Geothermal walk entrySelf-guided mapComplimentary guided tour, subject to availabilityComplimentary Māori carving activityAccess to geothermal viewpointsNative bush and volcanic sceneryGuided Tour TimesComplimentary guided tours usually run daily at:10:30am2:30pmGuided tours are subject to availability. A self-guided map is provided on arrival.What to BringComfortable walking shoesWeather-appropriate clothingRain jacket or ponchoSunhatSunscreenWater bottleCamera or phone

Important Information

Access & ConditionsTrack surface: Natural stone paths, which may be uneven or slipperyRainy days: Rain can enhance the geothermal steam and atmospherePonchos: Available to purchase onsiteFacilities & TransportParking: Available for cars and campervans onsiteShuttle: Complimentary central Rotorua shuttle available, booking essentialAccessibility: Off-road wheelchairs are recommended with an experienced helper

Adults: 16+Children: 5-15 yearsFamily: 2 adults & 2-4 childrenInfants: 0-4 years

Overview FAQs Departure Dates Book now

Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk in Rotorua

North Island

Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa

from

NZ$45

per adult

Book Now

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

Experiences

Hot Springs, Spas, and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: ~90 minutes

Difficulty: 1

Minimum Age: 2

Rotorua Geothermal Walk at Hell’s Gate

The Hell’s Gate geothermal walk is an easy Rotorua sightseeing experience through one of New Zealand’s most active volcanic landscapes. Follow the geothermal trail past steaming cliffs, bubbling mud pools, land coral, hot springs and native bush at Tikitere Hell’s Gate.

This is the best Hell’s Gate option if you want to experience the geothermal reserve without the mud bath or sulphur spa. Explore with a self-guided map, or join a complimentary guided tour when available, and finish with a Māori carving activity for a meaningful cultural touch.

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.

Tour Highlights

Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve
Easy Rotorua geothermal walk
Steaming cliffs and bubbling mud pools
Hot waterfall and geothermal features
Rare land coral formations
Native bush and volcanic scenery
Complimentary Māori carving activity
Guided or self-guided options

Geothermal walk entry
Self-guided map
Complimentary guided tour, subject to availability
Complimentary Māori carving activity
Access to geothermal viewpoints
Native bush and volcanic scenery

Guided Tour Times

Complimentary guided tours usually run daily at:

10:30am
2:30pm

Guided tours are subject to availability. A self-guided map is provided on arrival.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Rain jacket or poncho
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera or phone

Access & Conditions

Track surface: Natural stone paths, which may be uneven or slippery
Rainy days: Rain can enhance the geothermal steam and atmosphere
Ponchos: Available to purchase onsite

Facilities & Transport

Parking: Available for cars and campervans onsite
Shuttle: Complimentary central Rotorua shuttle available, booking essential
Accessibility: Off-road wheelchairs are recommended with an experienced helper

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

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: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

You can see steaming cliffs, bubbling mud pools, geothermal springs, land coral, native bush, volcanic landscapes and Hell’s Gate’s famous hot waterfall.

No, this ticket is for the geothermal walk only. Choose the full Hell’s Gate Rotorua Experience if you want the walk, mud bath and sulphur spa included.

Allow around 90 minutes for the geothermal walk and Māori carving activity.

Yes, this is an easy Rotorua geothermal walk suitable for families. The natural stone paths may be uneven or slippery, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

You can explore with a self-guided map, or join a complimentary guided tour when available. Guided tours usually run at 10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability.