Rotorua is New Zealand’s coolest hot spot. Part of the Taupo volcanic zone, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland. Visitors have been fascinated with the area since the early 1800’s and there is no better place to see mother nature at her turbulent best than at Hells Gate Rotorua. Visitors to Rotorua’s most active geothermal park can experience a dramatic landscape littered with boiling hot pools, steaming fumaroles, a mud volcano and even a hot waterfall. Oh and did I mention the mud baths and sulphur pools in the natural spa? Read on for all the details …
Hells Gate Rotorua Overview
Hell’s Gate Rotorua is a 30 minute drive from The Regent Of Rotorua where we stayed and our Airport Rentals Hyundai i20 got us there with ease. We did have a GPS but the route is well signposted in case you don’t. If you can’t get to Hell’s Gate under your own steam a shuttle runs multiple times daily. On arrival meet your guide in front of the traditional Māori Te Wharenui where you will get a brief run down on what is to come. We were a small group of only The Hubs and I and just one other couple visiting from the US. The grey skies and constant drizzle probably kept the crowds away but it suited us just fine as we got a much more personal experience. Our guide Ray was careful to point out that Hells Gate Rotorua is the only fully Māori owned geothermal area in NZ. While the entire Rotorua area is a hot bed of geothermal activity, Hells Gate has the dubious honour of being located on one of the thinnest parts of the Earth’s surface without a volcano or magma on the surface. In fact, the magma is only 2½ kilometres below the ground. Hells Gate is about 10,000 years old and while it was originally underwater as part of a super lake, it is now the most active volcanic zone in New Zealand. Allow about 3 hours at Hells Gate Rotorua to make the most of your visit. Entry starts at $35 per adult and there are a number of packages to chose from.
Hells Gate Geothermal Park
The geothermal park is much bigger than we expected. Of course you are free to explore all the attractions yourself but I really recommend sticking with the guided walk. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of the experience if we didn’t have Ray by our side. You will spend about 45 minutes winding your way among natures most extreme environment. The landscape looks incredible, unworldly even. I can imagine it would make a great movie set for a sci-fi based on a distant planet. Everywhere you look steam, gasses and water are hissing out of the Earths surface. A distinctive sulphur smell lingers in the air but it is not as offensive as I imagined and you grow accustomed quite quickly. Two of the highlights of the geothermal walk were the inferno pools that exceed 100°C and the second largest mud volcano in the world which erupts every 6 – 7 weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the pool with a PH of just 1. You do not want to fall in that one as it would completely dissolve your body in just three days. Hells Gate Rotorua is famous for it’s mud. I don’t want to give too much away but Ray does a very special trick with the white mud near the steaming cliffs that will amaze you. Finish off your walk by soaking tired feet in the mud foot pool for a special treat or even better, indulge in a full body soak (see below). They say a picture tells a thousand words and here are some of my favourites.
Carving Experience
Hells Gate Rotorua’s master craftsman flex their skills in the carving house but this is not just a visual experience. Once you’ve seen the master in action, carve your own very special souvenir to take home. They make it look so much easier than it is and I can’t say our efforts looked very professional but at least we had a go. Your carvings will be sealed and varnished for export but make sure you declare them on the way home 🙂
A Wander Through The Forest
One of the most surprising parts of Hells Gate Rotorua is the lush forest in the middle of such an unforgiving landscape. As you step among the trees a calming energy washes over the soul and the temperature dips dramatically. Orange covered lichen covers tree trunks in a dramatic display. Kakahi Falls is nestled in the heart of the forest and is the largest natural hot water waterfall in the southern hemisphere. The falls hold a special significance for the Māori people. Warriors would bathe in the sulphur laced warm water to rinse off the blood of battle and aid healing. As we walked through the meandering paths Ray pointed out a New Zealand Silver Fern. If you have ever seen the All Blacks play rugby you will recognise the distinctive fronds, the underside of the which glow silver in the moonlight.
