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Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour

8 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 8 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Auckland, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore Rotorua’s volcanic landscapes and Māori heritage on a private day tour from Auckland, pairing Te Puia with Hell’s Gate. At Te Puia, discover steaming geothermal terrain, bubbling mud pools and the renowned Pōhutu Geyser, then visit the nocturnal kiwi house. Hear stories of the region’s cultural traditions, enjoy a Māori performance and share a traditional hāngī buffet lunch. Continue to Hell’s Gate, where an active geothermal landscape sets the scene for a relaxing mud bath and warm sulphur spa soak. With your dedicated Guest Experience Host and comfortable private travel, this day brings together cultural discovery, natural wonder and time to unwind.

What's Included

  • Lunch Hangi buffet lunch at Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
  • Private transportation
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
Meeting point

8 Customs Street East
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bombay Hills (pass by)

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.
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Robert Harris

We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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3 hours Admission Ticket 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.
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2 hours Admission Ticket 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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Te Puia & Hells Gate incl. Mud Spa Experience Private Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-168163P22

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Reviews

4.88
8 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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4 stars
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchHangi buffet lunch at Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
  • Private transportation
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • 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.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Traditional weaving tutorial to craft your own masterpiece.
  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
  • 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.
  • WiFi on board
  • Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the sulphur spa and cool plunge pool
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Soak up stunning views over the amazing geothermal reserve
  • Bathe in world-famous mud baths, soak in the sulphur spas & cool plunge pool
  • Admission to guided tour and hangi buffet lunch at Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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.

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