Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
Transfers available
4.8/5
(16)
Joanna
Anah
Elisabeth
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This ticket is the full-access pass to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve, with access to mud and sulfur pools, and Māori carving activities.
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Pick your path through three different walking tracks. You'll pass through mud pools, steaming cliffs, and pockets of native bush.
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Visit the Kakahi Falls and the constantly shifting mud volcano, plus join a Māori carving session to learn the stories and techniques that bring wood to life.
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Bathe in nutrient-rich geothermal mud and sulfur pools, a tradition enjoyed by Māori warriors for centuries.
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Every visit supports the preservation of Māori heritage and Rotorua’s geothermal environment.
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Geothermal walk through Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve
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Hands-on Māori carving experience
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20-minute mud bath, unlimited access to sulfur hot pools
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Access to cool plunge pool
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Complimentary guided tour (10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability)
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Map for self-guided walk
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Access to geothermal features including mud volcano, hot waterfall & land coral
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Educational displays on geothermal activity & Māori traditions
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Use of changing facilities & lockers
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Access to Māori-inspired wellness rituals
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Complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off within Rotorua central area (separate booking required)
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Swimwear and towels (available for rent on-site)
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Mud footpool (temporarily unavailable)
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 16 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
133000Guests from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and over 6 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Elisabeth
Jan 2026Verified booking
Joanna
Jan 2026Verified booking
Eniko
Jan 2026Verified bookingLeo
Jan 2026Verified booking
Chris
Jan 2026Verified booking
Soak in geothermal mud pools, relax in sulphur spas, and explore Rotorua’s legendary Hell’s Gate on this self-guided day trip.
Getting started
Begin your experience at the main entrance of Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve, where your entry is validated. After a brief orientation, you’ll receive access to the mud and sulphur bathing areas, as well as the geothermal walking tracks.
What to expect
This renowned geothermal park is celebrated for its unique volcanic landscape and deep Māori cultural roots. The reserve features New Zealand’s largest hot waterfall and mud volcano, making it a site of both natural wonder and historic healing.
Features
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Geothermal mud pools: Bathe in nutrient-rich mud pools, once used by Māori warriors for their restorative properties.
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Sulphur spas: Relax in warm sulphur pools, known for their soothing effects on skin and muscles.
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Geothermal walks: Choose from three marked tracks (0.6km, 1.5km, 2.0km) to view mud volcanoes, steaming cliffs, and the dramatic Kakahi Falls.
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Native bush walk: Wander through bushland enriched by geothermal activity, home to rare mosses and the iconic silver fern.
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Māori carving experience: Observe or try your hand at traditional Māori carving, a living art form that shares the stories of the land and its people.
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What to bring
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Bring old or dark-colored swimwear, as sulfur pools and mud baths may stain lighter fabrics.
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Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your bath.
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Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven and potentially slippery geothermal paths.
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Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit.
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Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
What’s not allowed
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Do not enter pools or areas that are marked as too hot or acidic for bathing.
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Stay on marked paths at all times for your safety, as the earth’s crust can be thin and hazardous.
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Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the reserve.
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Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
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Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
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Outside food and beverages are not permitted; meals and drinks are available for purchase at the on-site café.
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The mud baths are restricted for guests under 2.5 years; the sulfur spa is restricted for those under 6 months. Children under 12 are restricted from participating in the Māori carving experience.
Accessibility
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This experience is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and natural geothermal features.
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Some tracks and bathing areas may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Additional information
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The mud bath has a time limit of 20 minutes once a day for health and safety reasons.
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Remove all jewelry (especially silver) as the chemicals in the mud/water will cause tarnish. Wait 24–48 hours before putting it back on.
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Some features, such as the Mud Footpool, may be temporarily unavailable.
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Not all pools are suitable for bathing; please follow on-site signage and staff instructions.
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Participation in Māori carving or geothermal cooking experiences may require advance booking or incur additional charges.
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Children must be supervised at all times due to geothermal hazards.
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The geothermal environment has strong sulfur smells, which may be intense for some visitors.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.
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If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.
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Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Ticket Redemption Point
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Redeem your ticket at Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa.
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Address: State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand.
Get Directions to the Ticket Redemption Point
Getting There
Hell’s Gate provides a complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off, available from within the Rotorua central area. Bookings are essential, please check the Hell's Gate website for the latest shuttle timetable and to contact the provider to organize your shuttle service.
Validity
This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout.
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