Pesky knots and achy-everythings overstaying their welcome? Not in our town they’re not. Quite literally. Auckland is dotted with otherworldly massage destinations—so you’re never far from a pair of healing hands.
From fluffy robe affairs to hidden-in-plain-sight gems, we’ve scoped out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Toodles, tension.
Lift Me Up
Home Studio & Mobile
There’s literally no greater luxury than getting a face massage from a professional violinist. That’s a fact.
So, we’d like to introduce you to Milena of Face Massage, algonside her soothing hands and spirit. Her approach is refreshing and totally unique: it’s a take on Kobido (the most complex of ancient massage techniques) international training and European techniques. Her facelifting ritual is an otherworldly mix of moments: there’s facial yoga, energy work, Zoga face integration, facial sculpting techniques, breathwork, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release—and golly gosh, oh so much more.
Words won't ever describe the level of relaxation—almost hypnosis—that this experience offers you. But we cay say that you’ll come out of Milena’ space feeling taller, your face chiseled and like you’ve had a huge hug and hit reset on your body.
Save her website. Get in line for an appointment. You’re about to be hooked.
Spring Spa
288 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland & 8A Turua Street, St Heliers, Auckland
Stepping into is like stepping into a seashell: light, polished, otherworldly, a touch coastal and wonderfully cocooned from the outside world. Easily one of the sleekest places for a massage in Auckland, Spring’s two destinations are known as the best for a Balinese-style massage—after all, the team does have four be-au-ti-ful (and award-winning) spas under their belt in Bali.
The Spring Signature Massage will show you the ropes, or localise the rejuvenation through their Signature Foot Massage or pressure-point focussed reflexology.
HANA
18 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland & 7 Kenwyn Street, Parnell, Auckland
A real urban retreat, ’s industrial chic yet tranquil spaces in Grey Lynn and Parnell are the go-to for Infrared saunas and contrast therapy for Aucklanders in the know. Lesser known, however, is HANA’s massage therapy offerings, which are bookable in 30, 60 or 90 minute sessions.
Combine this with a moment in their light pod—a session designed to kickstart your cells into producing more energy—and you’ll hit the sublime balance of restored and reinvigorated. That's cloud nine to us.
In our opinion? Book yourself in for . You’ll experience their iconic infrared sauna and PBM light pod session—with endless Mānuka Honey infused moments. We won’t ruin the full surprise, but it does involve a A 300+MGO Activist Mānuka Honey, Activist Mānuka Immune Elixir-infused water and our favourite healing mask—which works wonders under the PBM light.
The Face Place
Level 2, 152 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland & Level 1/10 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland
A triple-whammy of rejuvenation is yours to sink into at . Proving they well and truly are leaders in things high-tech and medi-spa related, is their newly-added Vitamin C IV infusion treatment.
Sink into this treatment, you most definitely will: your therapist will massage your neck and shoulders, while a state-of-the-art Healite II red light beams down on your face for the duration of your IV—which is a good 45-odd minutes.
Alongside rolling some of our much-loved beauty appointments into one, The Face Place’s Vitamin C IV drips give you some of the best post-treatment perks of any beauty offering. It’s a perfect way to support your immune system, your body’s natural healing functions (that includes collagen) and give your energy-levels and mental clarity a huge boost.
That, plus the less-tense shoulders and radiance-boosted face? Now that’s a sumptuous three-in-one if we ever saw it.
We Bliss You Massage Boutique
224 Kepa Road, Mission Bay, Auckland | 2A Upland Road, Remuera, Auckland | 239 West Tamaki Road, Wai O Taiki Bay, Auckland
Hot stone massages might well be an elixir for knotted minds and stressed-out bods and 's edit is exactly as the name implies: utter bliss. Their signature massage is equally as worthy and they also offer pregnancy massage, Traditional Thai massage, sports massage, and face and back massage. We'll have you know that combining one of these dreamy situations with a hands paraffin treatment (where they literally paint your hands with a balmy wax) is perfect for restoring overworked paws.
