Volcano Days · MASSAGE & RELAXATION
Good massage & relaxation tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Hell’s Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you walk a geothermal route with a map or guide, then enjoy a 20-minute mud bath, sulphur spa, cool plunge pool, and Māori carving. Guides such as Liam, Tee, Zia, and Ngati add cultural stories and humor.
“The tour was amazing. The guide was amazing, so was the activities and the entire experience.”
At Hells Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you spend 20 minutes in warm geothermal mud before rinsing and relaxing in sulphur pools. Add a cool plunge or spring waterfall, and consider the optional reserve walk for Māori history and bubbling thermal features. Towels and swimwear are available to rent.
“It was a unique experience relevant to the place we were at and it was something different”
Spend a peaceful few hours at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa Pavilion, reserved for ages 12 and over. Move between acidic Priest Spring pools, alkaline Rachel Spring pools, a stand-up exercise pool, and a lake-facing soak. Towels, swimwear, and lockers cost extra.
“Too many people with less pools. They should limit number of people.”
Spend a full day at Polynesian Spa’s family-friendly Deluxe Lake Spa, soaking in five mineral pools beside Lake Rotorua. You get towels, lockers, toiletries, showers, heated recliners, an indoor lounge, and a cold plunge. Pools range from 36°C to 41°C, with children under two admitted free.
“The serenity and the luxurious feeling of the water are amazing”
Travel with Pepper’s Tours from Roseau or the airport to four of Dominica’s signature sights. Guides such as Pepper, Dante, Georgianna, and Jones share local stories while you visit waterfalls, Mero Beach, and Ti Kwen Glo Cho’s sulphur pools. Expect winding roads, short walks, lunch at your own cost, and a small group of up to 12.
“Overall we had a great time. Pepper was our driver around the island and Dante was our guy talking to us about all things Domenica. They took us to the major attractions, but in opposite direction to avoid the crowds from the cruises. We had a great time being immersed into the natural beauty of this country. They also recommended a great lunch spot and we had a really good time.”
At Wai Ariki on Lake Rotorua’s foreshore, you’ll move through waterfall showers, saunas, hot and cold pools, hydrotherapy, geothermal mud, and steam. The two-hour Wai Whakaora journey includes Māori blessings, stories linked to Ngāti Whakaue traditions, robes, towels, and views toward Mokoia Island.
“A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for creating such a wonderful atmosphere, with special appreciation to Athena, who consistently goes the extra mile to make every guest’s experience exceptional. Definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting Rotorua”
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua in a small group of no more than 11, with guides such as Jason, JJ, or Jamie. Walk Wai-O-Tapu’s geothermal trails, look for Lady Knox Geyser, then spend two hours in Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa pools before returning to Auckland.
“So relaxing, enjoyed the heated beds and the beautiful scenery, several spa bathes to enjoy, passed on the polar plunge but many were doing it”
Leave Auckland in a small group van with an English-speaking guide such as Jason, Matt, or Dean. Walk through Wai-O-Tapu’s steaming pools, pause for Rotorua sights, then spend two hours at Polynesian Spa beside Lake Rotorua. Hotel pickup, entry fees, towels, and lockers are included.
“Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We’re really happy to hear you had fun — that’s exactly what we love to hear. Hope to see you again on another adventure soon!”
Spend a full day at Polynesian Spa’s Family Pools in Rotorua. You get a 33°C freshwater pool, mini hydro slide, and two Rachel Spring mineral pools at 37°C and 40°C. Lifeguards supervise the area, and families can hire towels, swimwear, and lockers.
“The family pools were so much fun, all my Grandchildren loved them and having a life guard on site was awesome 👌”
Spend one quiet hour at adults-only Wai Ariki beside Lake Rotorua, moving through mineral, hot, cold, herbal, and hydrotherapy pools. A Māori karakia opens and closes the experience. Towels, lockers, water fountains, parking, and wheelchair access are included, but robes and meals cost extra.
“Kia ora Silvia, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an awesome experience at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Ngā mihi,”
Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for a small-group day in Rotorua. With guides such as Huzefa and Jaime, you’ll visit Te Puia’s geothermal valley, Māori carving workshop, kiwi enclosure, and cultural show, then relax in Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa before returning to Auckland.
“This trip was amazing and I 100% recommend. First, we stoped at a small cafe on the way there to get breakfast. Then we traveled to rotarua. We were taken on a tour of the Māori workshop and then we got to go and see kiwis in an enclosRead more”
Book a 45-minute private outdoor pool at Polynesian Spa for at least two adults. You will soak in warm alkaline water from Rachel Spring while facing Lake Rotorua and Sulphur Bay. Towels, a shower, and a private heated changing room are included. Swimwear is extra.
“That was terrible! I bought 2 tickets but charged for 4. Wasted a lot of my time and only gave me a gift voucher instead of a refund!”
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua in a small group, tour Te Puia’s geothermal valley, watch Pohutu Geyser erupt, and see haka, poi, chant, and song in Te Aronui a Rua. Finish with two hours at Polynesian Spa before the return drive. Guides have included Jamie, JJ, and Jo.
“Everything was well planned out and my guide Jo was awesome. Despite the rainy day, both aactivities were excellent. Thumbs up to Jo and the activities. I would definitely recommend this one.”
Travel in a small group from Auckland to Rotorua, stopping in Tirau before exploring Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park. You’ll walk among mud pools and steaming vents, then enjoy a 20-minute mud bath and sulphur spa. An English-speaking driver handles the long road journey and Rotorua pickups.
“We had a great day, the driver was very informative. The mud spa was amazing 🤩”
You’ll leave Auckland at 6:30 am in a private, air-conditioned minibus for Te Puia and Hell’s Gate in Rotorua. Expect a Māori cultural performance, hangi buffet, Pōhutu Geyser, kiwi viewing, bubbling mud, and a 20-minute mud bath followed by sulphur pools.
“The private tour was nice as we could move at our own pace. However the mud spa experience seemed rushed and only allowed you 20 minutes in the mud spa itself. However this time limit is not set by the tour company”
Keep browsing
A summit, a crater rim or a boardwalk over boiling ground.
