Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour worth booking?
Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour is a 13-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $687 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (8)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $687 per person
On this comfortable private day tour from Auckland, experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Soak in hot steam, marvel at boiling
What you get
About this experience
On this comfortable private day tour from Auckland, experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Soak in hot steam, marvel at boiling mud pools and watch a geyser erupt in spectacular fashion at one of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal wonderlands. This land has the power to heal and excite anyone who meets it, just as it’s done for centuries. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience at Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland and Hell’s Gate mud spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
- Chance to see the towering water jets of Pōhutu Geyser.
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Admission to Hell's Gate mud pools and sulphur spas
- All Fees and Taxes
- Enjoy a scenic drive through lush countryside with opportunity for photo stops.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Traditional weaving tutorial to craft your own masterpiece.
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
- Admission to traditional Māori cultural performance.
- Promote good skin health and overall, well-being
- Up-close look at the valley's immense bubbling mud pools.
- Spot the iconic New Zealand kiwi bird at the nocturnal house.
- Experience the magical qualities of the nutrient rich mud pool at Hell’s Gate
- Insights into Māori heritage & historical uses of the land.
- On-board WiFi
- Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the sulphur spa and cool plunge pool
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Lunch
- Admission to guided tour and hangi buffet lunch at Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
- Soak up stunning views over the amazing geothermal reserve
- Bathe in world-famous mud baths, soak in the sulphur spas & cool plunge pool
Not included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes here
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
Pass by without stopping
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
15 minutes here
Dog and Sheep Shaped Corrugated Metal Buildings
We will also pass through the unique town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.
10 minutes here
Te Puia
Situated five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is an iconic destination for visitors featuring the world famous Pōhutu geyser, Māori cultural performances, live Kiwi birds, boiling mud pools, native bush and the national school of wood carving and weaving. Feel the warm welcome of Māori guides from the moment you walk in. Explore the unique Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, home to the world famous Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to twenty times a day, and up to thirty metres high into the air. Explore the boiling mud pools and the boiling waters which are still used to cook in. Discover the distinctive flavours and unique preparation of our traditionally cooked Māori hangi. This experience includes an extended tour of Te Puia, an interactive weaving experience, plus a traditional Māori Hangi buffet lunch infused with indigenous flavours and a Māori concert.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa
Within a short drive we move to our second destination where you will have a devilishly good time at Hell’s Gate mud bath and sulphur spas. Get down and dirty in a mud bath or unwind in a Sulphur spa overlooking a spectacular geothermal landscape, before cooling off in a beautiful spring-fed waterfall and plunge pool. Featuring hot-water lakes, New Zealand’s largest mud volcano and the largest hot water waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, the Hells Gate Valley is the place to be for an indulgent experience that is almost sinful. Being the only geothermal mud bath in New Zealand, Hell’s Gate spa is a truly therapeutic experience. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. You can slather yourself in the warm geothermal mud before jumping in the sulphur pool, with minerals that help to clear and detoxify. This amazing landscape will captivate your imagination as it bubbles with heat and history.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland Central
After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Rotorua, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua if you are staying locally in the region.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceKart
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer, bring a camera & any essential personal items.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- If the guest has had or is suffering from any of the following medical conditions, we strongly advise that they seek advice from their doctor prior to using the geothermal pools.
- The mud baths are suitable for children over the age of 2.5 years, whereas the Sulphur spas are suitable for children over the age of 6 months.
- All infants must wear bathing suits or disposable nappies whilst bathing.
- Please remove all jewellery before entering the pools as Hell’s Gate accepts no responsibility for tarnished jewellery.
- For the bathing experience, guests can choose to bring their own bathing attire and towels or hire these items from Hell’s Gate at a small cost.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- The mud bath experience is controlled to a maximum of 20 minutes on the basis of safety.
- Hell’s Gate have swimwear for both males and females for sale, subject to availability.
- Being an active geothermal area with uneven terrain, sturdy footwear is recommended. Jandals, sandals, flip-flops or high heeled shoes are not suitable.
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- It is important that children (as well as adults) drink water while bathing in order to keep hydrated.
