skin sensitivity, pregnancy, heart) Please bring weather appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as: • Sun hat & water bottle & camera • Comfortable shoes • If it is raining, we will provide umbrellas but please remember your rain jacket • In winter months, an extra layer of clothing is always recommended! • Any medical or allergy requirements Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before reservation, depending on availability. Cancellation requires 48 hours’ notice to receive a full refund. PJ’s may cancel, postpone or visit alternative sites due to weather conditions and/or traditional ceremonies taking place, or when PJ’s determines it is unsafe to operate. In the event that PJ’s cancels a tour, this will be fully refundable.
