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, 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
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
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
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods: Indulge in a 90 minute deluxe lake spa, and walk through the majestic Redwood forest
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 & 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
Reviews
388 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Geothermal pools essential viewing.
Cari,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Dave was a great tour guide. Very informative and friendly. Pools were fascinating - could have looked for longer. But I wished I had found booking for optional extra easier or could have altered on the day.
Great driver
ssc2126,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Enjoyed the driver and his knowledge of areas on the drive.
Rotorua Experience
Kerri H,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, if you’re wanting two and one tour, this is a great . The tour guides were fantastic, the tree walk was fantastic and a little scary if you’re a great height, but it’s well worth it. The Geysers & Maori cultural tour was also the thermometer and great to see.
Well Organized
Nat S,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was fantastic! All I wanted to see in Rotorua. Cam our guide was very well informed and make the journey very pleasant, entertaining, and informative. Stops were well timed and I felt looked after. We had a great crew on this tour and it was thanks to Cam that we were able to bond together. Messages and information prior to the tour were false assertive, clear, and whenever I had a question they replied quickly enough. Thank you for this amazing adventure. I had a marvelous time!
Best Tour Guide
mellissap2026,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was great from start to finish! Alessandro was the best tour guide we could asked for. So knowledgeable and really friendly. He went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy all day. He made sure to stop regularly and offered plenty of snacks and water. Would definitely recommend him as a tour guide. Thank you for making our stay in NZ wonderful.
Great trip to Rotorua
108geoffb,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A long day but a very enjoyable one. Our guide Grant was a lovely man who made the trip informative and fun. He also worked hard to make the most of the time available as people on the tour had chosen various options in Rotorua and had to be dropped off and picked up at different times. Rotorua itself is very interesting if a bit smelly!! Thank you again Grant. Keep up the good work!
Rotorua
807sos,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just did this tour today with a friend and really enjoyed the kindness, explanations and good humour of our guide Simon ! The different sites we visited today were just exceptional. I highly recommend this company for your tours in Auckland.
The tour was amazing and...
TONI W,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing and the tour guide made sure everyone got to destination and didn’t miss anything, I would recommend this guide
Great day in te puia and waiotapu
Jessica B,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an incredible day at rotorua! I chose the te puia and waiotapu option and it exceeded my expectations. The pictures don’t do it justice. We started at waiotapu which is a self guided walk around the thermal wonderland park. I saw the neon green Devils Bath, and many thermal baths and beautiful views. Then the bus took us to te puia, where I saw a kiwi bird, the Māori school, a mud pool and an erupting geyser! I loved learning about the Māori culture and our Māori guide taught us so much. I would’ve loved to see the Māori show but there’s not enough time in this option I picked. If I had more time in the city, I would’ve also loved to try the tree trekking, waitomo caves, and Polynesian spa, but alas I didn’t have enough time. Our guide, Grant, is a local Auckland’s, and was such a delight and so knowledgeable. He gave us a couple of neat local snacks and water. I loved my day. Thanks Grant!!
Water of rejuvenation
Fearless09966458710,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Choose a Polynesian spa from several options. I immersed myself in the openness while watching the view outside the river. The hot water was enjoyable in various temperatures, and there was strong acidic water, which relieved muscle fatigue. The guide who came to pick me up told me I was getting younger.
From NZ$346.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel