Rotorua Highlights Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the natural wonders, Māori culture and hidden gems of Rotorua with this customisable small group day tour! Choose 2 optional activities: marvel at the stunning geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu in the morning and immerse yourself in Māori culture at Te Puia in the afternoon. Alternatively, explore the vibrant hot pools of Wai-O-Tapu in the morning and unwind at the renowned Polynesian Spa in the afternoon.
Highlights:
• Fully-guided small group day tour from Auckland
• Customisable tour with choice of 2 optional activities in Rotorua
• Led by passionate guides known for their rich storytelling and extensive knowledge
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Lake Rotorua
• Visit the beautiful Government Gardens
• Visit the historic Blue Baths bathing complex
• Discover the natural hot spring, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring)
• Learn about the area's rich history and culture at Rotorua Museum
• Premium Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, equipped for your comfort and safety
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
Entry tickets (purchased activities only)
Your choice of activities! Please select activity package you wish to experience!
Small group tour
Gratuities
Souvenirs (available to purchase)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Te Puia Tour & Wai-O-Tapu
Te Puia & Wai-O-Tapu: Experience the famous geothermal wonders and Maori culture, arts & crafts of Te Puia & Wai-O-Tapu, all in one day.
Pickup included
Te Puia Tour & Redwoods
Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: Discover the geothermal wonders of Te Puia, and stroll high among the majestic giants on the enchanting Redwoods Treewalk
Pickup included
Te Puia Tour & Polynesian Spa
Te Puia & Polynesian Spa : Experience the geothermal wonders and Maori culture of Te Puia, and relax with Deluxe Spa entry at the Polynesian Spa.
Pickup included
Te Puia & Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Te Puia & Secret Spot Hot Tubs: Explore the geothermal marvels of Te Puia and unwind in the tranquil bliss of Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Pickup included
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.
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.
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
Pickup included
Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch
Te Puia, Cultural Show, Lunch : Experience a day of excitement, culture, and connection at Te Puia with a guided tour, cultural show & a buffet lunch
Pickup included
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods: Indulge in a 90 minute deluxe lake spa, and walk through the majestic Redwood forest
Pickup included
Reviews
349 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour guide and a must place to see when visiting New Zealand.
T5241DMbriant,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The your guide is very professional. He explained everything about the tour and gave the whole group a suggestion for us to make a tour worth for what we spent for the day.
Great geo-thermal tour,...
Claudine I,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great geo-thermal tour, went to see Te Puia and Wai o Tapu. Bring a mask or bandana for the sulfur odor! Our driver was very informative and interactive. Long ride about 12 hours, we had a couple stops each way for extra viewing spots and ice cream on the way home.
Jeffery is energetic with...
weitsu l,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Jeffery is energetic with good spirits and friendly personality. He told us lots of interesting topics about the history and natures of New Zealand while he was driving. We have good time in this day tour.
We spend most of our morning just soaked our body in the hot spring pool. And breathed in the purest oxygen in the redwo
Y5982LAgracek,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had great time with our driver/ guide, Jeoff. He is very passionate and friendly. He responds to our questions promptly and respectfully.
Amazing day
spicymang0,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Grant as a tour guide and he is absolutely amazing! He made sure everyone was taken care of and on time for all of their activities. I booked this as a solo trip and he made sure I felt very welcome into the group. Thank you so much for the experience Cheeky Kiwi, you have a true gem!
A good introduction
PDS2,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A good way to visit the sites from Auckland for those with limited time. Our driver/guide. Alessandro, was informative and engaging. However, he was not involved at the venues themselves: we were part of a larger group for our visit to Te Puia, and left to our own devices once we had entered the complex at Wai O Tapu. The fact that different members of our group had signed up for different activities did mean that there was some wasted time shuttling between the various locations, which was a little frustrating.
Unique landscape
Richard E,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Wonderful drive though the countryside. Interesting walk seeing mineral pools, bubbling mud lakes and geysers.
Great one-day Rotorua experience
543mich leh,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am blown away. The trip was perfect, start to finish. Got picked up perfectly on time, Grant (our guide) was lovely, very knowledgeable and friendly, I felt safe in the car, and everything was organised on point. The individual tours were information-packed and well thought out. We had enough convenience breaks and got a lot of recommendations. All in all a top day! :) Thank you, Grant!
Great tour
Maps525068,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was really great. We felt very taken care of while on this tour. They are top notch company. when you travel half way around the world you want to know that you have a good experience and that's what we had. thank you
Great tour
Roving331901,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alfredo made it a fun day! Long time in a van but worth it to see some sights outside of Auckland. Highly recommend the spa!!
From NZ$346.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel