The Most Epic Hot Pools and Mud Baths in Rotorua

New Zealand is known for its adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and bungee jumping, BUT if you’d like to take a breather from all the thrills and action, why not immerse yourself in some of the best hot pools in Rotorua? And don't forget the Rotorua mud baths - they're magic too!

Rotorua is famous for its lively volcanic and geothermal activity. With bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs, its the perfect place for bathing and total relaxation.

We’ve gathered the best Rotorua hot pools and mud baths for you to soak yourselves in. We’ve also included all the info you'll need to know, like how to get to the Rotorua mud pools, ticket prices and more!

From travellers to locals, the Secret Spot Cedar Hot Tubs in Rotorua is a favourite place to unwind. There are 12 handcrafted, 6 seater cedar hot tubs perfectly placed on the edge of the Puarenga Stream overlooking beautiful native gardens on the edge of the mighty Whakarewarewa Forest. Each hot pool is filled with pure spring water from a secret spring source heated to a perfect 39.5 degrees. 

You get your own private tub for your party with no interruptions. Soak outside amongst the tree ferns, with optional umbrellas over the tub to shade you from the sun or rain. 

And it doesn’t stop there — the Secret Spot offers a complimentary foot spa known as the ‘shinny dip’. While you soak those tired feet, you can enjoy local beers, wines or ciders. Now that is absolute bliss!

How about a unique Rotorua mud spa experience in New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano at Hell's Gate Mud Baths in Rotorua. Hell yeah! Mud baths are well-known for their healing properties. It’s also very good for your skin by drawing out impurities, softening your skin and improving blood circulation. It’s no wonder local Māori has used the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water for over 800 years! 

Relax in mud baths, sulphurous spas and take a refreshing dip in the spring-fed waterfall. Open and clean your skin by slathering it in the unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. You’ll feel like a new person after this soothing mud bath experience in Rotorua.

With panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua is one of the best in the country. Polynesian Spa’s geothermal hot mineral waters are sourced from two natural springs and feed into 28 hot mineral pools. This includes the Deluxe Lake Spa, Adult Pools & Priest Spa, Private Pools, and the Family Spa. 

It’s also the home to the Acidic and Alkaline springs — which you won’t find anywhere else in the world!  The slightly acidic Priest Spring waters relieve tired muscles, aches and pains, while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish the skin.

If you find yourself a little hungry, there are also brekkie and high tea packages that you can book along with your Polynesian Spa ticket on Klook.

Set amongst rich native bush, Kerosene Creek is a geo-thermally heated stream where you can bathe and relax. It is the BEST place to have a thermal swim literally right in nature — and the big bonus is that it’s free! It is a must-visit hot pool in Rotorua!

The warm water is created from the natural spring where hot water from under the earth bubbles up, meeting the cool waters of the creek.

It is a little tricky to get there, but it is well worth the adventure! But safety first — it is an isolated area, so it’s best to visit during daylight hours.

The best way to immerse yourself into New Zealand’s culture is by spending the day at Te Puia. The Te Puia pass allows you to experience the incredible Maori culture and art through wood carving, weaving demonstrations, followed by an eye-opening exhibition of a Pre-European Maori Village. 

Afterwards, take a wander and marvel at the geothermal wonders spread over 60 hectares of land, including the famous Pohutu Geyser which is the Southern Hemisphere's largest active Geyser.

And if that’s not all, no trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing a kiwi bird. You’ll get to see New Zealand’s native kiwi birds foraging around at the Kiwi House. 

So, yes - it's true - there are no hot pools to bathe in here, but it is such an important location in Maori culture, and has so much geothermal activity that it is still an exciting, informative and fun day out!

Would a visit to a new city be complete without seeing it from above? Take to the skies before racing back down the hill with Rotorua's Skyline Gondola and Luge!

The Rotorua Skyline Gondola offers one of the best views of Rotorua city and out towards the geothermal areas and lakes. As you ascend Mt. Ngongotaha, these striking views will slowly be revealed with the prime view at the top of the mountain. Once at the top, you'll have views of the amazing surroundings. Depending on the time you head up, you can also grab some lunch or dinner at the Stratosfare restaurant for a gastronomic delight made of locally sourced produce.  

If you want some extra excitement while you’re there, add a luge ride to your gondola ride package to get access to fun riding down the hill while racing your family or friends.

If you're after a relaxing break that is good for your body and good for mind - Rotorua is just the ticket. Rotorua's hot pools and mud baths are a must do that will leave you feeling completely relaxed and reenergised, and a visit to the Skyline Gondola will have your bearings straight in no time at all (ready for the perfect landscape pic for Insta!).