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
338 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience! Would recommend.
K6054KKmaxm,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though it was raining it was an awesome experience. The rain actually produced more steam and who cares if it was raining anyway you are taking a bath you are wet anyway. Only thing I would have done differently though was held off on the walk around their park when it wasn’t raining but again all in all a great experience. Staff was very friendly, the cost was very reasonable. We were there for about 2+ hours but that included our walk the Māori carving, the mud bath, sulfur bath and shower. We went early so there wasn’t much of a crowd plus the rain may have kept some people away.
Wonderful day at Hell’s Gate
Zoe D,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend the tour, unfortunately I can’t remember the young tour guide’s name but she was absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and really engaging! The only downside was the weather as we decided to leave the tour early due to a torrential downpour and headed straight to the mud baths and sulphur pools which were delightful!
Beautiful waterfall was a delight to see & photograph
Stacey M,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The geothermal hot springs were more striking in person (and better, in our opinion, than Waiotapu), and we enjoyed walking through the lush forest area with the scenic view of Kakahi Falls. The wood carving experience was also fun to try. We thought the experience included a tour, but we weren’t offered headsets or any information about a tour on arrival.
Experience depends on the Guide
Leonie C,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our Guide was young, and inexperienced which made her nervous when trying to impart important facts about Hell’s Gate, often forgetting what she was trying to say mid way through a sentence and then asking the group if we knew the answer because she didn’t! Missed out on crucial facts or the full story about Hell’s Gate. A little disappointing and embarrassing and I really felt for those folk who’d travelled half way around the globe to visit the place.
A very relaxing few hours.
Kyle B,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We self-guided through the walk, and enjoyed the experience. We were nervous about the mud bath, but it turned out nice and thoroughly relaxing. The showers and changing area were great, so we’re were very clean (but a bit sulphur-smelling) to go on with our day.
Awesome experience at Geothermal pools
Discover06543427601,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome morning at Hells Gate. We did the self guided walk through the geothermal pools. Very well signed and the map and associated descriptions are excellent, very informative. We then tried wood carving and finished with a mud bath and Sulfur pool. Highly recommend!
great geothermal spa pools
949hildaw,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked via Klook for NZ$117/person. Arrived at 10:30 for the geothermal tour first (30–40 people, but you can leave anytime—suggest skipping early to beat mud spa crowds). Had snacks at the restaurant, then spas around 12:30. Showered and finished by 13:30, with time for other plans. You could easily spend 4 hours at a chiller pace. Overall, a very special, relaxing experience with geothermal views, smooth skin after, and friendly staff. Highly recommended.
A must do experience
Andrew S,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent value for money. Our guide Lillee was superb and informative on the geothermal walk. The mud baths and spa a must do.
Fun, Informative Interesting
Katrina B,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was very funny and informative. Hot Spa is strange feeling but sooo good. Highly recommended, bring thongs for Hot Spa and NO JEWLERY
Memories for life!
kizzagil87,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We loved it! Worth every penny. It’s a must do, with any age of the family. Spent 4.5 hours within Hells gate. Staff are super, even under pressure. Will be back!
From NZ$115.00
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