Geothermal waters of Rotorua
Check out the geothermal activity in Rotorua and experience the hot water mineral pools at Polynesian Spa!
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Rotorua’s geothermal history
Rotorua is located within the Taupo Volcanic Zone which contains three active volcanoes and is an active geothermal area. The Taupo Volcanic Zone is filled with bubbling mud pools, geysers, hot pools and steam vents.
The waters at Polynesian Spa are from two different mineral hot springs, the Radium Hot Spring and the Rachel Hot Springs. The water from the Radium Hot spring flows in the Priest Spa Pools. The water from the Rachel Spring flows into Deluxe Lake Spa, Private Pools and Family Spa.
Visitors to Rotorua can experience the geothermal properties of the area by taking a dip into one of the 26 thermal pools at Polynesian Spa.
History of Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa’s history stretches back to the 1800s. The warm spring waters and pools were used by the Maori historically and then in 1878 a Catholic Priest soaked in the waters and “cured” his arthritis. From 1882 to 1931 there were bath buildings built on the site including the Pavilion Bath, Duchess Bath and Ward Baths. The Duchess and Pavilion Baths were demolished in 1930 and the Ward Baths closed in 1972. Polynesian Pools leased the property in 1972 and started developing thirteen pools.
From 1983 up to just recently in July, there have been several major developments to the Polynesian Spa site complex including Family Spa upgrades and a water slide added, the Lake Spa was opened, new Priest Spa Pools were opened, new Private Pools were added, and the spa therapy treatments were added. Today the Polynesian Spa complex has 26 pools, multiple spa therapy treatments, a shop and café. The site is registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Experience Rotorua and take a dip or experience a relaxing spa therapy at Polynesian Spa.
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Polynesian Spa
Written: 17 articles
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading internationally acclaimed thermal spa, offering relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque Lake Rotorua views.
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