ENQuestions? (888) 651-9785(888) 651-9785
Hell's Gate Geothermal Park Tours
There are plenty of places in Rotorua to find bubbling mud and steam vents, but the geothermal activity at Hell's Gate Geothermal Park is the most pronounced. Explore the landscape in this valley and you’ll notice that the steam is a bit thicker; the mud gurgles, a bit louder. The earth here is powerfully raw, which is precisely what makes the attraction so alluring.
The Basics
Hell's Gate’s wooden boardwalk create a safe path through the steaming chaos; the walk takes roughly 90 minutes to complete. Points of interest along the way include the Inferno pool; Kakahi Falls, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall; a native forest; and a mud volcano. After strolling the boardwalk, you can relax at a mud foot pool or soar high above Hell's Gate on a helicopter tour.
The mineral waters and mud, used for centuries by the local Maori people, are believed to have health benefits. The natural pools can easily reach above the boiling point; the hottest, Steaming Cliffs, registers temperatures over 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). Gain entry into the geothermal park and choose between curative treatments like a sulphur spa, mud bath, or a combination of the two. Private options are also available for those who prefer more privacy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hell's Gate is the only Maori-owned thermal park in New Zealand.
- Bring a bathing suit and towel, or rent them at reception.
- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you’re walking, and bring sunscreen in summer.
How to Get There
Hell's Gate Geothermal Park is located 15 minutes from downtown Rotorua on State Highway 30. There are complimentary round-trip shuttles that run several times a day, morning until late afternoon, with purchase of an admission ticket.
When to Get There
The park is open from 8:30am–10pm every day except Christmas. Duration depends on the type of activity selected with admission; most therapeutic treatments last 60–90 minutes. You can also arrange a guided tours in the morning or afternoon; after 6pm, you can soak up a spa treatment under the stars.
What’s in a Name?
The playwright George Bernard Shaw first uttered the name “Hell's Gate”; he reasoned that if hell were to have a gate, it would surely look like this. However, the site has held major significance to the Ngati Rangiteaorere iwi, or tribe, for more than 700 years. Tikitapu is the Maori name originally given to the valley; it’s named after a princess who ended her life by jumping into a boiling pool.
Address: State Highway 30, Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (2)
Hell's Gate Sulphur Spas
8
Since the 1840s visitors have travelled to Hell’s Gate to experience the healing powers of our sulphur waters. Take the chance to relax and indulge in our naturally heated geothermal pools, renowned for their restorative properties. While you soak, take the opportunity to admire the native flora around you, you’ll soon feel rejuvenated inside and out.
…More
From
$19.47
From
$19.47
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Hell's Gate Geothermal Park
Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
Learn more
Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
Sort by:Featured
Hell's Gate Sulphur Spas
8
Since the 1840s visitors have travelled to Hell’s Gate to experience the healing powers of our sulphur waters. Take the chance to relax and indulge in our naturally heated geothermal pools, renowned for their restorative properties. While you soak, take the opportunity to admire the native flora around you, you’ll soon feel rejuvenated inside and out.
…More
From
$19.47
From
$19.47
The Hell's Gate Experience
23
Spend a few hours experiencing the wonders of Rotorua’s most unique geothermal reserve at Hell’s Gate. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, before trying your hand at Maori carving in the interactive carving house. Then indulge in our geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Maori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
Complimentary guided tours depart daily, please see Hell's Gate website for latest departure times.
…More
From
$77.08
From
$77.08
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas
46
Treat yourself to a 1-hour therapeutic mud bath and sulfur spa package at Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Located in one of Rotorua’s most active geothermal zones, Hells Gate features mud bath treatments that leave your body rejuvenated and skin smooth. Have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment, and enjoy the ease of round-trip hotel transfers.
…More
From
$59.97
From
$59.97
Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
15
Enter a world of bubbling mud and powerful geysers with admission to Hells Gate, a geothermal park in Rotorua. Once you’re in the Hells Gate park, you can follow a self-guided walkway through New Zealand’s most active geothermal field, pausing to explore interactive exhibits along the way. After the geothermal walk, take time to visit Hells Gate's native forest on a bush walk, listening for the sound of tropical birdcalls as you pass silver ferns and thick foliage.
…More
From
$31.58
From
$31.58
Things to do near Rotorua
- Things to do in North Island
- Things to do in Tauranga
- Things to do in Tongariro National Park
- Things to do in Hastings
- Things to do in Waiheke Island
- Things to do in Auckland
- Things to do in Wellington
- Things to do in Picton
- Things to do in Blenheim
- Things to do in Christchurch
- Things to do in Queenstown
- Things to do in South Island
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Akaroa
- Things to do in Coral Coast