Immerse yourself in two of New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experiences!

Start with the Full Hell’s Gate Experience, where you can enjoy a self-guided or guided geothermal walk through an active geothermal reserve. Unwind and rejuvenate in the famous healing mud baths and sulphur spas, used by local Māori for centuries.

Next, explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system, at your own pace. Take a self-guided walk through lush valleys, encounter native flora and fauna, and admire hot springs, crater lakes, and sweeping geothermal landscapes.

Hell's Gate Experience Includes:

• Geothermal walk
• Mud baths
• Sulphur spas
• Complimentary Māori carving experience
• Complimentary cold plunge pool

Additional Information (Hell's Gate):

• Complimentary guided-tours run daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm, subject to availability. Alternatively, a self-guided map is provided on arrival.
  
• The mud bath has a time-limit of 20 minutes once a day for health and safety reasons. 
• The minimum age for the mud baths is 2.5 years of age, whereas for the sulphur spa is 6 months of age. Children must be aged 12 and over to participate in the carving.
• Your swimwear and towels will have a sulphur smell to themafter  your experience and will need to be cleaned thoroughly.  We recommend using old swimwear, or if you have any concerns to hire or buy from Hell’s Gate, subject to availability.
• The chemical makeup of our muds and waters will tarnish most jewellery, particularly silver.  We recommend removing it and waiting 24 – 48 hours to put it back on.
• All complimentary services are subject to availability.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk Includes:

• Self-guided walk or hike through Waimangu at your own pace, with options to tailor the experience to your fitness level and time available.

Walk Options at Waimangu:

1. Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 1 (1.5 km, approx. 1 hour)
   Moderate difficulty, mostly downhill with steps.
   Key features: Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Southern Crater, rare plants, hot springs, and silica terraces.

2. Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 2 (3.2 km, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
   Moderate difficulty, includes some steps.
   Key features: Emerald Lake, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, and additional geothermal features. Great for bird watching.

3. Full Walk to Lake Rotomahana (4.0 km, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes)
   Suitable for most fitness levels, flat after Bus Stop 2.
   Experience the full valley, including all major geothermal highlights, panoramic views, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

4. Hiking Trail: Inferno Crater to Mt Haszard (4.5 km, approx. 2+ hours)
   Requires good fitness and suitable hiking shoes. Not recommended for children, pushchairs, or wheelchairs.
   Spectacular views over the valley and surrounding area, including Rainbow Mountain and Lake Rotomahana.

Additional Information (Waimangu):

• Hiking trails require good fitness and are recommended for those seeking a more challenging experience.
• Make sure to wear suitable footwear, especially for the more difficult trails.

Important Notes:

• Both experiences can be enjoyed on different days at your convenience.
• We recommend allowing at least half a day for each location to fully enjoy the experiences.
  
• Transportation between Hell’s Gate and Waimangu is not included.  Hell’s Gate and Waimangu Volcanic Valley are approximately 35 km apart, a 30-40 minute drive by car. (Waimangu Volcanic Valley Physical Address: 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua; Hell’s Gate Physical Address: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua)

Sustainability & Kaitiakitanga:

At both Hell's Gate and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, we are deeply committed to the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and environmental sustainability. We strive to protect and preserve these unique geothermal landscapes for future generations, minimizing our environmental footprint while providing enriching visitor experiences.

Together, Hell’s Gate and Waimangu offer not just an adventure but an opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s natural heritage, while supporting efforts to protect these extraordinary landscapes.

For more information on what to expect, visit Hell’s Gate FAQ and Hell’s Gate T&Cs.