Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 am. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colorful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am.
Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park.
Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser.
Next, we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs.
Please be advised, we do NOT pick up from any ports in New Zealand.
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
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Medium level of fitness required
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
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Lunch
WiFi on board
Pickup points
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Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)
Pickup included
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Three parks - great day tour
Jarid M,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was really well done, I did the full day. You go to the three parks and on top of that they do a few extra stops. At first I was thinking of doing the parks by myself renting a car but honestly I’m glad I did this tour. I think the timing spent at each was perfect and the extra bonus places were a nice surprise that as a non-local I would have never known. Phil did an amazing job.
A really rich tour!
Valia P,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience, friendly and knowledgeable Kiwi tour guide, great choice of places to visit. A really rich tour, great value!
Must-see in Rotorua.
H6133TIgiovannam,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Essential in rotorua. Super recommended. The landscapes, the places, you see a lot in a single day. Top 1 activity
Great nature and culture excursion.
Adriana B,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very educational, wonderful views, and a very knowledgeable guide. The day covered short distance trips to amazing places with extended information about nature, history, and cultural details. The staff at the Wai o Tapui Center were exceptionally friendly and educational.
Phil was our guide and...
Gregory S,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Phil was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable about everything in the area. If you like history you’ll like this tour!
Unique sites!
ViaTour123,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour! Would have liked to spend more time in the park (morning part) with more information on geothermal phenomenon.
Great introduction to the geology, beauty and culture of Rotorua!
oooom,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is a great introduction to the geological formations and the culture of Rotorua. The van was very comfortable with good windows for viewing. The choice of sites was perfect, and we really enjoyed the easy to moderate walks / hikes through the nature parks. (There were good options for those who weren't up for that exercise.) Clint was a fantastic and very knowledgeable guide.
One of the best things to do in Rotorua!
Kathleen W,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour includes three of the top natural attractions and cultural sites in Rotorua. We drove through beautiful countryside, saw numerous geothermal pools and geysers, and had a tour of the Moari school for arts and crafts which was very informative and helped us understand their culture. I appreciated the hikes through the parks for up close views of thermal activity and the education are tour guide, Clint, gave us about the environment and native plants. This all day tour is a great way to experience and gain understanding about the land and its people.
My tour guide was Shaun!...
Tal S,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My tour guide was Shaun! He is very sweet, friendly, and knowledgeable. His anecdotes and facts about rotorua and geothermal activity really add to the experience. I'd reccomend this to solo travelers looking to get a feel for their time in rotorua!
Full day tour
Andrea R,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Clive had a great deal of knowledge of the history of the area. He is adept at getting in and out of crowded areas. The full day tour was a good overview, from the hike in the volcanic park to the lakes to the Māori center.
-10% off
From NZ$351.00Was NZ$390.00
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