Spa

Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk & Māori Carving Tickets

Step into New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve with steaming mud pools, erupting geysers, and the country's largest hot waterfall.

Try your hand at traditional Māori carving, an interactive, creative experience unique to Hell’s Gate.

Join a guided tour to uncover ancient legends and geological wonders, or explore at your own rhythm with a self-guided map.

Complimentary shuttle makes getting to and from Rotorua’s central area effortless and stress-free.

All ages can enjoy the geothermal walk, while the carving experience is open to guests aged 12 and above.

Geothermal walk through Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve

Hands-on Māori carving experience

Complimentary guided tour (10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability)

Map for self-guided walk

Access to geothermal features including mud volcano, hot waterfall & land coral

Educational displays on geothermal activity & Māori traditions

Complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off within Rotorua central area (separate booking required)

Swimwear and towels (available for rent on-site)

Mud bath, sulfur spa & cool plunge pool access

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

14 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, Poland, Canada and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
William W
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Loved learning about everything . The experience was great and our Tour guide was very good at explaining everything...enjoyed his sense of humor as well. Definitely would recommend this experience !
Elizabeth M
Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
Fascinating landscape of geothermal power.
Donna-maree R
Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
Amazing tour! Guide was so informative and his experience showed. We were very happy.
Billy G
Family
Verified booking
Jan 2026
The Hell’s Gate Geothermal experience was unforgettable, made even better by our tour guide, Liam. His deep knowledge of Māori culture, paired with his perfectly timed comedic comments, brought the entire journey to life. He struck that rare balance of being informative, engaging, and genuinely entertaining. The landscapes were incredible on their own, but Liam’s energy and storytelling elevated the whole experience into something truly special. Highly recommended for anyone wanting culture, laughter, and a bit of geothermal wonder all in one.
Maia L
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Would recommend on a rainy day, it creates lots of steam which makes the whole walk feel more magical. Also all the staff were super lovely and helpful, thanks a bunch.

Explore Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve on a 90-minute walk, complete with a hands-on Māori carving experience.

Getting started

Arrive at Hell’s Gate’s main entrance, where you’ll check in and receive your ticket. Join the complimentary guided tour at 10:30am or 2:30pm, or pick up a self-guided map to begin exploring at your own pace.

What to expect

This geothermal park is known for its powerful natural features and deep Māori cultural connections. You'll see unique geothermal activity, including erupting waters, a mud volcano, and the only hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Features

Erupting waters: Witness dramatic pools and steaming vents that highlight the geothermal energy beneath Rotorua.

Mud volcano: See New Zealand’s only active mud volcano, a rare natural phenomenon in constant motion.

Hot waterfall: Visit the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, historically used for bathing and healing.

Māori carving: Try your hand at traditional Māori carving, guided by local experts (ages 12+).

Complimentary shuttle: Enjoy hassle-free transport with a free shuttle service to and from Rotorua’s central area (booking required).

What to bring

Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for outdoor terrain.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the experience takes place outdoors.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Swimwear and towels are not required for this experience (no bathing access).

What’s not allowed

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the park for security reasons.

Accessibility

This experience may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to uneven outdoor terrain.

Additional information

Children must be aged 12 and over to participate in the Māori carving activity.

All complimentary services, including the guided tour, shuttle, and carving, are subject to availability.

Complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off within the Rotorua central area must be booked in advance; bookings are essential via phone or email.

Guided tours are offered daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability. A self-guided map is provided if you do not join a guided tour.

Infants (0–4 years) can enter free of charge but must be included in your booking.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Ticket Redemption Point

Redeem your ticket at Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa.

Address: State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand.

Get Directions to the Ticket Redemption Point

Getting There

Hell’s Gate provides a complimentary shuttle pick-up and drop-off, available from within the Rotorua central area. Bookings are essential, please check the Hell's Gate website for the latest shuttle timetable and to contact the provider to organize your shuttle service.

Validity

This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout.

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