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Offered languages
- English
- English
Experience an unforgettable journey through culture, nature, and creativity across Rotorua and the Waikato.
Begin at Whakarewarewa – the Living Māori Village, an authentic community where the Maori people live, work, and share their traditions. Witness their daily life amidst steaming geothermal vents, bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs that have been used for generations. Enjoy powerful cultural performances, including the iconic haka, poi dances, and traditional songs.
Continue to the serene Blue Springs of Putāruru, where crystal-clear, turquoise water emerges from underground aquifers, creating one of NZ’s most pristine and photogenic natural wonders.
Conclude in Hamilton via Tirau, a quaint rural town famous for its corrugated-iron dog and sheep buildings, and cafés, perfect for a relaxed stop, coffee, and memorable photos.
This journey blends immersive culture, stunning landscapes, and small-town charm for an authentic experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Kindly arrive at your hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Look out for the vehicle number provided to you for easy identification.
To ensure a smooth experience, please make sure you have shared the correct hotel address and contact details with us.
If possible, we recommend using a local SIM card or enabling international roaming, and installing WhatsApp for convenient communication throughout your trip.
Itinerary
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1Hamilton
Scenic drive to Rotorua from Hamilton.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Whakarewarewa is a unique living Māori village in Rotorua, home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, where culture, traditions, and daily life continue as they have for generations. Unlike a staged attraction, this is an authentic community where residents live, work, and welcome visitors. Set within an active geothermal landscape, the village is surrounded by steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs that have been used for cooking, bathing, and heating for centuries. Guided tours led by local Māori hosts share stories of ancestry, customs, and history, offering insight into traditional lifestyles, carvings, weaving, and the spiritual connection to the land. Visitors can enjoy powerful cultural performances featuring haka, poi, and traditional songs, while learning how the geothermal environment shapes everyday life. Whakarewarewa offers a meaningful and respectful cultural experience that brings Māori heritage, resilience, and hospitality to life.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
Scenic Drive to Putaruru
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Blue Spring
Blue Springs is a pristine natural attraction near Putāruru, famous for its crystal-clear, vibrant blue water that supplies up to 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. Flowing from underground aquifers, the water maintains exceptional clarity and a constant temperature year-round. A scenic walking track leads visitors through peaceful farmland and native vegetation to viewing platforms overlooking the springs, offering excellent photo opportunities. Swimming is not permitted, helping preserve the purity of this protected freshwater source.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Tirau
Tirau is a charming rural town in the Waikato region, best known for its quirky corrugated-iron buildings shaped like a dog and a sheep. With its friendly small-town atmosphere, boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries, Tirau makes a perfect short stop to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and capture fun photos while experiencing local Kiwi creativity.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Hamilton
Scenic drive back to Hamilton
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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