If you’re looking for a fresh, engaging activity that combines problem-solving with a bit of whimsy, the Mad Hatter’s Hat at Escapism offers an enjoyable escape room experience that’s worth considering. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews praise its high-quality themes and family-friendly nature, making it a solid choice for those wanting a fun challenge during their time in North Island.
What really appeals to us is how passionate Escapism is about creating themed rooms with meticulous detail—you can tell they care about delivering an authentic, immersive environment. Plus, the fact that each game offers a completely new experience makes it perfect for repeat visits or for groups who love variety.
On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this escape room is not designed for very young children or wheelchair users, which could limit some groups. But if you’re traveling with older kids or adults, it’s likely to be a hit. This experience suits families, friends, or team-building groups looking for a fun, puzzle-focused hour of entertainment in a family-friendly setting.
Key Points

- High-Quality Theming: Every room is carefully crafted to create an immersive experience.
- Unique and Re-Playable: No two visits are the same, thanks to the Mad Hatter’s ever-changing puzzle selection.
- Great for Team Building: Encourages collaboration and problem-solving in a fun environment.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for children 8 and up, making it an engaging activity for families.
- Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Location and Duration: Situated conveniently in North Island, with each session lasting about an hour.
What to Expect at Mad Hatter’s Hat

Stepping into Mad Hatter’s Hat at Escapism feels like walking into a puzzle lover’s dream. The entire experience is set in a themed room where the Mad Hatter himself has gone a bit mad. Your challenge? To work through 10 different puzzles—some easier, some more tricky—to escape the hat before time runs out.
The scenario begins with your group being shrunk down to the size of a pea and dropped into the Mad Hat’s hat, setting the stage for a cleverly designed puzzle factory. The room isn’t story-driven but leans heavily on puzzle-solving—which makes it accessible to a wide audience, especially those who enjoy brain teasers over narrative.
You’ll need to unlock a mini hat as part of your escape, and each puzzle is different enough to keep everyone engaged. The puzzles are not predictable or repetitive, thanks to the operator’s commitment to customizing the experience each time you play. Even if you’ve been here before, you might find yourself surprised by the latest puzzles the Mad Hatter has conjured.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Auckland.
The Themed Environment and Puzzle Quality

We loved the way the theme is brought to life through attention to detail—from colorful hats and whimsical props to cleverly hidden clues. This focus on quality makes the experience more believable and fun. The puzzles are well-balanced, offering a mix of easier and more challenging tasks that foster teamwork without feeling overwhelming.
A review from a participant highlighted, “The puzzles are incredible, and it’s a great team-building experience.” You’ll find that the puzzles require a mix of logic, pattern recognition, and teamwork, making it suitable for groups of friends, families, or colleagues.
Because the room is re-playable, even those who have visited before can return to face a new set of puzzles, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging. It’s an ideal activity if you’re looking for something different from the typical sightseeing and want to test your brain in a playful setting.
The Logistics: Practical Tips for Visitors

Booking is straightforward and flexible: you can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled session. This flexibility is handy if your plans are still evolving. Each session lasts about 60 minutes, and it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early for a quick briefing.
The experience is hosted in English, and it’s designed for private groups, which means you’ll be playing with your own friends or family rather than strangers—adding a level of comfort and intimacy.
However, it’s not suitable for children under 8 years old or those with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users. If you’re traveling with young kids or someone with accessibility needs, you might want to consider other options.
The Value of the Experience
Given the focus on high standards in theme design and replayability, the value here is quite good. You’re paying for a unique, tailored experience that emphasizes fun, challenge, and teamwork—not just a generic puzzle room. The one-hour duration strikes a good balance, offering enough time to solve puzzles without dragging on.
The price point seems reasonable for a well-crafted activity in a tourist-friendly setting. Plus, the fact that it’s family-friendly and designed to be re-played makes it a versatile choice for various groups.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Love Mad Hatter’s Hat?
This experience is perfect for families with children over 8, groups of friends, or colleagues looking for a team-building activity. If you enjoy puzzles, riddles, and creative themes, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate high-quality theming and a playful challenge.
Conversely, if you’re after a story-driven escape adventure or need wheelchair accessibility, you might find other options more suitable. But for those who want a lighthearted, puzzle-focused hour with a touch of fantasy, Mad Hatter’s Hat hits the mark.
The Sum Up
Mad Hatter’s Hat at Escapism offers a clever, engaging escape room experience designed with a strong emphasis on theming and puzzle quality. It’s a fantastic choice for families, friends, and teams who want to challenge themselves in a fun, colorful environment. The fact that each game is re-playable and features custom puzzles ensures that it remains fresh and exciting.
While it might not suit very young children or those with mobility concerns, for most visitors, this experience delivers good value for an hour of entertainment, with the added bonus of being well-organized and flexible to fit your plans.
If you’re after a light-hearted brain teaser in North Island, you’ll likely find Mad Hatter’s Hat to be an entertaining, memorable activity that you’ll talk about long after the puzzles are solved.
FAQs
Is the Mad Hatter’s Hat suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly but only for children aged 8 and above. Younger children might find it less engaging or suitable.
How long does the experience last?
Each session runs for approximately 60 minutes, which makes it a manageable and fun-sized activity.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Is the experience private?
Yes, bookings are for private groups, so you’ll play only with your friends or family.
What language is the experience in?
It’s hosted in English, so some familiarity with the language will enhance your experience.
Are the puzzles challenging?
They range from easy to difficult, but all are designed to be engaging and fair, fostering teamwork.
Can I play the room more than once?
Yes, the room is re-playable, with different puzzles each time, making repeat visits worthwhile.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
What should I arrive wearing or bring?
Dress comfortably; no specific gear is needed. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for a briefing.
How do I reserve a spot?
Booking is easy via the provider’s website, with options to reserve now and pay later.
More Tour Reviews in Auckland
- Sheep World and West Auckland Discovery Small Group Day Tour
- Guided Tour at Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre
- Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch from Auckland
- Wild West Coast & Rainforest Escape – Private Experience
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers with child car seats
- Tiritiri Matangi Sea Kayak Tour
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Auckland we have reviewed
- Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission
- Private Tour: Rotorua Adventure, Kiwi Hatchery & Mori Culture
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch
- Auckland: Rotoroa Island and Man O’War Vineyard Combo Tour
- Auckland: Spellbound Glowworm Caves Explorer Tour
- From Auckland : Rotorua Tepuia Tour with Haka and Hangi Lunch
- Private Hobbiton Tour from Auckland
- Piha Beach & Wilderness Nature : PRIVATE TOUR 8 hrs
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel
- Auckland Private Custom Tour with a Local: Highlights & Gems
- Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour
- Auckland Urban Charm Half Day Tour
