Guide to the Hot Springs in Rotorua

Tucked away on New Zealand's North Island, on the shores of the lake that shares its name, lies Rotorua, a town known for its bubbling mud baths, bursting geysers and beautiful hot springs, as well as its strong presence and representation of Maori culture.

Rotorua has firmly cemented itself as one of New Zealand's most desirable destinations, so if you find yourself craving a relaxing holiday filled with nature's truest and purest spa experience, look no further.

Here are Rotorua's best hot springs, mud baths, and geothermal pools.

With a name like Hell's Gate , you know you're in for an experience that is out of this world—accurately described as "Where the centre of the earth meets the sky", this ancient geothermal reserve and mud spa was once used by Maori warriors to heal their battle-scars hundreds of years ago.

You'll be amazed by the awe-inspiring landscape as you travel through the bushland covered in the dramatic clouds of steam that emanate from the pools.

You can witness powerful mud volcano eruptions and be astounded by the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere before treating yourself to a soak and a full-body mud mask, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next NZ adventure.

One of Rotorua's most awarded and well-known hot spring experiences, Polynesian Spa sources hot mineral water from two natural springs with opposite acidity levels to feed into 28 individual hot pools set on a number of unique backdrops.

The slightly acidic Priest Spring waters will help relieve muscle aches and joint pain, while the alkaline Rachel Spring waters nourish and rejuvenate your skin. 

With a range of different hot pool experiences ranging from Skyview and Lakeside offerings to private and family pools, Polynesian Spa has something for all visitors.

Their Retreat Day Spa also offers a range of pampering beauty experiences, including facials, mud wraps, massages, and more. It is perfect for those looking for that next level of rejuvenation and relaxation.

Created by locals who wanted to share their childhood experience of heading off the beaten track to discover some of Rotorua's secret hot springs, Secret Spot Hot Tubs offers 12 separate tubs set amongst a combination of natural greenery and lush tree ferns that create a truly tranquil place to soak.

Grab yourself a craft beverage of your choice before heading down to your chosen private pool, filled with the volcanically filtered water from the hidden spring found high in the Whakarewarewa Forest.

One of Rotorua's best options for those who are looking to prelude their relaxing spa experience with a splash of adventure and a touch of natural wonder, Waimarino Kayak Tours Starlight Kayak Tour will take lucky guests on a paddle across Lake Rotoiti as the sun is setting, before arriving at the Lake's Hot Pools just in time for the sunset.

Dry off and head back across the lake to the hidden glow worm caves and marvel at the amazing natural light show before navigating your way back to shore under the moonlight.

Home to the famous towering spouts of Lady Knox Geyser that can reach up to 10-20 metres in height,  Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is one of Rotorua's largest and most popular geothermal destinations.

Be amazed by the Geothermal Park, widely considered to be NZ's most colourful and diverse geothermal attraction, spanning over 18 square kilometres, before completing your experience with a visit to the bubbling and boiling mud pools. Wai-O-Tapu is fully equipped with a visitor centre, cafe, and gift shop. 

Home to the towering Pōhutu geyser, which regularly erupts to heights of up to 30 metres and is recognised as the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Te Puia combines its 60 hectares of unbridled bush, geysers, and boiling mud pools with a range of cultural experiences to create one of Rotorua's most rewarding places to visit.

Bring your visit to the next level with a personalised guided tour to help you truly connect with the area's cultural significance, and go back in time by witnessing traditional Māori carving and weaving or visiting the model Pre-European Maori Village and sacred Marae buildings.

Cap off your day with a visit to the Kiwi Conservation Centre, where you can get up close and personal with New Zealand's famous national animal. Witness the behaviour of these endangered birds in a specially designed darkened tank and discover their intriguing history. 

Located in the geothermally active Te Rata Bay, Hot Water Beach is true to its name. With a hot thermal spring that leaks into the lake, heating the surrounding sand and the water that circulates through it, Hot Water Beach is, with good reason, one of Rotorua's most popular spots to visit. 

Grab a shovel and dig your own hot pool right next to the ocean, accessing the reserves of geothermal water below to create an experience you just can't get anywhere else.

Hit up Totally Tarawera for tours with day trips, hiking, and overnight options.

Home to the largest single source of pure geothermal water in New Zealand, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is your gateway to experiencing the living waters of Ta Manaroa Spring, and the breathtaking landscape of Waikite Valley.

Their Thermal Pool Complex offers a choice of 5 different bathing options, each with its own unique style and view of the surrounding area. In contrast, the Private Spa area offers individual temperature control in the privacy of tranquil bushland. 

Take a short, family-friendly hike to visit the boiling and bubbling spectacle of Te Manaroa Spring in all its glory and learn about the unique flora and geology of the surrounding land, or try an overnight stay at their dedicated campground with a range of 26 powered and unpowered sites.