Rotorua: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk, Mud Bath & Māori Carving

Summary

Hell’s Gate in Rotorua—geothermal walk, mud spa and Māori art

You’ll feel Rotorua’s energy under your feet during a geothermal walk at Hell’s Gate, then get your hands messy learning Māori carving before sinking into warm mud baths and sulphur spas. With local guides sharing stories along the way, this experience leaves you feeling both relaxed and oddly connected to something ancient.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Hell’s Gate wasn’t the steam or even the smell (though yeah, it’s definitely there). It was the sound—sort of a low bubbling and hissing from somewhere under my feet. Our guide, Mereana, grinned when she saw my face. “That’s just the earth talking,” she said. We started our geothermal walk right away—no big speeches or anything—just straight into this landscape that felt half-alive. The path wound past pools that looked like they could swallow your shoes if you got too close. I kept glancing at my friend to check if she was as weirded out as I was (she was).

Mereana pointed out a spot where local Māori used to cook food right in the hot water. She told us how her grandmother still swears by the healing mud here. I dipped my fingers in one of the cooler puddles (don’t worry—they tell you which ones are safe), and it felt slick and kind of silky, not what I expected at all. The air smelled sharp and eggy but after a while you stop noticing it—or maybe your nose just gives up? There were a few other people on the trail but mostly it felt quiet except for those strange earth noises.

After the walk we tried our hand at Māori carving in this little workshop tucked off to the side. I’m not exactly artistic but our teacher Li made us laugh when he showed us his first attempt (“looked like a potato,” he said). My design ended up lopsided but somehow I liked it more for that. Then came the part everyone talks about—the mud bath. Sinking into that warm grey soup felt way better than it looked; my skin tingled and there was this odd calmness, like all those weird sounds outside faded away for a bit. Honestly, I didn’t want to get out.

I still think about that day sometimes—how wild it felt to be somewhere so raw and old, with people who actually know its stories. If you’re in Rotorua and want something more than just another pretty view, Hell’s Gate is… well, different. In a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hell's Gate geothermal park

• Join guided or self-guided geothermal walk
• Try Maori carving in carving house
• Relax in geothermal mud baths
• Soak in sulphur spa waters

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for Hell's Gate tours?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included—you’ll need to make your own way to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park.

Are guided tours available at Hell's Gate?

Yes, complimentary guided tours depart daily; check Hell’s Gate website for current times.

Can children use the mud bath or sulphur spa?

The minimum age for mud baths is 2.5 years; for sulphur spas it's 6 months old.

Is Hell's Gate wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Hell's Gate is wheelchair accessible throughout most areas.

What activities are included in this package?

You’ll do a geothermal walk (guided or self-guided), try Māori carving, then bathe in mud baths & sulphur spas.

Are there any health restrictions for bathing?

Bathing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart/spinal conditions; consult your doctor if unsure.

How long does the full experience take?

You’ll spend several hours on site—timing depends on how long you linger at each activity.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park with either a guided or self-guided geothermal walk through steaming landscapes, complimentary hands-on Māori carving in their workshop space, plus time to soak in both geothermal mud baths and sulphur spas before heading out feeling lighter than when you arrived.