Hell’s Gate of Rotorua is the hotspot of New Zealand’s dynamic geothermal region. It’s the only park in New Zealand offering both walking tours and mud spas. Overall, I enjoyed my day on a walking tour in the park, seeing an eclectic array of geysers, sulfur springs and mud pools. So, read on to learn about my Rotorua Hell’s Gate tour of this spectacular place for adventure and rejuvenation.
Just 60 km southeast of Tauranga, is the City and Lake Rotorua. Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal park and New Zealand’s only Mud Spa complex. Rotorua is known for not only its geothermal activity but also its Maori culture. Moreover, this region is called the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.
Hell’s Gate is the land of Superlatives. It’s New Zealand’s most active geothermal attraction with the largest geyser and biggest mud volcano. Additionally, it has the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Related: Stunning Tauranga & Mt Maunganui Attractions on Bay of Plenty
Today, Hell’s Gate is the only mud bath complex, honoring the Maori healing tradition. Also, visitors have been coming to Rotorua’s therapeutic, thermal waters since the mid-19th century. Discovering something I never heard before, Hell’s Gate identifies 3 types of therapeutic thermal mud:
Black Mud – Arthritis and Rheumatism
Grey Mud – Gently exfoliates skin
White Mud – Relief of Burns
I didn’t have time to also do the mud baths at Hell’s Gate. However, whenever in New Zealand, I purchase their geothermal mud skin products highly recommended for skincare.
My Rotorua Hell’s Gate Walking Tour
On my walking tour, I discovered a unique geothermal wonderland. Ominous like its name, however, it’s awesome to explore such a unique setting. Highlights of the tour included the Old Faithful of New Zealand, the Pohutu (meaning “big splash or explosion) Geyser. Also, as the largest geyser in New Zealand, it erupts 2-3 times every hour up to 30 m (100 ft) high.
I also saw Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. This Maori warrior shower is a pleasant 40 degrees C.
Overall, there are guided tours on 50 acres of steamy landscapes. This includes geysers, sulfur springs, colored pools, hot water lakes, bubbling mud, sulfur crystals and land coral. Also, there is a native bush walk. It has unique plant life that you won’t see anywhere else. For example, the silver fern and rare mosses thrive here. The spiral-shaped koru, seen in left photo, is from a silver fern frond. It is a prominent symbol in Maori art of new life, growth and rejuvenation
Maori Geothermal Cooking Tradition – Hangi
Rotorua is a region rich in Māori culture and heritage. The unique geothermal properties of the area also mean local iwi tribes’ cooking hāngī are in natural thermal steam and water. Furthermore, at Hell’s Gate you can experience this tradition and feast on delicious dishes prepared with geothermal hangi.
Overall, Rotorua Hell’s Gate Tour
Geothermal areas are always exciting and unique. However, Rotorua integrates the Maori culture and therapeutic properties. This offers a more well-rounded experience of both nurture and nature.
Next: New Zealand’s Dramatic White Island Cruise
