Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
Recommended by 96% of travelers
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Rotorua, New Zealand
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enter a world of bubbling mud and powerful geysers with admission to Hell's Gate geothermal park in Rotorua. Once you’re inside the gates, follow a self-guided walkway through this active geothermal field, pausing to explore interactive exhibits along the way and listen to the native birdsong, or take one of the free guided tours, which depart regularly.
- Admire the geothermal power of New Zealand
- Take an informative bush walk without the risk of getting lost
- Ideal for independent travelers or those who want more guidance
- Get a chance to try traditional Māori carving if you want
What's Included
- Guided or Self-Guided Geothermal Walk
- Bathe in Mud Bath & Sulphur Spas
- Food & Drink
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
Hell's Gate is located just outside of Rotorua's city centre. From the city simply travel east on State Highway 30. At approximately 5 minutes past the airport, you will turn right towards Whakatane. Hell's Gate is 3kms down this road.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travelers can participate
- You must be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 134 reviews
ASHLEY_D, Apr 2026
An interesting, fun and unique time! Liam was amazing and hilarious and was so knowledgeable of the area and culture. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
DANIEL_C, Mar 2026
Amazing natural geothermal wonders of this beautiful part of New Zealand. We did a self-guided tour to take in all the surrounding beauty. The staff were really friendly and helpful as well!
Charlotte_M, Feb 2026
Great experience for the whole family, big and small alike! Kids loved the bubbling and smelly pools!
Adelyn_C, Jan 2026
The fact sheet given is very interesting and informative enough for a self guided walk. There's a guided walk but we didn't want to wait for it, which was another hour. It wasn't a hot day so it was not as bad as we thought walking out there. Took about an hour to walk at a slow pace.
Enson_M, Nov 2025
A fascinating and unique geothermal experience! The bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and dramatic landscapes make Hell’s Gate a must-see in Rotorua. The walk through the geothermal valley was both educational and awe-inspiring, with clear signage and friendly staff sharing interesting cultural insights. Perfect for nature lovers and anyone curious about Rotorua’s volcanic wonders.
nina_d, Nov 2025
Take water and prepare to be amazed. Take swimming gear if you want to have a mud bath towels are provided. Staff really friendly. Good food.
Jessica_W, Oct 2025
This was a great walk with stunning views. Didn’t get to do the craving at the end because is started to storm but that would have been a nice treat.
Lisa_H, Mar 2025
Very interesting and informative walk with a guide discussing the thermal activity
Good walk. Wear closed toe shoes
Manon_G, Mar 2025
It was a really nice experience, very interesting. Just a bit disapointed because we were expecting a Maori guide but we just had a paper guide even if it was enough to discover this area. The real guided tour is only at some precise schedule and we missed this information so be carefull.
Ray_T, Feb 2025
Very interesting. Worth the tune and expense. We scored everything except the smell😆
I would recommend taking an hour of your time and visiting Hell’s Gate
Ann_M, Feb 2025
If possible do the guided tour - our guide (the Maori with a very long name) was knowledgeable and engaging. He recounted Maori legends and stories from his family, so interesting.
The area was amazing to see, but the stories brought it to life
Colin_C, Feb 2025
Very interesting place full of surprisingly beautiful walks, not just mud pools. Well worth a visit.
Dawn_P, Jan 2025
Lovely short informative walk around the site.
The group was larger than expected of about 30 people.
The person giving the talk was very knowledgeable about the site.
Les_B, Nov 2024
Excellent tour guide who was very knowledgeable and well spoken. Easy walk with plenty to see. Guide took time to answer all questions and ensured a very pleasant experience.
Katherine_S, Oct 2024
Very dramatic landscape, well sign-posted. The extra walk through the forest was a lovely addition - so beautiful. We enjoyed the carving at the end.
Samantha_D, Jul 2024
It was well worth waiting for the guided tour! We had T as our guide and he was wonderful! Full of so much great information and very funny. Thanks T!!
Jacobus_v, May 2024
The wonderful nature and extraordinary scenery at the area. Wonderful nature and experience of the walk after pouring rain!
Laura_M, May 2024
We only did the walk but were able to join one of the tour guides who provided insight on the history and fun facts about each of the pools.
Marcel_D, Mar 2024
Not only have we seen the geothermal experience through the walk, but the weather showed us (almost) four seasons in a day. The reserve is well maintained and staff very kindly.
Janet_T, Nov 2023
Our guide was so knowledgeable and added just the right amount of humour! The tour was a good time length.
Frederick_F, Feb 2023
The whole experience was an adventure into another world. Absolutely amazing. On top of this our guide was incredible. He had knowledge, humour and above all he was a ‘born teacher”. The ones in life you want to listen to.
Albert_K, Feb 2023
Great picturesque walk through the bushes to the craters followed by a relaxing mud bath. Perfect experience with family if you want some quality time.
Hajnalka_M, May 2022
Fantastic place, great walk and learning, even in winter and even if choose not taking the bath, impressive and well maintained natural treasure. Such a shame that the reception staff was so unhappy on the day of our visit.
SHAMSIAH_M, Aug 2019
It's our first time walking amongst bubbling water/mud in a geothermal active region. The smell of sulphur is in the air but sadly we did not see any sprouting geysers during the walk. It would have made it complete. But thank you for the experience and the good service 😊
Tillmann_B, Mar 2026
It is a beautiful tour of a well-maintained geothermal site. A good option among several possibilities.
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