03 Oct 2025
My family and I embarked on a full Hells Gate experience. We began with the walk and took advantage of the included 10:30 guided tour. The tour was fantastic, with our knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating insights into the cultural significance of the site. It lasted about two hours but flew by.
Next, we indulged in the mud spa. That was the central part of the experience. We spent a good amount of time in the mud spa, and then enjoying the heated pools. Contrary to popular belief, the smell was mild and quite bearable. Afterward, we tried our hand at wood carving, which was a fun activity. We even sealed our creations with varnish so we could take them home.
The cafe served delicious food, though I wasn’t a fan of the coffee.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience for the whole family. We highly recommend Hells Gate to anyone visiting Rotorua.