Kakahi Falls

 

Kakahi Falls

The largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, Kakahi Falls is located in the privately owned geothermal reserve Hell's Gate, a few minutes drive away from Rotorua. In pre-European times the waterfall was a sacred site for local Maori.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 38° 03.731' E 176° 21.584'
Parking: HellsGate, SH30
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Easy walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 20min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 12m Type of the waterfall: Segmented

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 38° 03.731' E 176° 21.584'
Parking:     HellsGate, SH30
Access:     20min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Kakahi Falls is roughly a 20-minutes' drive away from Rotorua. The road surface is always sealed.

From Rotorua travel north on SH-30 for 16 kilometers until you see a sign 'Hell's Gate'. The parking is on your left.

The waterfall is located on a private land which belongs to geothermal reserve Hell's Gate. Hence, you need to buy a ticket to walk to the waterfall. You have different options: either buy a bush walk ticket or buy a package which includes the walk, geothermal bath, and spa. The price varies from 35 to 90 NZD. 

An easy walk leads you to the waterfall's lookout. The whole bush-walk takes roughly 45 minutes, but you will reach the waterfall within first 10 minutes. Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve is set in 50 acres with a large variety of geothermal features. Walk past steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling MUD so violent they are unnerving.


Waterfalls nearby

Okere Falls

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     5min return walk
Driving:   11.7 km (10 mins)

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Tutea Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     30min return walk
Driving:   11.7 km (10 mins)

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Kaituna Falls

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     5min return walk
Driving:   12.5 km (11 mins)

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Wairere Waterfall

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     5min return walk
Driving:   70.7 km (1 hour 0 mins)

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Tarawera Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     40min return walk
Driving:   57.0 km (1 hour 4 mins)

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