Hells Gate Geothermal Park
Bay of Plenty
Hells Gate Geothermal Park, also known by its Māori name Tikitere, is situated in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. It is renowned as the region's most active geothermal area, featuring steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, a mud volcano, and the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere. The geothermal activity here originated about 10,000 years ago following eruptions that drained an ancient lake, shaping the current landscape. The park is owned and operated by the local Māori tribe Ngāti Rangiteaorere, who have inhabited the area for over 700 years and continue to share their cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the park via self-guided or guided tours that reveal both the natural geothermal phenomena and the Māori legends associated with the site. The park also offers a historic mud spa experience, where guests can enjoy the healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur waters that have been used by Māori for centuries. Hells Gate's unique combination of geological marvels and rich indigenous culture creates an unforgettable experience that educates and revitalizes visitors alike.
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Tip: Visit Hells Gate during daylight hours to fully appreciate the geothermal features and guided tours. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for the mud bath spa and guided walks, to secure your preferred time. The park offers both self-guided and guided options, catering to different visitor preferences. Discounts may be available for groups or combined experience packages. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for warm, moist conditions near geothermal activity. Check the official website for current opening hours and any special events.
Interesting facts
- •Kakahi Falls at Hells Gate is the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere.
- •The geothermal heat source beneath Hells Gate is less than 2 kilometers deep, shallower than most other geothermal areas in the region.
- •The name 'Tikitere' derives from a Māori princess, Hurutini, who tragically died by throwing herself into a boiling hot pool, a story central to local Māori heritage.
- •George Bernard Shaw visited the park in 1934 and inspired its English name 'Hells Gate'.
- •The Ngāti Rangiteaorere tribe has owned and managed the land for over 700 years, preserving its cultural and natural significance.
History
The geothermal area of Tikitere was formed approximately 10,000 years ago through a series of eruptions that drained an ancient lake, creating the present-day lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti.
The reduction in water pressure led to the formation of faults that allow steam and gases to escape from less than 2 kilometers underground, making this one of the shallowest geothermal heat sources in the region.
The Māori tribe Ngāti Rangiteaorere has lived in the area for over 700 years and owns the land.
The English name 'Hells Gate' originated from a 1934 visit by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who likened the geothermal landscape to the fiery gates of hell as described by his theologian colleagues.
The site has been used as a destination spa since at least 1871, capitalizing on the therapeutic sulphurous waters and mud.
Place Guide
Geothermal Walk
An interactive trail through the park showcasing steaming lakes, mud pools, fumaroles, an active mud volcano, and the Kakahi hot waterfall. Visitors can learn about geothermal processes and Māori legends along the way.
Mud Bath and Sulphur SpaSince at least 1871
A historic spa experience using geothermal mud and sulphur waters with reputed healing properties. Visitors can lather in mineral-rich mud, exfoliate, and soak in warm sulphur pools, following Māori traditional practices.
Contact
Phone: 07 345 3151
