Hells Gate Mud Spa

Tikitere is the fiercest of the accessible geothermal fields around Rotorua - the ground is more actively boiling, the mud pools larger and more violent, and the sulphur heavier than at the more manicured parks. George Bernard Shaw visited in 1934 and is credited with the English name, having remarked that it resembled the gates of hell. The walk of about two and a half kilometres passes the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere, sulphur pools, steaming ground and a pool traditionally used for bathing wounded warriors returning from fighting. The park is owned and run by Ngati Rangiteaorere and the interpretation reflects that. The other half is the spa: geothermal mud baths where you sit in warm grey mud, then rinse and move to a sulphur pool. Mud is fifteen to twenty minutes maximum, which the staff enforce, and silver jewellery must be removed.

What you actually see

• The violent field - the most active accessible geothermal ground here.
• The hot waterfall - the largest in the southern hemisphere.
• The mud baths - warm grey mud, fifteen to twenty minutes maximum.
• The iwi-run interpretation - the site presented by its owners.

When to go

Any season; cold days maximise the steam. Book the spa - sessions are timed. Walk first, mud second, which is how it is scheduled.

Honest expectations

The sulphur smell is genuinely strong here, stronger than elsewhere in Rotorua. Remove silver jewellery - it will tarnish permanently. Mud time is limited for a reason. Keep your head out of the water.

Nearby

Rotorua and its lakes are west; Okere Falls is on the same road.