Tours/Tauranga/ROTORUA - Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip
Viator · group up to 22 pax

ROTORUA - Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip

4.7(50)Tauranga1 hour
VIATOR4.7(24)TRIPADVISOR4.6(26)

Description

Join us and experience the magic of New Zealand’s most distinctive geothermal destination. Relax in rejuvenating mud baths and soothing sulphur spas on an unforgettable journey to Hell's Gate Geothermal Park. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. Steeped in ancient myths and legends this extraordinary land has been a source of healing and wonder for generations. * Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship * Gold Qualmark ***** Tour Operator * Full refund if ship doesn't make it into port * Minimum of 6 passengers required to enable this trip to go ahead

Tour Options

ROTORUA - Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Day Trip
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Pass by

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame, Gold Qualmark & NZ PoolSafe. This iconic open aired hot ocean water pools treats your body, soul and mind. Outdoor spas with massage jets & large relaxation pool with shoulder spouts 39 degrees, active pool to cool off or swim 33 degrees, children's pool with mini slide and fountains, indoor private pools and onsite massage therapy. Accessibility friendly facility. As far back as 500BC, Hippocrates recognized the health benefits of warmed seawater to rebalance and detoxify our bodies. Salt water bathing was believed to improve mobility by easing muscle/joint aches and pains. A natural escape in the heart of Mount Maunganui. Soak in our Hot Ocean Water Pools, followed by an onsite massage for ultimate relaxation.

Pass by

Drive around Mount Maunganui township and alongside one of the ‘best beaches’ in the world, Mount Main Beach is beautiful and showcases some stunning beach front houses and amazing views!

Pass by

Travelling down SH33 we pass Okere Falls, a small town located between Rotorua and Tauranga. The town is situated on the shore of the Okere Inlet of Lake Rotoiti, from which the Kaituna River flows north towards the Bay of Plenty. A stunning location.

Admission included180 min

Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this 3 hour package. Take advantage of the self-guided interactive geothermal walk (map is provided on arrival) before indulging in our geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget. Includes: Geothermal walk, Mud baths, Sulphur spas, Complimentary Māori carving, Complimentary Mud foot pool, Complimentary Cool plunge pool. Note: * wear old swimwear as may smell of sulphur after * check out FAQ's https://www.hellsgate.co.nz/faqs

Pass by

Bay Oval is a cricket ground in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand. The ground was built in Blake Park and opened in 2005. Bay Oval has hosted men's and women's international limited overs matches since 2014. It hosted its first Test match in November 2019. Blake Park hosts other sporting activities such as Rugby, Hockey, Netball and Soccer.

Pass by

Zespri International Limited HQ is the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. They work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which they supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers.

Pass by

This very large old tree, estimated to be approximately 600 years old is the last remaining pre-European Pōhutukawa on the Mt Maunganui ‘sand bar’ and has local Ngäi Te Rangi Iwi significance. It has been reported that in the early days of settlement, several skeletons of pre-European origin were located at the tree's base in a kneeling ceremonial position. Māori leader Kihi Ngatai (Ngai Te Rangi) was quoted in the Bay of Plenty Times that during Cyclone Bola several of the branches broke off and that local Māori would not allow council to cut the tree, as the deceased were once hung from the branches until they decomposed. Their bones were then buried underneath it.

Highlights

Entry to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park with self guided walk
Round-trip transportation from the Port of Tauranga with knowledge driver/guide
Mud bath and sulphur spa experience
Vehicle located directly outside the cruise ship passenger exit
Complimentary mud foot pool, cool plunge pool and Māori carving
Full refund if your ship doesn't make it into port

What's included

Included
Entry to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park with self guided walk
Round-trip transportation from the Port of Tauranga with knowledge driver/guide
Mud bath and sulphur spa experience
Vehicle located directly outside the cruise ship passenger exit
Complimentary mud foot pool, cool plunge pool and Māori carving
Full refund if your ship doesn't make it into port
Not included
Driver Gratuities
Please note lunch is not included in this tour - cafe at venue
No toilet onboard vehicle

Pickup Locations & Times

When you exit the port gates, turn RIGHT and walk about 20 metres. You'll spot a RED flag and our advertising boards on the grass, that's where your driver and bus will be waiting. Please wait there as the driver will be looking out for you. If you have trouble finding the location, please return to the Information Centre inside the port gates near the exit. Our team at the RED "City & Scenic Sightseeing" desk will be happy to assist you.