Mud Baths
The weather turned even more gloomy as we made our way to the nearby spa. Dashing from the change rooms to the mud baths in the frigid air half naked was not pleasant but sinking icy skin into the heated mud bath was absolute bliss. Each mud bath is a combination of suspended and solid geothermal grey mud. Spread the fine solid mud generously over exposed skin and don’t be afraid to get it on your face. The mud is said to purify and gently exfoliate skin leaving it silky smooth for up to six weeks. To get maximum benefit you need to allow the mud to dry on your skin and although I did my best to keep my skin exposed long enough, I couldn’t resist the warm bath. All too quickly our allocated 20 minutes was up and it was time to rinse off the magic mud. Rotorua is a great place to visit with kids and Hells Gate is one of the only spas to welcome the littlies.
Sulphur Pools
We practically sprinted from the shower into the largest of Hells Gate Rotorua’s sulphur pools. As we eased ourselves into water sourced from the park’s Hurutini pool I couldn’t help but recall the tragic story of her passing that Ray had told us earlier. The sulphur infused water form the Princess’ pool is said to enhance the softening properties of the mud bath, promote overall well being and improve blood circulation. I was just happy to relax submerged in delicious warm water while the chilly rain continued to fall around us. The water is warm, but not uncomfortably so and because it’s important to keep hydrated attentive staff deliver water poolside which is a nice touch. Make sure you take off all jewellery before entering as it can tarnish. We soaked for about 30 minutes before reluctantly dragging ourselves back to reality. To keep reaping the benefits of your soak simply dry off without rinsing. I’m not going to lie to you, you will continue to smell sulphur on your skin for a few days but don’t let that put you off. Hells Gate Rotorua is open until 10pm so why not try a twilight spa?
We had a fabulous morning at Hells Gate Rotorua. It was a truly unique experience that you would be hard pressed to duplicate any where else on the planet. Make sure you check out my New Zealand travel essentials post for everything you need to know before you go and read all about scoring a bargain flight here.
What is your favourite part of Hells Gate Rotorua? The geothermal park? The forest? The carving house? The mud baths? The sulphur pools? Or maybe like me you simply can’t chose a favourite 🙂
Until Next Time …
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Disclaimer: We were guests of Hells Gate Rotorua during our trip to New Zealand. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ) says
HHHMMMmmm… not sure if the most volcanically active region in NZ is a major scare factor or a resounding recommendation!!! I visited Rotorua when I was about 4, but it made such an impression on me I still remember the boiling mud, smell of sulphur and – most amazing to my young self – the steam rising through the ground! Maybe I need another trip as an adult!!!
Allison Smith says
The sulphur smell clung to us for days and there were some clothes that got binned as a result but we really enjoyed Rotorua and Hells Gate was a highlight!
Sabine says
Wow so many nice places. That parks looks promising. I like to walk in parks. The pools are beautiful to and perfect to relax in! Need to go here one day!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you make it there soon Sabine. Hells gate offers a bit of everything and a great way to get in touch with nature ?
Maggie Collett says
Oh geothermal parks are so cool! Your experience looks awesome! I completely agree that I get way more out of an adventure when I follow a guide.
Sheena says
Wow, Hells Gate Rotorua looks incredible! I would totally jump into the mud baths, if only for the photos! It’s fantastic that there are also sulphur pools you can relax in too. Hope to make it there one day!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The Hubs insisted I put some mud on my face for the photos lol. It has to be done right! The sulphur pools were a lovely way to finish the day ?
Tracy says
Aaah…I didn’t know about this Hells Gate when I visited Rotorua else I should have visited. I want to try the mud pool next time! 😀
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Sounds like a great excuse to go back Tracy ?
theresa says
Great experience you had there. Everything is new to me, though we have a mud bath here. They said that mud cleanses our skin well. I used to do mud bath before and it felt eeeky but I still enjoyed the experience.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The mud was lovely Theresa ?
