Rotorua Small Group Tour: Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture from Auckland

Experience the geothermal wonders and Maori culture of Rotorua on a small group tour from Auckland. Customize your day trip with unique activities and attractions. Book now!

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Auckland Central - Your tour begins in New Zealand’s largest city. As we depart from the city, your guide will not only set the stage for your adventure but also highlight some of the city’s top attractions.
  • Waikato Region - Leaving Auckland, we head south through the picturesque Waikato countryside, the world’s largest farming area, featuring stunning landscapes, mighty rivers, excellent photo opportunities, impressive mountains, and various farm animals along the way. During our journey through Waikato, we’ll also pause for a quick coffee break at a special spot.
  • Tirau - As we continue our trip to Rotorua, we pass through Tirau, famously known as the ‘Corrugated Iron Capital of the World’ due to its numerous unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town always brings a smile, and our guides will point out all the main highlights as we pass through.
  • Rotorua - Upon arriving in Rotorua, your driver will take you to your selected activities and handle all the bookings and tickets. Spend the day exploring the wonders of Wai O Tapu geothermal park and delve into Maori Culture at Te Puia in the afternoon! Alternatively, you can spend the morning admiring the bubbling hot pools at Wai O Tapu and then relax in one at the Polynesian Spa in the afternoon.

It’s important to make your choice when booking so we can organize your day before your journey begins. Please select one of our options when booking and be aware that not everyone on your tour will make the same choices as you. That’s what makes this tour unique!

  • Auckland - Unfortunately, we must head north again, but your day isn’t over yet with a fully guided return trip to Auckland, including secret stops along the way.
What's Included
  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
  • Entry tickets (purchased activities only)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Additional Information

Take this tour to experience Rotorua our way with adding 2 optional activities. Enjoy a day exploring the wonders of Wai O Tapu geothermal park and explore Maori Culture at Te Puia in the afternoon! Or why not spend the morning looking at the bubbling hot pools at Wai O Tapu and then the afternoon soaking in one at the Polynesian Spa? Make your choice when booking !

Highlights:
• Lake Rotorua
• Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & Rotorua Museum
• The choice of 2 activities to do while in Rotorua

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.

  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don’t have a car seat one can be provided (with at least 24 hours notice).
Location
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Victoria Street West
Please pick this location if your hotel is not on our list. We do not pick up from your hotel if it is not listed
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(144 Ratings)
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213susannes
Jul 22, 2024
Super cool! - Great trip! Amazing sights, especially Te Puia geothermal park. Our tour was organized and lead perfectly by Simon. Even with a large group, Simon was flexibly, timely and provided really great info. The drive is quite long, but it’s worth it, and there’s lots of interesting info to learn along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_g
Jul 16, 2024
Definitely worth it - Rotorua is definitely worth visiting. Very unique area with multiple experiences to offer. The tour guide, Mike, was very personable and courteous. He went out of his way to address the needs/wishes of all his customers during the trip. The tour makes for a long day, but it is worth it. We recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Jodyp727
Jul 8, 2024
Amazing experience! Loved the whole day!! - Got to spend the day with my family exploring the amazing scenery! The Guides were amazing and we would highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charmaine_v
Jun 26, 2024
Great day out - The whole day was memorable - but considering the time spent on the bus, our guide was amazing, a people person, funny and very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Emma_l
Jun 24, 2024
Roteroa - I really enjoyed this trip. We had a small group, which was perfect. Our tour guide, Simon was funny, kind and always helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Venture63738871080
Jun 22, 2024
Rotorua Highlights Tour + Te Puia and Waiotapu - John was great! He took us to two bonus stops: the Lady Knox geyser and an additional geothermal mud pool. So make sure you stay on schedule and you might get more than you paid for. It just depends on if you have any extra time and whether stuff is available along the way (timing, weather, etc). Also he had a great playlist, which actually makes a difference I find, as you’re going to be on the road for a few hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide09158205926
Jun 16, 2024
Wonderful, amazing, fun and well worth the three hour drive there and back. - Mark was amazing so much knowledge about NZ. Very lovely accommodated our needs. He even put on some awesome music to try and get us feeling alright from a long trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_s
Jun 5, 2024
Changed the Tour - Not enough people signed up for this tour the day I had it scheduled, so the company gave me a few options of other tours set to go. I still went to Rotorua and Te Puia, but instead of Waiotapu, I went to the Glowworm Caves which I'm really glad I got to see. Rotorua was the least enjoyable part of the tour for me since it's just a lake. Glowworm Caves was the highlight since it's such a unique experience. I enjoyed Te Puia as well and the tour guide was great. We even got to see a kiwi while there.
Review provided by Viator
Brittany_g
May 25, 2024
Stunning and Informative - The tour guide gave alot of really interesting information,which was an added bonus to the already amazing tour. Rotorua is a must see when in New Zealand! 10 out of 10, recommend
Review provided by Viator
Katia_a
May 25, 2024
Amazing - I had the most wonderful time on this tour. The places we went to were just absolutely incredible and there were even some small additional places we stopped by as we had a smaller group. We were fortunate enough to have an awesome group of people on this tour. The tour guide John was funny, entertaining and brought everyone out of their shells. He looked after us the entire day.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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