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
339 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very cool if you think geothermal springs are interesting
Michael H,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I got a chance to do this tour while in Rotorua. You get taken to the major geothermal sites around Rotorua. Our tour guide Clive was great. Very knowledgeable about the sites and provided great general info about New Zealand. Plus since he knows the employees at each site he got us in very quickly everywhere including the Knox geyser which gets very crowded. My kids didn’t care for the sulphur smell but it’s fascinating seeing the geothermal springs up close.
Must do in Rotorua
edwardtlin,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of the thermal springs in Rotorua. Our guide, Clint, was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He employed in-depth knowledge of the region, the culture and the science to make it a thoroughly entertaining and engaging educational experience. I highly recommend this company.
Amazing land
Carrie S,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable tour guide Shaun. He made it much more interesting and we learned a lot. Really good experience for teen and adults.
Very good tour
Michael C,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable tour, with plenty of information. Highly recommended. We particularly enjoyed the walk down through the forest with stops for the geothermal sights along the way.
Good look at volcanic hot spots
Ronald R,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Clint was a knowledgeable and motivated guide. Tour required moderate fitness but the pace was comfortable. Very interesting hot springs, colours and the natural rejuvenation of the valley hot by the volcano.
Rotorua small group tour
Smita P,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best tour with Clint. He was so knowledgable and passionate about making sure we understood the Maori culture with pronunciations. His love of conservation and nature shone through the whole tour. I would highly recommend this tour and the company. They were so helpful in arranging a traditional spa for us.
Great tour
Laura H,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun and informative tour! Sean was great, and he did a great job of explaining the history and pointing out plants, birds, etc
Knowledgeable tour guide
charlotteaI9443FQ,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shaun was a fabulous tour guide. His knowledge of the geothermal activity was excellent and as someone who already had backgroud knowledge in the area, I enjoyed having more in depth discussions with him about the geology of the area. I would have liked longer to look around the sites, but maybe that is just because i have a keen interest in the topic.
Lovely and very interesting, leaves you wanting more!
Malein P,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the tour booked, but the same day we found a traffic jam and when contacting the company we were offered to go the next day. We attended the guided tour with Shaun, who has been giving us explanations of the local flora and fauna, customs and people at all times, not only in geothermal parks. The tour has been very amrno and has become too short! Perhaps we would have liked to have had a few more moments of pause so we could better admire the spectacular landscapes of the parks.
Our guide had extensive...
Brian E,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide had extensive knowledge about everything from the local wildlife and fauna to the different geological events that shaped the area. It really added to the experience. I had a great time. Thank you so much.
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Operated by Elite Adventures