Laura H says
I had never heard of this place before but it looks like a fascinating place to visit! It is so cool that it has some of the thinnest parts of the Earth’s surface. I’m intrigued by how many different environments they seem to have there from hot springs to forests. I would love to have a dip in that mud bath too 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really does have a little of something for everyone. You have to do the mud bath ?
Michelle d says
Wow so I really need to go here now!! It looks like so much fun I’m jealous. Adding to my list now ahhh
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope you make it there soon Michelle ?
Lisa says
New Zealand is #2 on my top list to visit and this post just confirms that. So beautiful and unique. I would definitely visit Hells’ Gate. Maybe the mud bath but for sure looking forward to some serious hiking through those forests and mountains. Thanks for sharing.
Laveena Sengar says
I loved everything about this place. It’s just so cool. Mud bath caught my eye though. I am sure you had an incredible time there. I have not really come across a place with so many different variations put in together. It’s really cool.
Melissa says
Oh my gosh! That entrance would have scared me. I mean the mask painting and the inferno pools seems like hell. LOL. It’s a good thing those forests made up for it. It seems okay after all. With that, I think that would still make an interesting trip. Plus, I didn’t know they had this in New Zealand. Hmmm.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
George Bernard Shaw named in Hells Gate for exactly that reason Melissa. He thought it looked exactly like hell lol
Rhiannon says
The forest looks so gorgeous!
Bit of an odd question, but how was the smell? My aunt is originally from Rotorua and ever since I was small she would always tell us how Rotorua is a truly beautiful place, but “the smell is enough to send the cows home”. Probably a slight exaggeration there, but she’s a local so can say what she wants haha.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
As soon as you roll the windows down after you drive in you can smell it. I had also heard rumours of how bad it was so I was expecting the worst. It was no where near that bad! And you get get used to it very quickly lol. Short answer: It is there but bearable ?
Doro says
Looks like a great place to explore! I love mud baths, I think they’re really fun. The geothermal park must be interesting to visit as well though. even though I’m usually not a guided tour person, it seems to be helpful in that case!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The guided tour was definitely worth doing Doro. You could explore on your own afterwards if you would prefer. While we started off with only two couples another couple joined us about half way though. I’m sure it was simply because they were so interested in what Ray had to say. He is clearly very passionate about what he does!
Trevor says
Your photos are amazing! Hells Gate looks like it has a little bit of everything for a visitor to Rotorua. When we were there, we visited the Te Puia Cultural Centre and the Polynesian Spa, which were both really good as well.
We were amazed that you could walk around Rotorua and see bubbling mud pools in regular city parks as well.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Trevor. Hells Gate definitely offered that. Rotorua was a whole new world that’s for sure! I’ve never been anywhere quite like it!
Stefano uTravelShare.com says
I totally prefer Mud baths….I did last year in a cave in China and was really fun :). I’m going to move to Austalia next month, and next May is my turn to visit New Zaeland so I’m sure your post will be really useful for me 🙂 thank you so much
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s awesome Stefano. I hope you enjoy Nee Zealand as much as I did ?
Kathy Ngo says
I wanna try the Sulphur pool though it looks a little scary for me. I would give it a try still since I promised myself I would try anything once. The place looks really fantastic. It’s like an adventure and relaxation all rolled into one.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Exactly Kathy! You get the best of both worlds at Hells Gate. The sulphur pool was not scary at all, in fact it was very relaxing! The water was so warm and inviting we had to drag ourselves out!
Iza Abao, Two Monkeys Travel Group Writer says
I would love to try the mud bath. It is unique and makes me wonder about the benefits after going deeper into a mud bath. I am a nature lover so I would want to explore the forest.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The forest was such an unexpected surprise and change of landscape. One of my favourite parts of the park!
Berlin says
This is an interesting place to visit. The closest I have been to is a massage and a face mud pack. The mud is from the lahar of mount pinatubo which erupted years ago. Good thing as well they allow kids to join.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Is say the principal is the same Berlin just all over. The weird thing is I had no issue spreading the mud on my body but I only dabbed a little on my face lol.
