Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Join a small-group morning tour from Rotorua to explore two top geothermal parks: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Get picked up around 8-8:30 AM. See New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, then enjoy a 1-hour guided walk through Wai-O-Tapu's colorful hot springs.
Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10:15 AM.
Afterward, your guide will explain the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption in Waimangu Volcanic Valley during another 1-hour guided walk through its active hot springs. Have lunch at Waimangu Cafe around 12 PM (30min) before being dropped off by 1pm.
Please note: Lunch is not include in price
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Prepare for a captivating journey to Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the world's most surreal and active geothermal parks, located just 20 minutes from Rotorua CBD. You will be guided through Wai O Tapu for approximately 45-60 minutes to explore its vibrant and unique landscape before we depart for the majestic Lady Knox Geyser.
Lady Knox Geyser
Our journey continues to the Lady Knox Geyser, a true marvel that erupts just once a day, precisely at 10:15 AM. Join us to uncover the fascinating story behind her remarkable punctuality!
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Food and drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
Pickup included
Reviews
366 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland visit
mike t,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phil was an excellent guide and so knowledgeable about all the sites we visited! I’d recommend the entire tour as each facet was so different from the others. I must say I was somewhat disappointed in the geyser experience due to the fact it must be ‘fed’ soap flakes to cause it to erupt rather than being a natural eruption; but, at least everyone gets to see an actual geyser. Since this part only took like 15-20 minutes it was fine.
Great Experience
paulmU1932UE,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic way to experience the special landscape surrounding Rotorua.
Phil our guide is great,...
Precious Z,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Phil our guide is great, the tour was amazing. He's sharing a lot about the culture, and history. But it felt like the tour was rushed.
Exceptional tour!
Ted L,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great small group tour. Phil was an exceptional guide telling stories about history of the thermal pools. Highly recommend!
All round thermals
RubySiganporia,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00For those who want a thermal spring experience it is exhaustive of the region and well laid out and managed. Lady Knox seemed a little contrived and the description turned ot a little misleading as it is set at a specific time by human intervention. The tour guide was excellent and very informative.
Thank you Elite...
Narelle v,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you Elite Adventures for a brilliant tour. Highly recommend these guys. Shaun was an excellent tour guide and extremely knowledgeable with a fab sense of humour! Thanks Shaun for making it a great day
Great tour!
Jennifer B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great tour! Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We got some great pictures. I would definitely recommend!
Highly recommend!!!
Ann M,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic trip! Both of the sites were super interesting. Our guide, Shaun, was extremely well informed so we learned a lot about the geothermal and volcanic features, plants, and quite a bit about Maori culture. Wouldn’t change a thing!
Great tour
Karen G,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Lots of interesting sights. Shaun was excellent! He gave us a lot of interesting information. Be prepared for a lot of walking.
Rotorua Geysers
Michael C,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Our guide, Clive was good and knowledgeable, but we were not overly impressed by the three locations. All were good…but not great…maybe we have been spoiled by having visited Yellowstone National Park in USA.
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Operated by Elite Adventures