The Hell's Gate Experience
Overview
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Spend a few hours experiencing the wonders of Rotorua’s most unique geothermal reserve at Hell’s Gate. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, before trying your hand at Maori carving in the interactive carving house. Then indulge in our geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Maori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
Complimentary guided tours depart daily, please see Hell's Gate website for latest departure times.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We recommend that women do not use our bathing facilities whilst pregnant. However, it is an individual’s choice and we recommend that you seek advice from your health professional if you are wanting to bathe.
Not recommended for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
The minimum age for the Mud Bath is 2.5 years, and for the Sulphur Spa is 6 months.
Children are considered those aged 5 -15. Under 4s are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa
Combine all three of Hell’s Gate’s most popular experiences with this package. Take part in the guided or self-guided, interactive geothermal walk, before indulging in our geothermal mud baths and sulphur spas. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
What‘s Included
Guided or Self-Guided Geothermal Walk
Complimentary Māori carving
Bathe in Mud Bath & Sulphur Spas
Food & Drink
Towels & Swimwear
Meeting points
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa
351 State Highway 30 Tikitere New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
The Hell's Gate Experience
Reviews
360 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good, not spectacular. But solid and enjoyable.
Spencer W,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Enjoyable, but not amazing. Price is a bit steep. But we weren't sad to have done it. The geothermal walk isn't as informative as we would've hoped. The carving was enjoyable. The mud was cool, but be sure to heed their caution about the sulphur getting into your swimsuit (and any clothes you wash with your swimsuit).
Great experience
E8076PFmariom,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. The guide was very knowledgeable and informative. The park. Is well marked and safe. The mud pool was an experience and the hot pool relaxing.
Fantastic day in relaxing awe inspiring place.
Arvuk,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did geo thermal walk and mud spa. Both were great experiences. Understand the geysers etc are natural phenomena so cannot control how they spout but equally good experience. Staff the guy at the mud spa counter forget his name was amazing, friendly and informative. In actual fact all of the staff were great. Thank you. Will defo recommend and revisit if I come back to NZ again.
A unique experience
Dreamer57303648867,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great guided tour through the geothermal areas, followed by the unique experience of sitting in the mud baths. You can walk through on your own, but take the tour if you can — lots of great geological and historical information!
Interesting experience
Denise v,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The walk is easy and very interesting. The landscape looks so desolate in places you wonder how people ever worked out the uses for the mud and hot pools. The mud spa and pools were relaxing but we could have benefited from a better explanation of the facility
Amazing!
Liselle E,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Highly recommend. Very interesting. The mud bath was amazing!
Couples weekend getaway
Venture30118215413,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy walk around the geothermal wonders. The thermal waterfall was beautiful to see. Found the Wooden bridge at the loop is abit worrying to walk along. The carving station is a nice touch and good little keepsake to take home. The pools were beautiful and warm. Cold plunge pool is a good way to end the experience. As a local I recommend experiencing this at least once to admire and appreciate what Rotorua has to offer.
Definitely worth a go
Wipygmy C,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very enjoyable few hours. Arrived a bit late, so didn't have time to do the wood carving, but enjoyed the thermal walk and the mud pools
Great time
594madsc,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the guided tour with Zia, he was really great and friendly and told us loads of interesting facts we wouldn’t have known if we did it by ourself. I would definitely recommend and thoroughly enjoyed myself !
Few hours at the thermal bath and mud spa.
Irina F,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did guided walk. I highly recommend it! And after we did the mud spa. The spa was all right. The bins didn’t have enough soft mud I thought. And the hot tub water was very muddy.
From NZ$115.00
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