Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools And Freshwater Pool

We booked the family pool for 3 pm, so we were disappointed to arrive and be told we had to wait, despite having a reservation. When we finally got in, we found three very shallow pools, which I understand are designed for children aged 11 and under. However, the area was absolutely packed with people, and it felt far too small for the number of families there. This was meant to be a fun activity for us to enjoy as a family, but instead, it felt overcrowded and disappointing. We had been looking forward to it, so it was frustrating that the experience didn't live up to our expectations. We ended up paying extra to upgrade to a larger pool, which was much more suitable for us, but by that point, the experience had already been disappointing. We only stayed for an hour and a half. I understand there needs to be a balance between running a business and accommodating visitors, but it honestly felt like too many people were being let into the family pool area at the expense of everyone's enjoyment. Even if there is a maximum capacity, it didn't feel like enough consideration was being given to the actual experience families were paying for. Overall, this was a disappointing experience, especially considering we had booked ahead. I think the family pool area needs better crowd management so families can actually enjoy the time they've paid for.

Like all spas the owners don't know how to combine the pool aspects for kids with the relaxation for adults. Here they have tried valiantly and have achieved a kind of balance - but in the end it depends on what kids are in the pool on the day. Our 10 year old treated it exactly for what it looked like - a public pool. Totally not interested in the hot pools or allowing parents to relax. So go but leave the kids at home. As we left we caught a glimpse of the fabulous adult only area - it looked so nice and relaxing.......maybe next time.

Lovely experience.Kids love the pool. And had beautiful views of Lake Rotorua with the lake view private pool. Staff very accommodating!

If you are travelling with children in Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa Family Pool is a must-visit. The setup is super practical for families: kids can burn energy on the hydro slide and swimming area while parents relax in the soothing geothermal mineral pools. The temperature of the pools is perfect, and having active lifeguard supervision made the entire experience stress-free. Everything you need is right there, including helpful amenities, swim gear hire, and a great café for snacks afterwards. A wonderful, relaxing experience that everyone enjoyed immensely!

We were annoyed that the price quoted were in US$ and not NZ dollars. The place is ok but I think it is over priced.

We booked a 3pm swim and were asked to wait for between 20 mins and an hour to be allowed entry. This was not possible due to arriving with a 3 and 1 year old. Requested a refund.

Please be ware!! Tripvisor is very misleading and charges you out at USD which is basically double the price. You think you are getting a decent deal then realize you have been charged almost doubled for the experience. Which defeats the purpose of booking through here thinking you are saving money.

As a local living in Rotorua, I was totally disgusted with the price being charged $80 USD and put in a complaint to the facility. They told me this was NOT part of their website and apologized. I sent an email to Tripadvisor.com asking for a full refund. I'd rather the entire $$ went to our local economy without overseas third parties. The Polynesian pools are beautiful and always enjoyed my visits paying in person.

Had to wait even though we were late arriving ,pool for adults good but pity not a ledge around to sit on as quite hard to get up when you are not so agile.Nice and relaxing

Great price nearly half price through TripAdvisor I’m using this portal from now to do my bookings. spa family pools were all busy so I had to sit around for 45 minutes. Long waiting time. Need more life guards

The family side is too small. There's very little seating for families to sit and eat while there. There should be the option to be able to bring your own food in as it's already pretty expensive to swim there. The facilities need updating and better cleaning services. I visited other areas of this facility and it shows that there's more energy and money put into these areas over the family side.

General good experience but cost more then expected as it was in US dollars and not New Zealand. That needs to be advertised.

It was a lovely experience for our family. The kids really enjoyed it, and we ended up staying for about two hours. The facilities were clean, which we appreciated. That said, we did feel the admission fee was a bit on the higher side, considering the main activity is swimming, with one slide for the kids 😅. We understand that maintaining the place comes with costs, though. For reference, we paid 183.17NZD for 4 adults and 3 kids. The atmosphere was decent, and the crowd size was actually great — when we arrived, it was just one other family, so it felt relaxed and not overcrowded. The staff were fine — present and doing their job 😊 Overall, it’s a good option for a cloudy or rainy day, or if you’re looking to pass time while waiting to check in somewhere.

I wouldn't recommend. There was a code brown that occurred before we arrived in the bigger family pool. Staff asked to wait an additional 30-40mins for it to be cleaned only to be told it wasn't going to open. No refund offered or apology. Waste of time and money. The facilities could use an upgrade, they are dated. We found out afterwards that the town public pools were a lot cheaper and have been upgrade with more features. I wouldn't waste money on taking the kids to this one.

Wonderful place to relax after a busy day sightseeing and the children could play safely . The place was clean and had family changing room. The gift shop had lots of lovely items as well as being able to purchase swimsuits if you forgot yours! Previously have done the private pool looking across the lake which was wonderful, recommend that if you are a couple and want a nice peaceful relaxing hot pool

I was prepared to pay the $80 family entry fee until viewing the family pool. There is no atmosphere. No plants. Indoor. Slightly dirty. It looked sad. The other option was $320 for 4 of us. We had issues trying to understand the employees on the front desk. No disrespect, they tried. This certainly lacked any type of Kiwi vibe and I consider it a tourist trap. Try the Secret Spot instead.

First time and best time ever, such a lovely place to meet people, very clean, good amenities, I will definitely be back 🥰 thank you for a wonderful experience..

Took our 3 year old granddaughter on a Saturday evening. Great time for families loved hearing the laughter and enjoyment of the kids. Lovely experience

I had an amazing experience at Polynesian Spa in Rotorua! The natural hot mineral pools were incredibly relaxing, and the stunning lake views added to the peaceful atmosphere. The staff were welcoming and helpful, and everything was clean and well-maintained. It was the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Rotorua. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a soothing and rejuvenating experience!

This experience provides a rejuvenating and relaxing atmosphere that allows you to unwind completely, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised. The experience helped me let go of tension and emerge with a renewed sense of energy and peace.

Does to be clear so my original booking and I came to your spa pool with two adults and five children and this is the ticket booking that was properly fulfilled

We had a wonderful 2 days on the Mindful moments retreat in September, being well looked after by Helene. from enjoying the pools to being provided with wonderful food, having a yoga session, and a walk through the redwoods, talk on mind and gut connection all on the first day. The second morning a soak in the pools to start the day, then an amazing indulgent therapy, then meditation, and after lunch a lovely walk around the lakeside, and to finish the afternoon with sound bathing. A marvellous time out retreat

All of the pools at the Polynesian Spa are great, we arrived on Sunday at the same time as a handful of other families. A nice relaxing swim for all until the Spa let in a group of approximately 30 children supervised by a couple of adults. Queue chaos and all of the families leaving earlier than planned. Highly concerned 1 of the adults was taking pictures of everyone in the pool, it is not acceptable to take pictures that include other people’s children in their togs, disappointingly the lifeguard said they can’t stop anyone taking pictures of other people’s children! Disappointingly the staff appeared to know about this booking yet told nobody when entering the pool, complete waste of money and staff appeared to think it was funny so many turned up. I have no issue with a group using the pools but other customers should be made aware so they can make a choice, $70 for a family swim that lasts less than an hour is a joke.

It was a fantastic way to end the day in the spa's and the kids having a swim in the family pool. Definitely will be our every stop when we visit again.

We preferred the deluxe side but the swimpool in the family area was good too. Cool rain on the face and hot spring on the body is heavenly. The warm loungers in the deluxe area finished a lovely day.

Well the spa was fine and relaxing but the service was very average and things felt very commercialised without any personal touch. We felt it was overpriced and there are better activities like hells gate offering a way better experience in Rotorua.