East Day Spa
The Grand By SkyCity Level 3/90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Skycity Hotel’s fiercely glamorous, golden-lit retreat is home to Auckland’s best array of East meets West treatments. Slip into their newly refurbished treatment rooms, and explore offerings of Balinese, Veda, Shanti, Kady Vasty, hot stone, pregnancy, and expert-level East Thai massages, plus oh-so-many more.
You simply aren’t allowed to leave without paying the Roman-style tepidarium a visit—a warm relaxation room with Italian stone heated loungers designed to relieve tension. Your mind, body and muscles will thank you dearly.
Saint Beauty
11 St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers, Auckland
Forget what you know about hot stone massages, take on the classic is now here for winter and it seriously delivers. And by delivers, we mean experiencing sensations you didn’t know could be so soothing and luxurious.
Case in point, a singular hot stone on your tailbone, or tucked neatly behind your shoulders. Two stones sandwiching your forearm. Or even across the dorsal surface of your toes. We could go on, but we wouldn’t dare to ruin the surprise.
It’s 60-minutes, but trust us, it’ll throw you into such a trance that you’ll really have no concept of time—which we love in a massage, considering they so often whizz by. Oh, and speaking of time, it’s worth noting that the legends have two late nights—Tuesday and Thursdays, they’re open until 8pm—for the perfect pre-snooze send-off.
Victorian Bali Spa
Victoria Park Market Unit 38/210/218 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
What happens when one of the most sought-after therapists in Auckland goes solo? , a pocket-sized spa that packs a serious restorative punch—that’s what. One that’s expanded into two postcodes, in both Victoria Park and in a new, delightfully airy Ponsonby Road post.
Here, Balinese-grown, world-trained massage therapist Loli works a level of magic worth crossing suburbs for. Don’t let the svelte spot fool you, couples massages, facials, ayurvedic and full spa packages are very much on the cards in the Vic Park hidden gem. Plus, they’re open ‘till 7pm making it perfect for an after office-day pop in (although, we would recommend booking in advance).
Chill Wellness
Unit 2/210-218 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland
One of Auckland’s Best Massages—lymphatic massages to be precise—actually doesn’t need a set of human hands. At Victoria Park’s sleek studio, you’ll find Pressotherapy on the cards for a high-tech, high-relaxation drainage. You’ll wear a space suit-like outfit (the machine itself) which moves around you, pressing against you, squeezing and moving at the *perfect* soothing pressure, draining as it goes. It’s so high tech, that it moulds perfectly to your body making sure no surface on your limbs and core go un-massaged.
Adding to the relaxation is the fact that you’re in your own, dimmed room, laying back with Netflix overhead—should you want it. Throw in their cryotherapy, red light therapy or a cup of soothing tea afterwards, and you’ve got *the* soothing marathon.
Rae Face Sculpting
The Foundry 3, Unit 41/90A Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville, Auckland
It turns out that one of Auckland’s best massages is one for your visage. More than a massage, facial sculpting, the name of the game for newly-minted , works on all aspects of your hauora.
Deep guided breathwork starts the 70-minute treatment, before lymphatic drainage of decolletage and face follows suit, flushing out toxins, retained water and anything else your body might be holding onto.
The buccal massage, the centrepiece of your treatment, will see owner and therapist Rachel getting right up in your (literal) grill with a buccal in-mouth massage. Cast all doubt aside, this moment is seriously relaxing and soothing—you won’t notice the latex gloves around your chompers.
You will, however, notice your snatched jaw and bone structure post-treatment. You thought that was it? Nope, a face sculpting & toning and a soothing scalp massage are bundled in to fully release tension. A beautifully decorated room, a cosy bed, and a fair few warm towels to the face? Rae has all the trimmings of a luxury spa moment with the results to boot.
Face Up Beauty
1A St Vincent Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
Here to end below-the-neck neglect is the queen of the Facial Sculpting massage, Olga, who’s the one-woman band at the helm of .
Talented doesn't begin to cover her craft—but we will say that her magic hands and technique are to thank for firmer, tighter, healthier and far more sculpted skin and faces. She works her massage magic into all layers of the face, from the muscles to the tissue and bone. Beauty is certainly more than skin deep.
Ikoi Spa
1 Huron Street, Takapuna, Auckland
More than a lie-on-the-massage-bed-and–tune-out situation, special massage ritual involves a bit more immersion.
