Tauranga day tour: Te Puia, Redwoods, Hells Gate mud spa

Māori carvers at work, a geyser that erupts multiple times daily, and over 5,000 glowworms in a 70-metre cave.

A full-day tour from Tauranga visiting Te Puia's geothermal valley and Māori Arts Institute, the Redwoods Treewalk suspended 9–20 metres above the forest, and Hells Gate mud spa, with a local English-speaking guide, lunch and all entry included. Children from age 5 are welcome. If you have a fear of heights, you can walk the forest base instead of the elevated treetop path.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Te Puia2h · entry included
2. Hell's Gate Geothermal Park2h · entry included

Explore Rotorua and geothermal attractions

• Visit Te Puia Thermal Valley
• See Pohutu Geyser erupt
• Observe kiwi at Conservation Centre
• Watch Māori arts and crafts demonstrations
• Enjoy Hāngī buffet lunch
• Explore Redwoods Glowworms eco cave
• Walk the Redwoods Treewalk
• Soak in Hell’s Gate mud bath and mineral pool

The experience

The day starts at Te Puia, where you watch Pōhutu Geyser (the biggest naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere) erupt multiple times throughout the morning. The thermal valley fills with bubbling mud pools and Māori-made sculptures. At the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, carvers and weavers demonstrate their skills at work, and your guide shares stories passed down from their ancestors. Lunch is a Hāngī Buffet featuring Māori and international flavours, eaten on-site so you stay immersed in the geothermal landscape.

After lunch, you move to Redwoods for two separate experiences. The Treewalk is a 700-metre suspended track winding 9–20 metres above the forest floor, lit by 34 lanterns designed by David Trubridge. If heights are not comfortable, you can walk the forest base instead and still see the same landscape from ground level. Then you descend into a 70-metre eco cave at Redwoods Glowworms, where the walls are dramatic rock formations and over 5,000 glowworms create a dazzling display overhead.

The tour ends at Hells Gate, a geothermal mud spa where you lather yourself in the unique mud (used by local Māori for over 800 years for its healing properties), then soak in the sulphur mineral pool to cleanse and exfoliate. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Your driver guide handles all transport and timing, so the day flows without planning on your part.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Tauranga hotel.
• entry to Te Puia, Redwoods Treewalk, Redwoods Glowworms and Hells Gate.
• a Hāngī Buffet lunch at Te Puia.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• and commentary from a local English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Ready2Roll Tours and Transfers

Is this one for you?Your guide shares Māori cultural stories throughout, making the experience engaging whether you're new to New Zealand or returning. The single afternoon itinerary covers geysers, forest canopy, glowworms and geothermal mud in one trip rather than booking multiple separate tours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What is Pōhutu Geyser and how often does it erupt?

Pōhutu Geyser is the biggest naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, located at Te Puia in the thermal valley. It erupts multiple times throughout the day, so you will see it active during your visit.

Can I walk the Redwoods Treewalk if I'm afraid of heights?

Yes. The Treewalk is suspended 9–20 metres above the forest floor, but if heights make you uncomfortable, you can walk through the base of the forest instead and experience the same landscape from ground level.

What happens at Hells Gate and what should I bring?

At Hells Gate you soak in geothermal mud and then cleanse yourself in a sulphur mineral pool. Swimwear is not provided but can be hired on-site for $5 per person. The mud and mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years for their healing properties.

Is lunch included and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included as a Hāngī Buffet at Te Puia featuring a fusion of Māori and international flavours, eaten on-site overlooking the geothermal valley.

What is the Kiwi Conservation Centre at Te Puia?

The Kiwi Conservation Centre at Te Puia gives you an up-close experience with the New Zealand kiwi bird, housed in a brand-new facility within the thermal valley.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for 7.5 hours and includes pickup from your Tauranga accommodation, so your driver guide collects you and handles all transport between the three sites.