Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa is one of the most dramatic and culturally significant geothermal attractions in the Rotorua region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in the suburb of Tikitere, on State Highway 30 between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti in the Bay of Plenty region, it sits within one of the country’s most active geothermal zones.

We’ve visited Hell’s Gate twice — first in 2005 — and it was absolutely worth returning.

🌿 Exploring the Geothermal Reserve

The park’s features are best experienced on either a guided or self-guided geothermal walk, which takes you along well-maintained paths through native bush enriched by nutrient-rich soils.

We chose the self-guided option, which was great — but halfway around we came across a guided tour and instantly felt we’d missed out. The Māori guide was incredibly enthusiastic, sharing stories about cultural significance, myths, legends, and the importance of the area to local Māori. We stood nearby eavesdropping for quite some time, completely captivated.

If we visit again, we’ll definitely book the guided experience.

🌋 Boiling Mud, Steam Vents & “How Cool Is That?!”

Hell’s Gate is centred on intensely active geothermal features — boiling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, acid sulphate hot springs, hot waterfalls, and even a growing mud volcano.

Walking around — and sometimes over — bubbling mud pools and loudly gurgling craters is an absolute must when visiting New Zealand’s North Island. We lost count of how many times we said, “How cool is that?!” It felt like every few minutes.

What makes Hell’s Gate distinctive is its raw, almost “hellscape” terrain and powerful geothermal activity. Unlike the colourful silica terraces at places such as Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Hell’s Gate feels wilder, harsher, and more elemental.

😂 The Mud Men of Tikitere

One unexpected highlight? Two men, quite literally waist-deep in boiling mud, digging out thick, gloopy mud for the spa pools.

We asked how warm it was.

“Boiling!” came the cheerful reply.

Fair enough.

🧖‍♀️ Mud Baths & Rotten Egg Decisions

Hell’s Gate isn’t just about raw geothermal power — it’s also known for its historic mud baths and sulphur spa experiences, used for centuries by Māori for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

We decided to skip the silky-skin experience this time. With a long drive ahead, the idea of smelling like rotten eggs for a hundred miles in a hot car wasn’t particularly appealing.

Next time, perhaps.

📖 Legends of Tikitere

The area’s Māori name, Tikitere, comes from the poignant legend of Princess Hurutini, whose tragic story is said to have inspired the name. The cultural depth here adds another layer to what is already a visually and geologically spectacular place.

🚗 Planning Your Visit

Just a 12–20 minute drive from Rotorua’s town centre, Hell’s Gate makes for an easy and memorable day trip. It offers a compelling blend of natural drama, Māori heritage, and relaxation experiences — a place where geology and history quite literally bubble to the surface.