- If the guest has had or is suffering from any of the following medical conditions, we strongly advise that they seek advice from their doctor prior to using the geothermal pools. The list of medical conditions below is not an exhausted list but serves to highlight some of the main medical conditions where the geothermal pools may not be advised: Pregnancy, Low or High Blood Pressure, Mobility Problems, Active or Under Active Thyroid, Verruca/ Warts, Heart Conditions, Epilepsy, Skin diseases/disorders, Diabetes, Metal Pins/ Plates, Claustrophobia, Ear Infections, Cancer, Recent Surgery, or Sulphur Allergies
- Lengthy immersion in the hot pools may cause dehydration and fainting. Please remain hydrated at all time by drinking the water available in the spa facilities and inform staff immediately if any discomfort is felt. When exiting the pool, take care and use the handrails provided
- Both children and adults need to be comfortable with the heat, and Hell’s Gate recommends taking regular breaks to ensure overheating does not occur
- Guests are advised to shower before entering the pools in order to remove any makeup, sunscreen or other products applied to the skin as we cannot confirm what is in each product and therefore if a reaction with the Sulphur will occur.
- It is important that children (as well as adults) drink water while bathing in order to keep hydrated.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
We had a great time. Dibs was an excellent tour guide! From the goody bags on pickup, to cleanliness of the car, great information about the area along the drive, well-timed stops with photo opportunities, and perfect timing for the Lady Knox geyser eruption… the trip was planned and executed well. The self guided tour of the geothermal wonderland and the mud spa did not disappoint either. It was a lot of car time—but the stops and Dibs guided chatter made it go pretty quickly. We definitely recommend!
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Crystal, Thank you very much for taking your time to leave us a lovely 5 star review and we sincerely appreciate your comments especially "the trip was planned and executed well" and "From the goody bags on pickup, to cleanliness of the car, great information about the area along the drive, well-timed stops with photo opportunities, and perfect timing for the Lady Knox geyser eruption". We thank you sincerely for being our guest and choosing to book with ExperienceKart. We strive very hard to provide exceptional services to our guests and your lovely review just says it all! We look forward to hosting you again in one of our 80 different tours!
via Tripadvisor
The private tour was nice...
The private tour was nice as we could move at our own pace. However the mud spa experience seemed rushed and only allowed you 20 minutes in the mud spa itself. However this time limit is not set by the tour company
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Travell, Thank you for your feedback which we appreciate sincerely. We hope you enjoyed the private tour and the greatest benefit is that you venture at your own pace. The 20 minutes limit for the mud spa is set by Hell's Gate for your own health and safety. We wish you safe travels and look forward to hosting you again.
via Viator
Fantastic experience - great customer service
We had a wonderful time on the Wai O Tapu & Hell's Gate tour. Karthik was a fantastic and very knowledgeable guide who went well above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. The tour itself was amazing...definitely a "must do" while visiting New Zealand. Highly recommend this tour company!
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Dena & Matt, Thank you so much for taking your time to leave us with a glowing 5 star review of your recent trip to Rotorua. We are stoked to hear that you had such an amazing day travelling with ExperienceKart and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Until then we wish you safe travels and kindest regards!
via Tripadvisor
Exciting
They had friendly staff. The mud bath experience was fun. It was an exciting feeling to rub mud onto our bodies.
Response from the operator: Kia ora, Thank you very much for taking your time to leave us with a review. We are stoked to hear that you had such an amazing time!
via Tripadvisor
Very enjoyable experience
We had a nice 3 to 4 hours at the facility. You start with the walk around the thermal areas. If you follow a decent guide map and take your time allow about an hour and a half Max. We were almost alone and you cannot really get lost. The thermals were fabulous and had much variety. We avoided the 10.30am group walk tour as there were about 30 people and you loose the ambience of watching nature without a slow crowd. The map has plenty of info for the well signed points of interest. We then did the mudbath and spa experience. It was very relaxing and there are showers and you can hire a towel. Staff were very friendly and don't be put of by the sulphur smell. It's nothing that bad and after a shower or two you will be all good. Overall it is a 3 in 1 experience that was worth the cost and effort.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora, Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. We are so glad that you had an enjoyable experience! We look forward to hosting you again in the near future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $687 to $1295
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $687 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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