Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa

A short drive from the middle of town and you find this beautiful sanctuary. With admission you will be able to take a nature walk around the reserve (must purchase package ticket with pools). It is not a particularly difficult walk but the terrain can be a bit uneven. There are not barriers between the patrons and the thermal pools so be mindful of your surroundings and your companions. The smell is a bit strong at times but we live near Yellowstone National Park so we are used to it. The pools were SO relaxing! We chose to do the mud pool as well. You are allowed 20 minutes and then you can spend as much time as you would like in the mineral pools. The dressing rooms are open air and not fully enclosed but provide adequate privacy. Bring water for sure but they also offer some when you are in the mud pots. They have a cold plunge pool and I would highly recommend that for improved circulation. Three deep breaths and you are in!I could have stayed all day! Beware, take an old suit and expect that it will still smell for a few weeks and many washes later!

During our visit over the Easter holiday, we encountered a slight setback as we didn't have a reservation and couldn't enter due to capacity limitations. However, the friendly service staff went above and beyond to suggest alternative visiting times for us. It was a shame that we couldn't make it the next day due to time constraints. If you're considering a visit to Hell's Gate, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure entry.

Ian was a great tour guide and very funny! Great soul.It was informative and the mud spa was well worth it.Highly recommended if you visit Rotorua.

Too expensive. Given the other options offered in the area, I didn’t feel like I had enough for what I’ve paid.The mud pool is great, even though short (20min because of safety reasons). Other than that, you have access to 2 hot pools, which I consider is not enough.Lastly, there are no private changing rooms but only a common one in the male restrooms and another one in the female restrooms. Very inconvenient.I still had a good time and enjoyed the mud pools and the view on the geothermal area. The staff was very friendly.

Nice relaxing time in mud pools and in thermal pools.Staff is friendlyPlace is clean and organizedGet a good rinse as clothes may smell sulfur after ☺️… and your bathing suit will definitely smell even after a good wash… worth it though

I recommend going for the combined experience, which includes the bath and spas plus the walk (usually, the foot bath is included, but it was closed due to geothermal activity, it is not required if you have taken the mud bath and spa). Carry your own bathers, but because the smell takes ages to go away, be prepared to wash them plenty of times. Overall, the experience is one of a kind and not worth missing.

As a Tourist coming to explore New Zealand I have got to say this was an amazing experience. It is like stepping back into Pre-Historic times, almost out of this world.The bubbling Sulpher pits and mud filled pools of yellows, browns and greys is a must see.The guide was very informative with lots of interesting facts around the history of the pools.They have some thermal mud pools and a heated pool to go and soak in afterward.But be warned, the Sulpher smell is strong in most of the town.

This was a very unique experience! We didn't get a guide unfortunately due to them being short staffed, but its easy to navigate your way around and plenty of signs. It was very beautiful and fascinating - it does smell bad, like warm rotten eggs but its only in small sections and depending on the wind, you might be lucky enough to avoid it. Despite the smell, its definitely well worth the experience - the kids still loved it and I can imagine the extra information that would have been shared from a guide would have made it more amazing!

We had an awesome time on the guided tour and then the experience of the mud spa and sundae bath was very fun and relaxing. We did smell a bit sulphury for a few days after but it was still a great experience.