2 minute read
A South African’s tour of
A South African’s tour of beauty in New Zealand
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Spa consultant, Rozanne Pelser, provides a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s spa sector.
Greetings from ‘Aotearoa’ (The land of the long white cloud). No overseas trip is complete without some well-deserved ‘spa research’ and during my tour of New Zealand, I found that over the past 10 years, it has become a favourite international spa destination. From the sub-tropical northern most tip of the North Island, down through Auckland (New Zealand’s largest city), past the volcanic thermal pools in the Rotorua and Taupo regions, down to Wellington and across into South Island with its spectacular waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords, New Zealand provides a beautiful backdrop for some amazing spas that match the tranquillity and uniqueness of this country.
Three top spas
Rotorua – this is one of New Zealand’s oldest thermal spas. The Polynesian spa began as a natural hot pool for the local Maori people in the central north island town of Rotorua, before becoming a bath house. Now, there are 28 hot mineral spring pools in which to soak in a state of relaxed bliss. The Retreat offers spa therapies using natural local products, including Rotorua thermal mud and Manuka honey.
Hanmer – in the heart of the South Islands geothermal country, less than two hours’ drive from Christchurch, is Hanmer Springs, was named New Zealand’s Top Spa Resort for the third consecutive time at the annual World Travel Awards. As international travel has become more difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic and because local New Zealanders are exploring their country more, there seems to be a renewed interest in wellness. The industry is projected to record strong growth over the next five years as economic conditions recover from COVID-19.
perhaps New Zealand’s most popular alpine and spa destination, with its many unique thermal rock and sulphur pools.
Queenstown – after a full day of skiing in Queenstown, there is nothing better than the private Millbrook Resort. This five-star spa is highly regarded as one of the finest in the world and last year
NZ vs The World
New Zealand has deep resources of amazing natural ingredients (such as Manuka honey) and it will be interesting to watch what happens as the world discovers the country’s developing natural wellness and skincare products. With its natural resources and stunning scenery, New Zealand has all the elements to provide the best spa experiences in the world. It is perfectly placed to enable guests to soak up the tranquillity of this beautiful country.
