More than 36,000 people currently live with or have survived breast cancer in New Zealand. As the most common cancer for women nationwide, 1 in 9 Kiwi women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Mental recovery can be just as complex as physical recovery for many.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is supporting breast cancer survivors and their loved ones during Breast Cancer Awareness Month through two powerful initiatives. On 10-11 October, Wai Ariki participated in STOKEDNZ’s Topless Swim event and running its annual Bathe for Pink offering for a third consecutive year.
The initiatives reflect Wai Ariki’s commitment to creating meaningful wellness experiences supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing, while helping raise awareness and funds for those impacted by breast cancer.
As part of Bathe for Pink, Wai Ariki is providing complimentary private bathing sessions to local breast cancer survivors throughout October and donating $10 from every private pool booking to the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust.
“Breast cancer is a tough reality for many wāhine across Aotearoa,” said Wai Ariki General Manager Debbie Robertson.
“We are extremely proud to provide a space that invites in survivors and the loved ones who support those taking part.”
“For us, wellbeing is more than just the physical. It’s about creating time and space to rest, reconnect and feel comfortable in your own skin. We’re proud to share the geothermal healing practices of our tūpuna (ancestors) with those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.”
Supporting STOKEDNZ’s Topless Swim
STOKEDNZ’s inaugural ‘Topless Swim’ event in October 2025 was born of founder Debra Brockelsby’s own desire to swim again following her fight against breast cancer.
The first Topless Swim brought 70 women together to Lake Rotoiti to support one another and take charge of their bodies. Despite the name, nobody was required to swim topless (although in 2025, every woman did). The intention was to create a space where women can choose how they show up without judgement, staring or explanation.
Since its inception, the event has evolved into a powerful gathering which has seen both interstate and international attendees from Australia and the USA travel to Rotorua for a weekend centred on connection and empowerment. STOKEDNZ have also led wider fundraising efforts for breast cancer, having raised over $54,000 to date.
Restoration and healing at Wai Ariki
In the two-day event, day one marked the women-only Topless Swim, with a boat trip, lake swimming and hidden hot pools. Day two opened to everyone – including partners, friends and supporters – and attendees headed to the award-winning Wai Ariki to experience their flagship ‘Restorative Journey’.
The two-hour experience combines seven stages of geothermal bathing and wellness, blending cultural tradition with geothermal heat, water, mud and steam.
Attendees at different points in their breast cancer journeys were in attendance, some having undergone mastectomies or reconstruction, some still undergoing treatment, while others have never had breast cancer but are there because someone they love has.
Bathe for Pink returns for a third year
Now in its third year, Wai Ariki’s Bathe for Pink initiative continues to provide meaningful support and fundraising for local breast cancer survivors in need.
At Belgravia Leisure, spa and wellness experiences are designed to support holistic wellbeing. Across its network of managed wellness destinations, including Kaipātiki Hot Springs and Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, the organisation creates opportunities for people to rest, recharge, recover and reconnect through experiences that nurture physical, mental, emotional and social health.
To learn more, visit the Wai Ariki website.
Key facts:
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month through its Bathe for Pink initiative and partnership with STOKEDNZ’s Topless Swim event
- Bathe for Pink provides complimentary private bathing experiences for local breast cancer survivors
- Wai Ariki is donating $10 from every private pool booking throughout October to the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust
- The Topless Swim event creates a safe and supportive environment focused on empowerment, connection and choice for women impacted by breast cancer
- Participants from New Zealand, Australia and the United States attended the Rotorua-based event. Attendees experienced Wai Ariki’s signature Restorative Journey, a seven-stage geothermal wellness experience inspired by traditional healing practices
- The initiatives demonstrate Wai Ariki and Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing through meaningful, inclusive and restorative wellness experiences.