Literally. You’ll start in their signature Enzyme Spa, a traditional Japanese deep-heating dry spa of rice bran, pinewood sawdust and organic flora and mushroom enzymes straight from Hokkaido, where your therapist will work these into your skin before going into a shiatsu or oil massage. Simple massage treatments are available, but who are we as mere mortals to say no to an ancient wellness ritual?
Morgan And Morgan
462 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Scalp massages are the greatest of all treatments. Morgan & Morgan’s is officially bringing the overseas craze to Auckland, spoiling the scalp with the same TLC usually reserved for our skin.
Hair stylist Kouji meticulously cleanses the scalp based on its needs, massaging from the forehead to neck, finishing with leave-in treatment and blow dry. It’s everything we love in a pamper session, rolled into one.
Sofitel Spa
21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Easily Auckland’s most chic day spa—after all, have you seen that sleek, starry-skied waterfront pool? also happens to be one of our city’s best massage destinations. One peek at the massage menu, and it’s clear that you’re in for a treatment as opulent as your surroundings.
Experience the most exquisite Hot Stone massages known to our nation (their warm greenstones are something special), before basking zenfully in the relaxation room, complete with a waterfall and a live greenery wall. It’s a plush fluffy robe and multiple dips in the pool and sauna affair, so do ensure you make a whole day out of it, yes?
SO/ Spa
SO/ Auckland, Corner Of Customs Street East And Gore Street, Auckland CBD
Ever been massaged by (smooth) pieces of Pink Himalayan Rock salt? Auckland’s it-hotel for unique views, brews and staycations also hosts the most otherworldly day spa. And the Himalayan Body Salt treatment—heroed by emerald-cut pink stones—is top of the list.
Forget going by a package, here you pick and mix all of the moments that jump out to you on the treatment menu and simply pay per time. Aromatherapy-first, body scrubs combining shiraz botanics and massage (thank you WATERLILY,) sleep-inducing, pregnancy massages— does it all, plus some in their uniquely luxurious way.
It’s very much a social spa, so round up your fellow pamper posse and get ready to bask before the Himalayan salt wall, the Comfort Lounge or a dip in the pool.
Silk Space Clinic
13a Shore Road, Remuera, Auckland
Microneedling on a list of Auckland’s best massages? This isn’t a typo. We’re not kidding.
It turns out that booking yourself in with skin extraordinaries Holly and Fulvia for a SkinPen microneedling session does indeed—perhaps surprisingly—treat you to a massage.
You see, part of their microneedling aftercare involves popping back after a week, for a moment under the LED therapy lamp (hello cellular rejuvenation). It’s here, cocooned in this pocket of bliss that you’ll be treated to an arm and hand massage as the lamp works its magic. Two in one? That’s better living, everyone.
Endota
Parnell, Mount Eden, Ponsonby, Takapuna, Albany
There’s a lot to love about , the one stop (chic) shop for grooming, skin, and beauty cabinet essentials. So naturally, it should come to no surprise that their massage treatments are just as cherry-pick-able.
Need a pocket sized moment of tension melting? The 30-minute express relax massage will do the trick. Something a bit more bespoke? Hello there 60-minute customised massage. Mummas, couples, pent-up stress-queens, organic-devotees, fans of a ruddy good hot stone—we’re all in good, soothing, hands here.
Luxe Spa At The Pullman
The Pullman, Corner Of Waterloo Quadrant And Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
They say it’s not the destination that counts, but the journey to get there. And goodness, The ’s massages are absolutely magical journeys. Plus the pre and post-treatment perks one gets to enjoy: a jacuzzi, a sun-soaked verandah, Auckland city’s longest indoor lap pool, and saunas and steam rooms galore.
They draw on rejuvenation rituals from around the world, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone and pregnancy massages. Our pro tip? Gather your friends and make the most of the special hen’s do room or a special couple’s space. Oh, and keep a keen eye on their seasonal getaway packages for pretty little upgrades and extras to the spa experience.
New Lynn Massage Therapy
Level 1/14 Delta Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland
We’re going to get an industrial-sized load of flack from locals for giving away their hidden gem. But you’re worth it, so here goes: New Lynn is home to one of the best massages in town, .
