Comfortable Footwear: Suitable for walking on uneven and potentially slippery terrain.Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Bring a jacket or poncho for rainy days, and wear light clothing on hot days.Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially during the geothermal walk.Camera: Capture the unique and stunning geothermal features and activities.Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities.

Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is available within the Rotorua central area (booking essential).Parking: Ample parking is available for both cars and campervans at 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua.Rainy Days: Rain enhances the geothermal experience; ponchos are available for purchase on-site.Accessibility: The tracks through the geothermal reserve are made with natural stone, and we recommend only off-road wheelchairs accompanied by an experienced helper.

Overview Departure Dates Book now

Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve Walk

North Island

Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa

from

US$27

per adult

Book Now

Visitors cross a wooden bridge through steam clouds during a geothermal walk at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Experiences

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: ~90 minutes

Difficulty: 1

Minimum Age: 2

A Journey Through Steam, Mud, and Magic

At Hell’s Gate, the landscape feels alive beneath your feet, hissing with steam and bubbling with molten mud. Each path takes you past thermal features shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, showcasing nature’s dramatic artistry. As you wander through this otherworldly terrain, the air fills with geothermal mist, creating an atmosphere both powerful and serene.

The geothermal walk offers more than spectacular sights—it’s a living classroom of science and culture. Guided and self-guided options let you explore at your own pace, pausing to feel the earth’s heat or admire rare mineral deposits. Every twist of the track reveals new wonders that capture the essence of Rotorua’s geothermal heart.

Detailed view of an active geothermal mud pool at Hell’s Gate in Rotorua.

Māori woman in traditional attire collecting water from a geothermal lake at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Family walking near the Steaming Cliffs, a geothermal hotspot at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Guided bush walk at Hell's Gate Rotorua with visitors learning about the native silver fern.

Family exploring the geothermal walk at Hell’s Gate on a sunny Rotorua day.

Couple viewing the dramatic steam clouds rising from Inferno Pool at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Visitors on a rainforest trail during a bush walk at Hell's Gate Rotorua, admiring native tree roots.

Group walking along a steaming geothermal path at Hell’s Gate with forest in the background.

Visitors looking over an active geothermal crater from a viewing platform at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Visitors taking photos of the Inferno Pool, a steaming geothermal hotspot at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Family enjoying the geothermal walk at Hell’s Gate with steam vents in the background.

Family learning about New Zealand’s native silver fern during a bush walk at Hell's Gate Rotorua.

Boiling mud pools and steaming geothermal craters at Hell’s Gate in Rotorua

Steam rises from geothermal formations at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk in Rotorua.

Aerial view of the geothermal valley and walking trails at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Close-up of bubbling geothermal mud at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

Kakahi Hot Waterfall steaming through native forest at Hell’s Gate Rotorua.

The Soulful Blend of Culture and Nature in Rotorua

Hell’s Gate is deeply rooted in Māori tradition, with stories passed down through generations about its sacred energy. Visitors can take part in hands-on carving experiences and hear local legends that reveal the connection between people and the land. This blend of geothermal power and cultural wisdom makes the reserve a truly unique place to learn and reflect.

For centuries, the healing properties of Hell’s Gate’s waters and mud have been cherished for their restorative qualities. Whether you come for the science, the scenery, or the stories, this geothermal reserve invites you to connect with the living spirit of Aotearoa. It’s an experience that captures the wild beauty and cultural heartbeat of New Zealand.

Highlights

Erupting Waters: Observe the dynamic geothermal activity with water bursting from the ground.
Active Mud Volcano: See the continuous formation of mud from the geothermal heat.
Land Coral: Explore the rare and fascinating geothermal formations resembling coral.
Hot Waterfall: Experience the unique hot waterfall, the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
Māori Carving: Engage in traditional Māori carving, a cultural and artistic activity.

Tour Inclusions

Geothermal walk
Complimentary Māori carving
Complimentary guided-tours run daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability. Alternatively, a self-guided map is provided on arrival.

Age Info

Adults: 16+
Children: 5-15 years
Family: 2 adults & 2-4 children
Infants: 0-4 years

CANCELLATION & REFUND

10 People or Less

24 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Less than 24 hours: Non Refundable

More than 10 People

48 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Less than 48 hours: Non Refundable

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Comfortable Footwear: Suitable for walking on uneven and potentially slippery terrain.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Bring a jacket or poncho for rainy days, and wear light clothing on hot days.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially during the geothermal walk.
Camera: Capture the unique and stunning geothermal features and activities.
Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities.

Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is available within the Rotorua central area (booking essential).
Parking: Ample parking is available for both cars and campervans at 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua.
Rainy Days: Rain enhances the geothermal experience; ponchos are available for purchase on-site.
Accessibility: The tracks through the geothermal reserve are made with natural stone, and we recommend only off-road wheelchairs accompanied by an experienced helper.