Cassey Yong says
I will be happy to go to Hells Gate Rotorua, is the warm bath, hot spring? but the mud bath looks appealing to me! I will be in for an adventure if i go there. Yes I know about mud bath’s they are so good for skin, and it works wonders. I’m not sure my skin will itch while waiting though hehee… but it will be a good experience, thanks for sharing your experience.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hey Cassey no the mud was not itchy at all while on the skin and was actually very soothing. Yes all the pools are heated which was perfect on a chilly day.
ROBERT LEE | Amazing Life Daily says
What is my favorite part? EVERYTHING. Everything is so new to me. So I definitely had fun reading and appreciating the photos you posted. As much as I want to try to pick some that really intrigued me, I can’t. From the beginning to the end, I’d say you did a good job of transferring the experience to me.
Okay, if there is one thing that blows my mind, it’s the 100 degrees water. I am sure you were standing in a safe place but imagine what happens if one were to fall into water that HOT.
One thing too. Sulphur. Doesn’t getting oneself submerged harmful?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
New Zealand really does have such a unique geography. So close to Australia yet such a different landscape so it was new to me as well. It’s very safe at Hells Gate and visitors are reminded to stick to the paths so there is no danger of falling in. The sulphur is claimed to have healing properties and many visitors return regularly to ease aches and pains. It’s not damaging to the skin at all as far as I am aware.
kallsy says
While I am not one to typically book a guided tour, this one seems worth it! I have never experienced a mud bath before, only hot springs. I would love to do so (although I might not ever be able to leave after that).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m the same with guided tours Kallsy. So glad we did the tour at Hells Gate though. Of course we could have read the signs ourselves but we would have missed out on all Ray’s awesome stories.
Theresa says
Yaaaas! Mud baths are the greatest, and they really do exfoliate. Although I’m half convinced the healthy glow is just as much from the fun of treating ourselves as it is the minerals in the mud. Looks like you had an amazing time.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I always try to sneak in a treat or two each trip. Travelling can be exhausting when it’s all go go go. Hells Gate was the best of both world with the geothermal park and the spa all in one location!
Davide uTravelShare.com says
Answering your questions is pretty hard because all of these places are beautiful in this location! Maybe Mud Pool is something I couldn’t make it, just because I don’t like that feeling 😀 I love the sulphur pools even if we have to immerse ourselves just 20 minutes maximum! Great post and lovely travel blog, you guys are so cute 😀
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The mud actually feels quite lovely and that is the one you have the 20 minute limit on. You are free to stay in the sulphur pool as long as you like ?
Vicki Louise says
Hell’s Gate looks like an incredible place! I nearly did a mud bath in Spain once but it smelt so bad that I chickened out! I think I would be more easily persuaded in such a lovely setting though!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was Vicki. The mud bath didn’t smell bad at all so you would be fine but the sulphur does have a distinct odour. It’s not horrid though and you do get used to it quickly.
The Travel Ninjas says
Hell’s Gate looks like great fun. We love mud baths. And the rest of the park is so exotic and dreamy. Thanks for the great tip.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The landscape is so unique. I’ve never seen anything like it any where else. And yes the mud bath was awesome ?
Kristine says
Hells Gate Rotorua looks like an amazing place to explore when in New Zealand. I’d love to treat myself to a mud bath and a dip into the sulphur pool. Must have been an interesting experience!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was. Definitely a must visit when in Rotorua.
blondemoments says
A mud bath? How cool is that! I would love do try that as well! Your skin must feel amazing after that!
And the nature reminds me a bit of Iceland!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I have really dry skin and this was sensational! I never wanted to get out lol
Natalie says
I have always wondered what a mud bath would feel like and think the kids would think it is the greatest thing EVER to have permission to roll around in the mud. LOL! I can just picture the mess. LOL! What a wonderful place to explore….
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It would be fantastic for kids and Hells Gate Rotorua allows kids over 2 ?