Our recent journey to Rotorua was much more than a product launch — it was a heartfelt reconnection with the land that inspires everything we do at TWYG. With a small, intimate group of friends of the brand, we set out to explore the breathtaking beauty of Aotearoa, immersing ourselves in experiences that honoured the natural sources at the core of our products. From ancient forests to geothermal springs, this trip was a celebration of the raw power and restorative gifts of New Zealand. Here’s a look back at our unforgettable time in Rotorua, where nature, wellness, and community intertwined in the most beautiful way.

 

Contrast Therapy at Secret Spot Hot Tubs: A Forested Oasis

Our adventure began with a rejuvenating session at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, tucked away in a lush, forested setting. Here, we embraced the art of contrast therapy — alternating between the soothing warmth of cedar tubs filled with fresh spring water at 39.9°C and the invigorating chill of the Brass Monkeys cold plunge pools set at a brisk 11°C. This hot-and-cold therapy not only awakened our senses but also mirrored the balance of nature that inspires our formulations.

TWYG Tip: For the ultimate serenity, book a tub around sunset and let the forest come alive as day turns to night.

Overnight Stay at Kohutapu Lodge: A Peaceful Retreat

Our first night was spent at Kohutapu Lodge, an eco-friendly haven perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Aniwhenua. The rustic charm of this retreat allowed us to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty around us. A very special moment of our trip was our trek with Taz, our incredible bush guide from Kohutapu Lodge. Taz led us deep into the bush to forage kawakawa leaves for tea, sharing his wealth of knowledge about the plant’s healing properties. From there, he took us to the hidden Kaingaroa Rock Carvings, a secret site that holds some of the oldest and most unique Māori rock art in the area. As we made our way back to the lodge, the sun dipped behind the lake, casting a golden glow over the water, while the evening chorus of native birdsong welcomed us home. It was a magical end to an unforgettable day, steeped in history and the spirit of Aotearoa.

TWYG Tip: Take a moment to stargaze — far from city lights, the skies here are nothing short of magical.

Whirinaki Footsteps Guided Experience: Walking Among Giants

The next day, we embarked on the Whirinaki Footsteps Guided Experience, a journey that was nothing short of transformative. As we wandered through one of New Zealand’s most ancient rainforests, we found ourselves surrounded by majestic Tōtara trees — the very source of our hero ingredient, Bioactive Totarol™. Along the way, we paused at the foot of a 1,000-year-old Tōtara, where we forest bathed, letting the sounds of the forest wash over us in a moment of meditative stillness. The air was alive with birdsong, and each breath of the crisp, fresh air connected us more deeply to the land. It was a powerful reminder of the timeless strength and vitality we seek to capture in every TWYG product, inspired by nature’s enduring gifts.

Finishing with lunch at a local waterfall, sipping on our homemade Kawakawa tea while seeing wild horses was a wonderful parting moment.

TWYG Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera; the ancient forest is a photographer’s dream with all the moss, lichen, fungi and of course trees.

Restorative Soak at Wai Ariki Hot Springs: Embracing Nature’s Healing Powers

Next, we made our way to Wai Ariki Hot Springs, where we immersed ourselves in the mineral-rich geothermal waters. The natural heat and therapeutic minerals worked wonders on our tired muscles, providing the perfect respite after a long day of adventure. As we soaked, surrounded by steaming geothermal landscapes, we reflected on how these elements of nature inspire our formulations — harnessing the earth’s innate healing power to nurture your skin.

TWYG Tip: Try the Restorative Journey, a unique therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating experience, which leads you through 5 distinct areas, each drawing on the centuries-old legacy of local practices and culture.

Overnight Stay at the Pullman Hotel: City Comfort Meets Lakeside Luxury

For our final night, we returned to the city and stayed at the elegant Pullman Hotel. The refined decor and spacious rooms provided a luxurious end to our journey. After days of exploring, the plush comfort and impeccable service of the Pullman felt like a well-deserved treat.

TWYG Tip: Request a room with a lake view for an awe-inspiring sunrise over Lake Rotorua.

Celebratory Dinner at Anis Gin & Tapas: A Taste of Rotorua’s Culinary Delights

We wrapped up our journey with a lively dinner at Anis Gin & Tapas. Sipping on expertly crafted gin cocktails and savouring locally inspired tapas, we toasted to the successful Mask Launch. Each dish, artfully prepared, was a celebration of the region’s fresh, local ingredients — just like the ingredients we source for TWYG.

TWYG Tip: Do not pass up the Citrus and Kawakawa Smash cocktail — super refreshing and the kawakawa and mint are perfect companions to the grapefruit tonic and gin.

 

Why Rotorua? The Perfect Backdrop for our Mask Launch

Rotorua’s stunning blend of geothermal wonders, lush forests, and wellness experiences made it the perfect location for our Regenerative Overnight Repair Mask launch. This land, with its powerful healing properties and natural beauty, echoes the heart of TWYG. From the ancient Tōtara trees that inspire our formulations to the geothermal waters that soothe the soul, every moment spent here reminded us of our commitment to creating skincare that is both effective and deeply rooted in and respectful of nature.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, Rotorua is a treasure trove of experiences. For us, it was a journey of reconnection — not just with the land, but with our purpose. We returned home not only with cherished memories but also with a renewed sense of inspiration to continue crafting products that honour the beauty and wisdom of Aotearoa.