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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
314 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wealth of knowledge
Judith K,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide Clint was a wealth of knowledge, from the tangata whenua to the environment, including geology, history, ornithology, flora and fauna. He was very friendly, unhurried, and conveyed a love of his job and role in kaitiakitanga.
Do not hesitate
Sophie M,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00A passionate guide who made us discover the main sites, a beautiful walk accessible to all
A must tour itinerary when in Rotorua!
straw b,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour hours were just right.. about 4 hours. Our tour guide, Clint, was so knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. He told us a lot of stories about Rotorua and we learnt alot
Ten out of Ten!! Highly Recommended Tour w. fantastic guide!!!
gyuri h,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely breathtaking and unbelievable Mother Nature!!!! I was traveling alone without a car, so I wasn’t sure how to explore Rotorua efficiently. Then I found this tour that covers both Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Valley, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! Without a car, it’s not easy to get to those places, and the entrance fees can add up — so joining a small group tour with a van was not only super convenient but also reasonably priced. I did the tour today and absolutely loved it! Around 8 AM, the guide picked us up right in front of our accommodation. There were just about five people in the group, and the guide was fantastic — very friendly, outgoing, and constantly sharing interesting facts and stories. He drove safely, created a warm and fun atmosphere throughout the trip, and even offered to take lots of pictures for us, so I ended up with amazing memories captured! What made this tour stand out was how efficient everything was — the time was managed so well that we got to enjoy everything without feeling rushed or missing out. We spent about an hour at Wai-O-Tapu, and since we arrived early in the morning, it felt like a private tour with almost no other tourists around. Then we watched the Lady Knox Geyser for about 20 minutes — that was really fascinating too! We also stopped by a beautiful mud pool, and the guide told us fun stories about native plants like manuka and kanuka, as well as various birds — all really engaging! At Waimangu Valley, we walked for about an hour and a half. As promised, a shuttle was waiting for us at the end of the trail and drove us back to our original pickup point. We returned to the city by 12:30 PM, and it felt amazing to have such a rich and exciting experience in the morning and still have the entire afternoon free to relax. It was truly a tour that was satisfying in both quality and quantity! What I loved the most was that the guide didn't just drive us — he actually walked with us the whole time, leading the tour and explaining everything in detail. It made the experience so much more informative, engaging, and enjoyable. I was genuinely impressed and completely satisfied! I highly, highly recommend this tour — and the guide was simply the best! An absolute highlight of my trip!
A must for Rotorua!
Simon C,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00What an amazing experience. Great guide, great itinerary. A fun, informative tour. Should definitely do if you visit Rotorua!
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Operated by Elite Adventures