Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
Māori Heritage and Healing Traditions
This remarkable destination holds deep cultural meaning, passed down through generations of Māori who used the geothermal waters for healing. Visitors can take part in a hands-on carving session, learning about the artistry and symbolism woven into Māori craft. Each moment spent here offers a genuine connection to New Zealand’s living culture.
The thermal activity that shapes Hell’s Gate creates a sensory experience that’s both calming and invigorating. Steam rises against a backdrop of native bush, while the scent of sulphur drifts through the air, reminding you of the earth’s natural vitality. It’s an experience that captures the spirit of Rotorua—wild, beautiful, and deeply restorative.
Highlights
- Geothermal Walk: Discover unique geothermal features such as boiling mud pools, steaming cliffs, and hot waterfalls with either a guided or self-guided tour.
- Healing Mud Baths: Experience the therapeutic benefits of bathing in geothermal mud, known for its skin-cleansing and revitalising properties.
- Sulphur Spas: Relax in soothing sulphur waters that help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.
- Māori Carving: Engage in traditional Māori carving activities, learning about the cultural significance and craftsmanship.
- Cool Plunge Pool: Refresh yourself in a cool plunge pool after enjoying the mud baths and sulphur spas.
Tour Inclusions
- Geothermal walk
- Mud baths
- Sulphur spas
- Complimentary Māori carving
- Complimentary cool plunge pool
Age Info
- Adults: 16+
- Children: 5-15 years
- Family: 2 adults & 2-4 children
- Infants: 0-4 years
CANCELLATION & REFUND
10 People or Less
- 24 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
- Less than 24 hours: Non Refundable
More than 10 People
- 48 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
- Less than 48 hours: Non Refundable
Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
- Mud Bath Duration: Each mud bath session is limited to 20 minutes per day for health and safety reasons.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age for mud baths is 2.5 years, and for the sulphur spa, it is 6 months. Children must be 12 years or older to participate in carving activities.
- Jewellery: The chemical composition of our mud and water can tarnish jewellery, especially silver. It is recommended to remove all jewellery and wait 24-48 hours post-bath before wearing it again.
- Swimwear: Swimwear and towels will retain a sulphur smell after the experience. It is advisable to use old swimwear or hire/purchase from Hell’s Gate, subject to availability.
- Availability: All complimentary services, including guided tours and equipment hire, are subject to availability.
Spas
- Swimsuits and Towels: Available for hire or purchase at reception.
- Changing Facilities: Equipped with showers and body wash; secure storage provided for belongings.
- Children’s Bathing: Minimum age for mud baths is 2.5 years; sulphur spa is 6 months. Supervision required.
- Mud Baths: Contains 40-60 kg of silky mud for an authentic geothermal experience.
- Bath Duration: 20 minutes per day recommended for safety.
- Pool Temperature: Ranges from 37-41°C depending on the season.
- Health and Safety: The mud bath is restricted to 20 minutes per session for health and safety reasons.
- Child Supervision: Children under 15 years must be supervised by a caregiver at all times.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are advised to consult with a health professional before using the baths.
- Jewellery: Due to the mineral content in the mud and water, it is recommended to remove all jewellery to avoid tarnishing.
- Post-Bath Care: Follow specific cleaning instructions for swimwear to effectively remove the sulphur smell and prevent discolouration.
After your Experience
- Swimwear Cleaning: Rinse thoroughly and wash with cloudy ammonia in cold water. Line dry only.
- Discolouration: Light-coloured swimwear may discolour; follow cleaning instructions to manage this.
- Swimwear: Old swimwear is recommended due to the lasting sulphur smell. Alternatively, you can hire or purchase swimwear on-site.
- Towels: Bring your own towel or hire one at reception.
- Jewellery Storage: A secure container will be provided for storing personal belongings, including jewellery.
- Water: Stay hydrated, especially for children, by bringing plenty of drinking water.
- Jacket or Poncho: For rainy days, a poncho can be purchased on-site to enhance your geothermal experience.
- Unique Healing Properties: Hell’s Gate’s geothermal mud and waters have unique healing properties not found elsewhere.
- Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off within the Rotorua central area (booking essential).
- Parking: Ample parking for cars and campervans at 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua.
- Rainy Days: Rain enhances the geothermal experience; ponchos available for purchase.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible facilities; off-road wheelchairs recommended for geothermal reserve tracks.
