Hell's Gate Geothermal Park

Hell's Gate’s wooden boardwalk create a safe path through the steaming chaos; the walk takes roughly 90 minutes to complete. Points of interest along the way include the Inferno pool; Kakahi Falls, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall; a native forest; and a mud volcano. After strolling the boardwalk, you can relax at a mud foot pool or soar high above Hell's Gate on a helicopter tour.

The mineral waters and mud, used for centuries by the local Maori people, are believed to have health benefits. The natural pools can easily reach above the boiling point; the hottest, Steaming Cliffs, registers temperatures over 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). Gain entry into the geothermal park and choose between curative treatments like a sulphur spa, mud bath, or a combination of the two. Private options are also available for those who prefer more privacy.

• Hell's Gate is the only Maori-owned thermal park in New Zealand.

• Bring a bathing suit and towel, or rent them at reception.

• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Wear comfortable footwear if you’re walking, and bring sunscreen in summer.

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park is located 15 minutes from downtown Rotorua on State Highway 30. There are complimentary round-trip shuttles that run several times a day, morning until late afternoon, with purchase of an admission ticket.

The park is open from 8:30am–10pm every day except Christmas. Duration depends on the type of activity selected with admission; most therapeutic treatments last 60–90 minutes. You can also arrange a guided tours in the morning or afternoon; after 6pm, you can soak up a spa treatment under the stars.

The playwright George Bernard Shaw first uttered the name “Hell's Gate”; he reasoned that if hell were to have a gate, it would surely look like this. However, the site has held major significance to the Ngati Rangiteaorereiwi, or tribe, for more than 700 years. Tikitapu is the Maori name originally given to the valley; it’s named after a princess who ended her life by jumping into a boiling pool.