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‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Food and drinks
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!
Options
Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
Pickup included
Reviews
326 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Visit
kate c,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Clint was a great guide. Informative. Good pacing. Nice tour arranged. Small groups are always best for a more immersive experience
Book It! Geothermal wonders and great guides!
kellywU22WC,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Phil was a wonderful and warm guide, with a lot of personal connection and stories about the area. Would highly recommend, especially if you’re traveling without a vehicle - the pickups made it very easy to see some spectacular sites that would’ve been challenging otherwise.
Great tour of some of the...
Brian L,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour of some of the many geological wonders of the Rotorua region. Phil’s ancestry and historical knowledge of the area made for a great experience. However, I had understood that there was a maximum of 12 people but our group was 19 people.
Stunning views
374nuhaf,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this tour on our 2nd day in Rotorua it was absolutely amazing. The views were stunning and we really enjoyed this tour. Thank you to Phil you were an amazing tour guide. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Rotorua so much natural beauty.
Clint showed us incredible vistas, volcano pools and shared his passion of New Zealand!
Linda F,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a drizzling rainy day and we had SUCH an Incredible experience! Clint is such an amazing tour guide- full of local legends and cultural experience, and an expert on environmental impact! We saw the amazing volcano pools - the colors are unbelievable- then a geyser - then an incredible walk through the rainforest. Clint's fluency with Maori language and culture was enriching! Glad he chooses to spend his days sharing his passion with us tourists! The top highlight of our trip - and our photos will be on our Christmas card!
Fabulous tour.
MaryS L,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00VERY informative. Clint was knowledgeable about the area, history, culture, and geology. He was engaging all the way. There is a lot of walking, but beautiful.
Amazing and fun!
Kathryn C,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The overview of thermal spots in Rotorua area was amazing. Our guide, Clive, was informative and fun. The small group size made it easy to move through the areas and have great views of the sites. Awesome photo opportunities!
Phil was an amazing tour...
Maralee M,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Phil was an amazing tour guide! The itinerary is well-paced and absolutely beautiful! I enjoyed the courtesy pickup from my hostel.
Spectacular & informative
scrubb12,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Clint as our guide & from the time we were picked up until the time we were dropped off he was friendly & very informative. Not only about the tour but knowledge of the whole area. We loved the tour. The sights were spectacular & would highly recommend this tour.
Amazing experience
Marie H,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely wonderful experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable and we loved learning all about the area and also about the flora! Absolutely loved this tour!
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Operated by Elite Adventures