Rotorua Highlights including Wai-O-Tapu & Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland
Overview
Available languages
This full-day tour showcases two of Rotorua's most iconic attractions—Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland—alongside stunning scenic stops and insightful commentary from your expert guide!
Description
Please note that depending on your selected package and preferences, not all guests will participate in the same activities, ensuring a tailored and personalized experience for everyone!
Highlights:
- Lake Rotorua
- Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & Rotorua Museum
- Time at chosen activities
- Waikato Farm Region
Itinerary:
1. Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
2. Waikato – Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way. During our adventure in the Waikato we will also stop for a quick coffee break at a special location.
3. Tirau – Continuing our journey to Rotorua we pass through Tirau famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
4. Rotorua City Highlights – Arriving in Rotorua we will do a guided driving tour for you to get your bearings and see the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) and the Blue Baths.
5. Wai O Tapu - Spend approximately 90 minutes stepping into another world at Wai-O-Tapu, renowned for its vibrant geothermal features. Marvel at the iconic Champagne Pool and the bubbling mud pools. This surreal landscape offers unforgettable photo opportunities. Please note that depending on your selected package and preferences, not all guests will participate in the same activities, ensuring a tailored and personalized experience for everyone!
6. Te Puia - After a break for lunch, you'll discover the rich history and traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture at Te Puia on a guided 90 minute tour. Watch skilled artisans bring ancient techniques to life at the carving and weaving schools, explore the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and witness the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser erupting up to 30 metres high in the geothermal valley.
7. Auckland – Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
Cancellation Policy
Terms: Tours will only run if at least 5 people have booked on the tour, we reserves the right to alter the tour due to weather or operational needs.
A full refund will be issued for cancellations made a minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off in Auckland
90 Minute guided tour at Te Puia (cultural show not included due to time constraints)
Entry to Wai O Tapu
Fully guided tour with an experienced, friendly driver-guide
Comfortable, air-conditioned transport
Small group size for a personalized experience
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
Options
Reviews
75 reviews
Easy and organized
Safari22051735985,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben was great, very enthusiastic and I loved his NZ music playlist. The trip was well organized and everything ran accordingly. Just show up and they take care of the rest
Family trip to Rotorua
Sshelef,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had an incredible experience on our day trip to Rotorua. Our guide, Simon, was exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, and made the entire day truly special. He was also a fantastic driver, which made the experience feel smooth from start to finish. He thoughtfully timed our visits so we arrived at Waiotapu and Te Puia before the crowds, which made a huge difference. The van was very comfortable and perfect for the full day of exploring. Our group was also a lot of fun, and everyone contributed to such a positive, enjoyable vibe. We had an amazing time and can’t recommend this tour and especially Simon, enough!
Unforgetable day at Rotorua, including Wai-O-Tapu and Polynesian Spa
andrek0sv,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After doing the 'wild west' tour with Aled, it was great to have him again for the full day tour of Rotorua. Aled is engaging, knowledgeable and great company. He is born to be a tour guide. I selected to do the Rotorua Highlights tour including Wai-O-Tapu & Polynesian Spa. We got to Rotorua and saw Lady Knox Geyser bubble and shoot up. Next the amazing Wai-O-Tapu. I was worried about walking it all with my bad back, but I was fine and worth it. Next was the Polynesian Spa. It was really relaxing. But remember to drink plenty of water because I probably didn't and gave myself a migraine. Thankfully Aled was really understanding and stopped when I needed to stop and I got over it. Overall, a spectacular day (except for the migraine!).
Enjoyable and worth the experience.
geeld2025,,May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience. Shoutout to John, he took good care of us. And i had the nicest group. The tour went smoothly as expected. Will definitely recommend this.
Unforgettable Cultural and Natural Adventure in New Zealand.
Escape37771814913,,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an informative, cultural, and all-encompassing trip. I selected the Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia option and I’m so glad I did. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful natural formations and got to look into Māori culture and learn new things about it. Our tour guide, John, also made the trip more memorable by his fun personality. He is very educational and communicative, and made everyone feel included. He shared a lot of interesting and funny stories/facts during the drive. I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone who is in NZ and would like to make the most out of it in one day.
Great guide makes all the difference!
neelagopi,,Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John made this tour special, awesome energy and great conversations. Wai-O-Tapu self guided tour allowed freedom to explore at one's pace. Optional add ons are well coordinated. Overall a relaxed tour.
Big day but worth it
J5948GUtaylorb,,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a fast and furious day from Auckland to Rotorua and back which is just what I wanted. Faced with not much time, I had to make decisions as to what I wanted to see and what I could skip and this tour was perfect. I opted for the Wai-o-Tapu and Te Puia segments. The tour is essentially your transportation and travel agent for the day; the guide makes sure you get to where you need to go in a timely manner. When you get to your "excursions" the guide may hang around or make their way to pick up/drop off another part of your small group. For my excursions, I joined a timed tour or walked around the area as a self-guide. Wai-O-Tapu was a MUST DO! There were surprises around every corner.
Very Rushed experience.
Szymon R,,Dec 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00Very rushed. Only got to spend an hour at the warm pools. Majority of the day was spent just traveling in the van.
Great Time!
SzymonR2,,Dec 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It is always amazing to see what nature has to offer on the other side of the world!!! Definitely worth going and seeing. Just be aware most of your day is going to be spen in a car travelling. Our group was a bit rushed at some of the tour events but that is understandable as people were doing different activities. Wai-O-Tapu is worth the trip itself :) Our driver/guide Dean was terrific. He had a lot of knowledge and his management skills of keeping everyone informed were great!!
Amazing
Escape51285027384,,Nov 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was very well organised from pickup to drop off on time as planned. The transport was comfortable with snacks and water available. The guide Honuz was very friendly giving us history of local attractions on the road. He took very well managed breaks which made the long drive pass smoothly and everyone had the chance to eat and be energised.
From A$348.89
Auckland, New Zealand
- Free cancellation
Reserve Now & Pay Later - available
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