HELLS GATE GEOTHERMAL RESERVE & MUD SPA, ROTORUA - BUDGET SMALL GROUP - DAY TOUR FROM AUCKLAND
Auckland CBD - Tirau - Hell's Gate, Rotorua - Mercer - Auckland CBD
Day Tour Itinerary: Auckland CBD to Hell's Gate
Auckland CBD - Hotel Pickup: Start your day with a 6:00 AM pickup from your hotel or accommodation in and around Auckland CBD. Please share your address and contact details when booking the tour. Guests should be ready 15 minutes prior to departure. Small hand-carry bags are allowed and can be stowed in the car boot. Both the driver and tourists will be notified well in advance and should be able to connect via phone and internet for a seamless start to the journey.
Travel to Tirau: Enjoy a 1 hour and 53-minute drive to Tirau (170.1 km via SH 1), nestled in the heart of the Waikato region. Known for its distinctive corrugated iron sculptures and vibrant, small-town atmosphere, Tirau offers a refreshing 15-minute pitstop where travelers can relax and rejuvenate. Stretch your legs, use clean restroom facilities, and enjoy a coffee or light refreshment at one of the local cafés. The town's iconic corrugated iron buildings, shaped like a dog and sheep, provide great photo opportunities and a taste of Tirau’s creative spirit. Explore charming shops and boutiques offering local crafts, souvenirs, and treats.
The Hell's Gate Experience: Continue your journey with a 1-hour drive to Hell's Gate (via State Hwy 5 and State Hwy 30) for a unique geothermal adventure. Participate in either a guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk exploring boiling hot pools, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling mud pools. Enjoy the therapeutic properties of the geothermal mud baths, known for their skin-cleansing and exfoliating benefits (20 minutes per session). Relax in the sulphur spas, rich in minerals that promote healing and relaxation. Children aged 12 and over can engage in traditional Māori carving, offering insight into local artistry and heritage. Finish your experience with a refreshing dip in the cool plunge pool. Afterward, travel to the Rotorua District for a lunch break at Arawa St, where you have a wide choice of dining options. Conclude your day with a stop at Mercer for a 15-minute break to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Waikato River before returning to Auckland CBD, arriving back at your hotel around 6:00 PM.