Experience the very best of Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and cultural treasures on this fully guided small group day tour from Auckland. Explore two of the region’s most famous attractions, Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, along with scenic highlights and insightful commentary from your expert guide. Enjoy a comfortable journey through the rolling Waikato countryside, take in Rotorua’s city highlights, and discover the power, beauty, and spirit that make this region truly unique.
Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Please note that not all guests in your group will be participating in the same activities, ensuring a tailored and personalized experience for everyone!
Please note that swimming is not permitted or safe at Wai-O-Tapu.
- Pick-ups are available only from the hotels listed. If your location isn’t listed, please select the nearest option.
- Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the tour time. Be ready and waiting outside by this time to avoid missing your pick-up.
-Not all locations are serviced daily—pick-up points are pre-determined for each tour. If your pick-up location changes, please notify us in advance.
- Guides may arrive up to 10 minutes late due to multiple stops but cannot wait for late passengers. We recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early.
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way. During our adventure in the Waikato we will also stop for a quick coffee break at a special location.
Continuing our journey to Rotorua we pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Arriving at our feature destination you will experience Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Considered one of the most surreal places on earth, here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, local mud-pools, geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.
After a break for lunch, you'll discover the rich history and traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture at Te Puia on a guided 90 minute tour. Watch skilled artisans bring ancient techniques to life at the carving and weaving schools, explore the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and witness the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser erupting up to 30 metres high in the geothermal
To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths.
Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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