Rotorua Highlights inc WaiOTapu & Optional Activity from Auckland
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Māori culture and natural beauty on this premium small group day tour from Auckland. Travel through the scenic Waikato countryside to Rotorua, where you’ll visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (included, morning), home to vibrant hot pools, bubbling mud and the famous Champagne Pool.
In the afternoon, personalise your Rotorua experience by selecting one activity. Choose from a guided cultural and geothermal tour at Te Puia, unwind in the Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa, relax among nature at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, or take in the forest from above on the Redwoods Treewalk.
Highlights:
• Small group tour from Auckland
• Fully guided with expert commentary
• Wai-O-Tapu visit included
• Choice of afternoon activity
• Scenic Waikato journey
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Auckland Central
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.
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, might 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.
What‘s Included
Water available & snacks provided
Waiotapu (morning activity)
Hotel pickup in Auckland (select locations only)
Your choice of activity! Please select the afternoon activity you'd like to experience
Gratuities
Souvenirs (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Wai O Tapu & Polynesian Spa
Wai O Tapu & Polynesian Spa: Include the geothermal wonders and a tour of Wai-O-Tapu, then relax with Deluxe Lakeside Spa entry at the Polynesian Spa. Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland around 7pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
WaiOTapu & Secret Spot Hot Tub
WaiOTapu & Secret Spot Hot Tub: Discover the vibrant beauty of Wai-O-Tapu and relax in the serene Secret Spot Hot Tubs Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland around 7pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Wai O Tapu & Redwoods
Wai O Tapu & Redwoods : Explore the vibrant geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu and immerse yourself in nature at the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk. Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland around 7pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Te Rā
Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Te Rā : Experience the famous geothermal wonders and Maori culture, arts & crafts of Te Puia & Wai-O-Tapu, all in one day. Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland around 7pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Reviews
415 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great experience not to be missed!
421wickys,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience not to be missed! All was very well organised, pick up on time, making it a most enjoyable day with memorable highlights. My booked trip had to be re-arranged due to low numbers and the e-mail contact was excellent. Our driver Michael was brilliant and a great source of knowledge about NZ. It is definitely worth travelling in a small group and I shall be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to my fellow travellers.
Relaxing day in New Zealand
295boriss,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour for our family. We had a Hobbiton tour day before and it was also very enjoyable but somewhat rushed. This gave us a plenty of time to enjoy natural hot spa and just relax, followed by the beautiful redwood walk. Liam was great, very informative and also gave us the quite time for the ride from and to Auckland. We finished a second part of tour early enough so he dropped us at Rotorua center where we explored streets of downtown while he went to pick up rest of the group from their activity. I would definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi and this tour.
Excellent trip
S7420HWtracyt,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tour guide John did an excellent job. Everything was well prepared. He also shared a lot of tourist tips. We enjoyed this day tour.
Fantastic experience
906wongm,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide, John, is more than excellent. He is professional, experienced and talkative. Apart from the tour information, he has also provided with us restaurants information, sightseeing places and most importantly delicious ice cream. My wife and I are extremely happy with the day tour organized by Cheeky Kiwi, particularly under John's tour guidance.
Fun, Enlightening Tour
405theresea,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide and driver, Mark, was fantastic. The things he shared were interesting and made my tour richer. At first I worried there wouldn't be enough time at the spa or the WaiOTapu but there turned out to be ample time. I enjoyed the stops on the way up and the way back. It would have helped to know beforehand we would make a stop for coffee and other stops so I didn't try to bring extra food and drink. We had a friendly group of tourists that were fun to meet.
The tour was definitely a...
Robin Y,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was definitely a long one so definitely be prepared. For the optional tour we chose a cutual experience. Our trip was filled with cultural information and we got to learn about the Kiwi conservation program. Grant was our guide and was super caring and kind. He made sure to check in throughout the tour and ask how you were. He made the trip worth it.
Amazing landscapes. Very...
Caroline S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing landscapes. Very interesting. Our Guide Dave told u a lot of information about the country and what to do.
A great visit to Waiotapu and Te Paia
verdesci,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great visit to Waiotapu and Te Puia with our guide Liam. He was on time, well prepared, and very friendly. We would highly recommend him as a guide (and as a driver, too!). Thanks for a great day!
Wonderful day!
Companion409417,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our day with Matt-loved the geothermal and Rotorua. Matt was a joy to spend the day with and did a great job getting us places before the crowds. Thanks so much!
Great experience and fascinating sights
sandycX8167AM,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Liam, our guide, was great, entertaining and knowledgeable, and we saw so many amazing things! We were picked up right at our hotel (we picked it partly because it was on Cheeky Kiwi's list of pickup spots), and there were only about 5 or 6 of us in our group, each doing a different combination of things around Rotarua, so we also got a quick view of the parts we didn't fully participate in as we dropped off or picked up the others. We saw Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia, and both were fascinating. Got to see kiwis at Te Puia, and the geyser and the craft school. Liam also took us to a few other side stops on the way there and back. Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi for making doing the big touristy stuff super easy! Everything is included in the price except for buying your own lunch, if you don't bring one along with you.
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