Traveller Ratings

4.7
50 reviews
5
39
4
7
3
3
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Total duration includes travel time.
  • Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship
  • Gold ***** Qualmark Operator
  • Full refund if your cruise ship doesn't make it into port
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • This tour is only offered on cruise ship days, as it’s specifically scheduled to align with cruise arrivals.
  • Minimum number 6 passengers to enable the tour to go ahead

Reviews(50)

S
S5155OUalyssam
March 20, 2026
Hells Gate - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You will smell like farts but it's worth it!

Paul was the best driver/tour guide ever!!! He's so kind! This was such an amazing experience. The geothermal walk was breath taking and the mud bath experience left my skin very smooth. Don't wear anything you care about though - you and your clothes will smell like fart after this and you won't be able to get the smell off of your clothes. Worth it though!!

Operator response

Ha, ha, great review! Agree Hell's Gate is an amazing and unique experience and yes it is smelly, but fun! So glad you had a great day!

E
Explorer829434
March 12, 2026
the best!!

What a great day!!! our guide was not only a wonderful guide but chef, dish washer and historian to boot!!! We loved our time with him and enjoyed the whole experience so much! Thank you so very much

Operator response

Great review, thanks so much. Very happy you enjoyed the day, our driver 'Sticky' is a character and enjoys his day too!!!

J
Jeff_P
February 22, 2026
Excellent experience....

Excellent experience. Sticky (our driver / guide) was full of stories and information the entire drive. Van was comfortable and the ride was easy. The mud spa was good but the walk through the springs was just as good.

Operator response

Thanks Jeff for a great review, very happy you enjoyed the company of Sticky, he's a great ambassador for our business - thanks you!

3
319alishat
February 21, 2026
Well worth doing great experience

Wow from the moment we were picked up from the cruise ship at the port easy to find our tour people with their red flags and shirts to the time we were dropped off Was extremely pleasant the driver sticky was so very informative from buildings to nature all the different trees ect And when we got to hells gate everyone was helpful and the actual surroundings very interesting and the mud pools wow what an experience Even the homemade sausages rolls in the cafe were amazing 🤩

Operator response

Thank you for the fantastic feedback! We’re so pleased everything went smoothly from port pickup to drop-off and that Sticky’s knowledge made the journey even more enjoyable. It’s great to hear you loved the experience at Hells Gate especially those unforgettable mud pools and even had time to enjoy the café treats! We truly appreciate you joining us, thank you!

S
SingingAussiegirl
February 17, 2026
Fabulous time!

our driver was the best. thoroughly enjoyed the experience from the first moment! Many thanks for the highlight of our trip.

Operator response

Amazing, thanks so much for such a lovely quick review! Enjoy the rest of your holiday :)

T
Tourist26747453595
February 12, 2026
Recommend

Highly Recommend this experience

Operator response

Thanks - it is really a great experience!

M
Marie_G
February 8, 2026
Mt Maunganui to Rotorua - mud glorious mud!

We walked off the ship and along to the area where tours are gathered. A little market was happening nearby. Gorgeous area. Take a photo of your tour company name so you can recognize them Great trip to Hells gate. Paul was a great guide. Thanks for the toilet stop. Fascinating to see the thermal spas. Plenty of time to see it all.

Operator response

Thanks Marie for the lovely review. We do indeed ive in a gorgeous area of NZ. The Mud Baths are amazing and so glad you enjoyed your day with Paul.

G
GARRY_L
February 5, 2026
Excellent venue and...

Excellent venue and driver (Paul). We had lots of time to explore and take advantage of all that the site has to offer.

Operator response

Great review Garry, thank you so much. Paul is a great driver/guide so we will be sure to pass on the review to him.

S
Sean_F
February 2, 2026
Great day, driver was...

Great day, driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. Staff at hells gate we’re very helpful. Enjoyable day

Operator response

Thanks Sean for a great review and so quick too! Glad you had a enjoyable day!

I
isabelamK6331GF
December 27, 2025
This trip was amaizing, we got to see the most beautiful landscapes and take the mud bath. An unforgetable experience

We loved this trip, it was amaizing!! Te tour guide was very profesional and gave us a lot of fun facts and new info about NZ!

Operator response

Great review Isabela, thank you so glad you enjoyed the trip!

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