WaiOra Lakeside Spa Resort

Set on the shore of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort occupies a 1930s house and grounds three kilometres from Rotorua Airport. Thirty rooms spread across ground and first floors: twenty Deluxe Studios overlook the pool and gardens, and ten one-bedroom Superior Suites open onto private balconies with partial lake views. Superior Suites add a living area, kitchenette, and sofa bed. All units carry air conditioning, LCD television, safe, and en-suite bathroom. Robes and slippers are provided.

The spa complex includes two outdoor mineral pools and one solar-heated swimming pool beside a spring-fed trout stream. Sauna and steam rooms sit within the day-spa building, which houses nine treatment rooms — two for couples. The signature Wai Ora massage draws on traditional Maori mirimiri techniques. Volcanic-stone massage, body wraps using thermal mud, and five-step facials are offered. Gel manicures and pedicures run sixty minutes. Spa hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily except Christmas.

The Mokoia Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner Tuesday to Sunday in a lakefront dining room. The kitchen uses herbs picked from the resort's own beds and wild foraging areas. Pacific Rim dishes and grilled cuts form the menu spine; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. High tea requires twenty-four hours' notice. The property stands eight kilometres from Rotorua's central business district and ten kilometres from Te Puia and the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest.