resh from being crowned one of the Top 10 Places to Relax and Rejuvenate in 2025 at the SMH Traveller Awards, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa have marked the occasion by unveiling a vibrant refresh of its onsite café rooted in culture, nature and community: Te Rourou.
Whether you’re fresh from the spa or a local just popping in for a bite, guests in the community can enjoy creations crafted by award-winning barista Grace Choi, whose artistry brings warmth and excellence to every cup.
“Te Rourou is a celebration of seasonal kai and cultural connection,” said Grace.
“We invite manuhiri (guests) to come taste the season and experience something truly special.”
Blending local culture, seasonal kai (food) and a new look, Te Rourou Café takes its name from the whakataukī (proverb): “Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi”: with your food basket and mine, the people will thrive. This philosophy is woven into every detail of the café’s transformation, from its locally inspired branding to a menu that celebrates the rhythm of nature and the richness of Māori ingredients.
The refreshed spring menu’s items showcase local ingredients:
- Kahawai pie: a flaky, flavour-packed tribute to the Bay of Plenty’s Saltwater bounty
- Rewana bread toasties: golden, tangy and comforting
- Seasonal chia seed puddings: light, nourishing and plant-based
A new trio of lattes, the Rongoā Latte Menu, is inspired by traditional Māori healing:
- Kawakawa Latte: earthy and peppery, native to the North Island
- Aumoe Latte: calming and floral
- Haumanu Latte: invigorating and herbal
Owned and operated by the local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, Wai Ariki continues to shine as a sanctuary of indigenous wisdom and geothermal healing.
Visit Te Rourou Café at Wai Ariki and discover why it’s one of the world’s most rejuvenating destinations. For more information on Te RouRou café, click here.
