Overview
Whether you want to find stillness and balance in trying times, enter a deep state of relaxation, or simply become smoother and softer, the best spas in Auckland will get your body and mind in ship-shape condition.
At these ten Auckland day spas, you can choose your own adventure depending on your self-care desires: bathe in coconut milk on a cliff, invest in a series of results-based skin treatments, or wade in an infinity pool with ocean views. You're worth it.
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Skinography, Herne Bay
For simply the best facial experience in the city, you can't go past Skinography. If you battle with acne, fine lines or just general stress and malaise, you'll want to pop behind this unassuming door in Herne Bay to find facialist Kate Michelmore and her team. Michelmore is one of the best in the biz — here at CP we're often recommending her to burnt-out and/or adult-acne-prone friends. This is a permanently calm (and fabulously peach) clinic that will have you asleep and drooling on one of the beds quicker than you can say "hop up under the blanket there, bra off". Skinology is also really well known as being one of the first spots in the city to specialise in the buccal facial made famous by Meghan Markle. If you're keen o try it out, this Auckland day spa is the place to do it.
The Spa, Auckland CBD
Not only does five-star hotel Park Hyatt Auckland have gorgeously appointed rooms and a truly outstanding waterfront eatery, it also offers a top-notch day spa — and you don't have to be a guest to use it. Appropriately titled The Spa, the boutique offers a range of packages in seven treatment rooms. Dreading showing skin that has been wrapped up in woolly coats and head-to-toe clothes all winter? Get it ready for bikinis, boardshorts and beach days with one of the truly excellent body treatments, which will see dead dry skin sloughed and scrubbed away, before being slathered in rich moisturisers from head to toe. Our pick is the signature glacial clay experience, which offers a scrub, body wrap and scalp treatment that has been made using native clay and mānuka oil.
Guests of this Auckland day spa also have access to the hotel's dedicated hydrotherapy room, which features two heated spa pools, a Himalayan salt sauna and steam room. Also on site is a 25-metre infinity pool with views across the Waitematā Harbour. Give yourself at least an hour before or after your treatment to make the most of the facilities. You'll leave absolutely glowing (and perhaps ready for a cocktail in the downstairs bar).
Skintopia, Herne Bay, Mt Eden and Takapuna
Now in a fabulous flagship store on Jervois Road, Skintopia is the perfect beginner-friendly spot for those looking for a little pampering — particularly those who might be a little freaked at the prospect of heading into a traditionally 'woo-woo' spa setting. (We're looking at you, fellas). With a welcoming light-and-bright fit-out by the team at Material Creative and a series of specialised spa treatments best experienced on a semi-regular basis‚ this is where you'll be heading if your New Year's resolution is "bright, glowy skin". You can also grab a range of gifts, supplements and skincare at this Auckland day spa, so don't be afraid to just pop in for a browse. A bonus: Skintopia has a series of 30-minute options perfect for your lunch break, so don't be using the excuse "I don't have the time".
SO/ SPA, Auckland CBD
Some of the best day spas are housed within luxury hotels, with SO/ Auckland's being one of the finest in the city. You can come for a classic massage followed by a dip in the heated pool, but SO/ Spa specialises in skin treatments — so you'd be a fool to miss some of these. Try one of the many facial treatments that are adapted to each person's skin type, indulge in a full body scrub or experience its detoxifying Himalayan salt treatment. Whatever you choose, you'll be glowing once you leave.
Sofitel Spa, Auckland CBD
Sofitel Auckland reopened to the public in 2019 following a multimillion-dollar makeover. The luxurious Parisian theme is carried through into Sofitel Spa with exclusive use of French skincare range Biologique Recherche. The package menu offers a huge collection of skin-boosting experiences and revitalising treatments to nourish the body and soul. Innovative offerings include an experimental stone treatment using greenstone to massage the body, a Swedish-style massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling, and a full-body exfoliation and massage using scents of cherry blossom. All treatments include access to the hotel's wellness facilities, including the lap pool and fitness centre. Make time to relax after your treatment with complimentary snacks and herbal tea. This luxe spot is easily one of the best days spas in Auckland.
Bersanti Day Spa, Karioitahi Beach
Located at Castaways Resort overlooking the rugged west coast at Karioitahi Beach, Bersantai Day Spa is an ideal destination to recharge your batteries. The New Zealand day spa offers a range of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Guests are invited to maximise the experience with a soak in one of the outdoor stone baths before their treatment. The hour-long coconut milk experience invites solo (or couple) visitors to bathe in a blend of essential oils and coconut milk — something which is said to promote healthy sleep. Further, you can settle in for an hour-long full-body relaxation massage, or a vanilla and coffee bean treatment, which is said to repair damage caused from environmental and sun exposure. With accomodation onsite, this spa near Auckland is ideal for a relaxing overnight getaway.
Luxe Day Spa Pullman, Auckland CBD
The Pullman Auckland Hotel and Apartments underwent a huge refurb back in 2022, upgrading all six of its spa treatment rooms, the indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, private lounge and outdoor terrace overlooking the city. This upgrade helped make Luxe Spa one of the best day spas in Auckland. Head here for massages, facials, acupuncture and aromatherapy treatments before hitting up all the hotel's new amenities.
Skin Moment, Grey Lynn
Staring down the barrel of events and summer shindigs and need a one-stop shop for glowing skin, preened brows and just a general pick-me-up? Skin Moment, a relative newcomer to the Auckland facialist, scene has you covered. Founder Bonnie first began her brow shaping studio Index Studio before opening up the adjoining facial clinic. Now the two work in tandem in an uber-chic space in Eden Terrace — it's airy and comfortable, so we think it's a great place to hide during some of Auckland's notoriously humid summer days. At this Auckland spa, the team believe in the power of sensory high-touch facials, so prepare to be luxuriously kneaded — and there are lymphatic drainage options if the silly season has been a little too kind to you.
Skin by Chelsea, Ponsonby
Experienced Auckland facialist Chelsea has finally branched out on her own — with epic results. From her treatment room in a gorgeous Ponsonby villa, Chelsea is now focusing on specialised treatments for customers based on three ethe: Relaxation, rejuvenation and results. Basically, head to Skin by Chelsea for a choose-your-own-adventure type treatment. If your love language is physical touch and you're looking for some nature-based healing, opt for the relax facial. Prefer to put your mug in the hands of all the tech-based bells and whistles? Opt for the results facial. If you're unsure, pick the 90-minute rejuvenate facial and let Chelsea will guide you with a long-term game plan— she is an expert and is extremely clued up and will make you feel in safe hands with her holistic skin coaching. Plus, she's great for a giggle.
Endota Spa, Albany, Mt Eden, Parnell, Ponsonby and Takapuna
With nine day spas from Auckland to Queenstown, Endota is one of the biggest wellness operations in the country. It's best known for its skin-rejuvenating facials and massages, although visitors can also keep on top of beauty maintenance with waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures. Highlights of the treatment menu include the stress relief massage combining aromatherapy with sweeping Swedish strokes, and the alternative that sees warm heated stones rubbed all over the body to promote balance. For aching niggles and tight muscles, there is a deep-tissue massage, while a Thai-inspired treatment incorporates Eastern stretching techniques for energy flow and harmony.
Top images: Luxe Spa by Pullman.