Tikitere (Hell's Gate) Geothermal Area

Tikitere - Hell's Gate

For over 700 years Tikitere, or Hell's Gate, has been a sacred place to the Ngati Rangiteaorere tribe, and today is the only thermal park still owned by Maori. A treasured site of healing and revitalisation, Tikitere is named for a tragic Maori princess who threw herself into the boiling hot pool that bears her name today. Upon finding her daughter, the young wife of an abusive and shameful chief, her mother lamented, 'Aue teri nei tiki' - here lies my precious one Tikitere.

Hell's Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal park, set on 50 acres of steaming hot springs, boiling and bubbling mud pools, spurting geysers and the miraculous scorching waterfall, Kakahi, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Hell's Gate is also home to New Zealand’s largest mud volcano and largest hot whirlpool.

The Wonders At Tikitere

The Black Pool - a pond of water with a consistent temperature of about 93 degrees Celsius which cooks vegetables to perfection. Despite the black water and the sulphuric aroma, any food cooked in these velvety waters is untainted and delicious!

Land Coral - the closest thing to sea corals on land these corals live and grow. Actually they are thermophyllic bacteria, bacteria that thrive on heat. These remarkable growths only exist in three areas at Hells Gate, as temperature and nutrient balance need to be just right for them to grow.

The Wai Ora and Hells Gate Spas - the perfect places to unwind and experience the unique and exquisite mud baths, hot pools and therapeutic remedies provided in this Geothermal paradise.

This week's featured activities in Tikitere are:

Featured Activities

White Water Rafting - Kaituna River

Rafting - Rotorua - Starting from NZ $85.00 per person

Raft the Kaituna River. Pass through steep, bush clad canyons, over 14 awesome drops- including the 7m Tutea Falls. Blended with a touch of culture, this trip offers it all, for both rafting enthusiasts and first timers. More...

White Water Sledging - Kaituna River

Rafting - Rotorua - Starting from NZ $99.00 per person

Kaitiaki Adventures are New Zealand's original white water sledging specialists - since 1989. A Rotorua based whitewater rafting a sledging company we offer a unique blend of Maori culture and history whilst experiencing the ultimate adrenaline ruch. No previous experience necessary. Courtesy transport provided. More...

Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve, Mud Bath & Spas

Attraction - Rotorua - Starting from NZ $35.00 per adult

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park is set in 50 acres with a large variety of thermal features, and is Rotorua's most active thermal park. Walk past steaming fumeroles and hot pools of boiling MUD so violent they are unnerving. More...

Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve Park Entry

Attraction - Tikitere - Starting from $35.00 per person

Entrance into Rotorua’s most active geothermal park featuring a self-guided walkway lined with unique geothermal wonders and interactive opportunities.
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Hells Gate: 1-Hour Mud Bath and Sulfur Spa at Rotorua for Small Group

Day Spa - Tikitere - Starting from $75.00 per person

Enjoy a relaxing mud bath and sulfur spa at Rotorua's most active thermal park. Feel the therapeutic after-effects of smooth, soft skin, feel refreshed and revitalized leaving with a sense of overall wellness ... the bath and spa improve blood circulation and relaxation of the mind. You will also enjoy overlooking the famous Hells Gate geothermal reserve where some have come to know it as "the stairway to heaven." After, take a dip into the cool spring waterfall to cool down. An experience you... More...