Experience only the best of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa

Inclusions #

• Entry to Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve

• 20-minute mud bath

• Unlimited access to sulfur hot pools

• Access to cool plunge pool

• Use of changing facilities & lockers

• Access to Māori-inspired wellness rituals

• Complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off within Rotorua central area (separate booking required)

Exclusions #

• Māori carving workshop

• Swimwear and towels (available for rent on-site)

What to bring

• Bring swimwear and a towel for mud bath and spa experiences. Your swimwear and towels will smell of sulfur and require thorough cleaning afterward. We recommend using old swimwear or hiring/buying from Hell's Gate (subject to availability).
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Bring comfortable footwear for walking through the geothermal reserve.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are recommended for outdoor areas.

What’s not allowed

• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the spa and geothermal areas.
• Smoking is not permitted within the facility.
• Use of the mud baths is restricted for guests under 2.5 years old, and the sulfur spa is restricted for infants under 6 months old.

Accessibility

• This experience may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Please contact the venue in advance for specific accessibility information.

Additional information

• Shuttle transfers require advance booking and are subject to availability.
• The mud bath has a time limit of 20 minutes once a day for health and safety reasons.
• The mud and water can damage (tarnish) jewelry, particularly silver. To protect your items, remove them completely and do not wear them again for 24 to 48 hours.

What to bring

• Bring old or dark-colored swimwear, as sulfur pools and mud baths may stain lighter fabrics.
• Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your bath.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven and potentially slippery geothermal paths.
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

• Do not enter pools or areas that are marked as too hot or acidic for bathing.
• Stay on marked paths at all times for your safety, as the earth’s crust can be thin and hazardous.
• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the reserve.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted; meals and drinks are available for purchase at the on-site café.
• 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

• This experience is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and natural geothermal features.
• Some tracks and bathing areas may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Additional information

• The mud bath has a time limit of 20 minutes once a day for health and safety reasons.
• Remove all jewelry (especially silver) as the chemicals in the mud/water will cause tarnish. Wait 24–48 hours before putting it back on.
• Some features, such as the Mud Footpool, may be temporarily unavailable.
• Not all pools are suitable for bathing; please follow on-site signage and staff instructions.
• Participation in Māori carving or geothermal cooking experiences may require advance booking or incur additional charges.
• Children must be supervised at all times due to geothermal hazards.
• The geothermal environment has strong sulfur smells, which may be intense for some visitors.

Inclusions #

• Geothermal walk through Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve

• Hands-on Māori carving experience

• 20-minute mud bath, unlimited access to sulfur hot pools

• Access to cool plunge pool

• Complimentary guided tour (10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability)

• Map for self-guided walk

• Access to geothermal features including mud volcano, hot waterfall & land coral

• Educational displays on geothermal activity & Māori traditions

• Use of changing facilities & lockers

• Access to Māori-inspired wellness rituals

• Complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off within Rotorua central area (separate booking required)

Exclusions #

• Swimwear and towels (available for rent on-site)

• Mud footpool (temporarily unavailable)