Find relaxing oil and aromatherapy massages through to therapeutic and more grunty (but still magically, impossibly relaxing) deep-tissue sports massages, alongside Traditional Nuad Thai, foot-focused, volcanic hot stone, pre and post-natal moments.
Oh and while we’re spilling all the beans, you should know that can even snag an early bird special for bookings before from 9am until noon—yep, even on weekends. Aren't you glad we didn't keep this hush?
Massage Eden
415/2 Beach Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland & 4/15 Nicholls Lane, Carlaw Park Avenue, Parnell, Auckland
Ever thought a beer and a massage couldn't go hand-in-hand? Think again. At , you’ll find what might just be the best massage add-on in Auckland: Balinese Beer, where yeast from beer is added to the massage experience, to cleanse your body of toxins and purify your pores as it goes.
You’ll also find all kinds of cures for achy muscles and overworked bodies, from quick half-hour fixes right through to three-hour massage marathons. Or rev the relaxation up with the illusive four-handed massages to tackle the pain and pinches that one set of hands just simply can’t.
The Tonic Room
465 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Auckland’s urban apothecary also holds the key to some of the most remedial massages. After all, would you expect anything less from the beautiful holistic wellness destination that is Kingsland’s ? Unwind with a relaxation massage, or take things a notch further with a moment with the hot stones (your choice of relaxing or deep pressure), a pregnancy massage or kiss a specific problem goodbye the natural way with their deep tissue service.
To really rev up the rejuvenation, why not combine it with a naturopathy ‘Stress Less’ session and swan out the door with some teas, herbs and customised herbal tonics from their dispensary?
Chuan Spa
Cordis, 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland CBD, Auckland
If you like your pampering sessions ongoing and opulent, Cordis Auckland’s is for you. Start by choosing a massage oil that most resonates with you—an indication of the exact TLC your body needs.
What happens post-massage, however, is up to you and your whims. Lounge at their rooftop pool and spa with a tipple from the onsite bar. Hit the steam room, sauna, ice ritual and snail shower? Tack on a facial for a touch more? Head downstairs for their iconic afternoon tea? The Cordis world is your oyster.
The Spa Nomad
Mobile
Auckland’s best massages can very well take place in your space, fun fact. Simply set up a time and place with , swing open your door, and slip into their comfy massage beds as they work massage magic from your abode, hotel room or even workplace.
From couple’s sessions to full-blown spa parties, Swedish to lymphatic drainage massage, there’s simply nothing the gals and guys in pink can’t do.
Sydney Beauty
1H/415 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Aside from being one of the prettiest places in Auckland for pampering, is also one of the best.
The real pièce-de-resistance? A Lymphatic Body Sculpt Massage that leaves you lifted, smoothed and flushed of toxins thanks to magic hands and specially-crafted wooden rollers. We hear there’s even a special offer for those new to the practice.
The Spa At Park Hyatt
99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
The only hot and cold you should be inviting into your life is special and sumptuous take on a stone massage. Feel the benefits of both hot and cold volcanic rocks in the Sensory Stones Massage take you to cloud nine—and we’re not just talking about the luxurious surroundings and spa amenities.
There’s also a Rainforest Foot Ritual, Fragonia and Bergamot Scalp Treatment, an Ayurvedic and anti-inflammatory Native Clay and Hot Oil massage on the cards if you fancy branching out into specialised, but oh so-sleek, territories.
Bliss Day Spa & Reflexology
1F/255 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
We’re going to let you in on a little secret here. Newmarket is home to a hidden gem of the massage world: . Dedicated to improving circulation and releasing the body’s natural energy flow, Bliss rolls massage and reflexology rituals into a range of luxurious treatments.
Thankfully the team knows that it’s no easy feat choosing between their treatments, so they’ve curated a plethora of combination treatments for those of us who want the best—and most luxurious—of both worlds.
Hungry for more pampering? Check out our guide to Auckland's best day spas.
Image credit: Luxe Spa At The Pullman, East Day Spa, Ikoi, Softiel Spa, SO/Spa, Sydney Beauty.