The smell of rotten eggs engulfed us once we drove into Rotorua. Located within the geothermal areas of the North Island, Rotorua is the place to go for an authentic mud adventure. The muds are famous for their bathing, relaxation, healing and overall well-being. It has been used by the Maori for more than 800 years.
Spot the face!
There are plenty of parking spots on site right outside the entrance. We chose to have the geothermal walk to explore the park first and enjoy the mud bath and spa later. It was right in the middle of winter which makes the experience even better – less crowds and having a hot spa in winter is just perfect.
There is a path that leads off the the hot water fall, looking like a scene out of fairytale
We had the opportunity to try out the Wai Ora Mud Bath & Spa package (NZD105). It includes the geothermal walk, private mud bath experience and the sulphur spa.
Public mud bath area
Sulphur spa pool area for you to relax in after the private mud bath experience
The private mud experience is wonderful because of the privacy that comes with it. Especially if you are going to get ‘mugly’!
We left Rotorua, longing for that familiar rotten egg scent which had turned pleasantly soothing and wonderfully experienced Hells Gate!
Thanks to Hells Gate for the unique experience and making this trip possible! As always, all opinions are my own to provide my readers unbiased content.