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 & 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 & 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
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods
Polynesian Spa & Redwoods: Indulge in a 90 minute deluxe lake spa, and walk through the majestic Redwood forest
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, 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 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
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
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
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
Reviews
399 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It’s a long day but the...
Ruth S,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a long day but the best way to enjoy the experiences on offer when you don’t have other transport. Our guide for the day was Dave, he was on time for our pick up and full of information to enhance our experience. The drive was pleasant, Dave was kind and patient and greeted us with a huge happy smile, he even shouted our group a bag of feijos (?) to taste on our way back. Very thoughtful and new experience for most of us on the tour. Dave is a delightful ambassador for Cheeky Kiwi Travel and NZ. Thanks for a great day and the suggestions for other places to visit while in Auckland.
Te puia and poly spa
Veronica B,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My sister and I had a great time with Matt as our guide. We decided to do te puia and the Polynesian spa and I would definitely recommend both! We started our day at te puia and learning about the culture and natural wonders of te puia and Rotorua. A truly wonderful experience with some great information. We ended our trip at the Polynesian spa and it’s was so relaxing! It’s not something I would ever choose to do personally but my sister really wanted to it and convinced me, and we both had a wonderful time. I would recommend bringing your own bathing suit and flip flops for the spa, both are available for purchase at the spa tho. Shampoo conditioner and lotion are all available at the spa for free use as well so don’t worry about bringing your toiletries. We decided to have lunch at the spa cafe and it was super tasty (get one of the fresh squeezed juices!) the spa has some great skin care to try out and purchase as well but I do think te puia had the better gift shop all around (one of the best that we’ve been to over the last few days if I’m being honest we did the majority of our souvenir shopping there) over all highly recommend and I would do it again in a heart beat.
Great host, lovely place
lucygoosey66,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeoff was a fantastic, friendly and accommodating host! There are so many things to do in Rotorua and he extended himself to accommodate each if the 8 individual’s needs on the tour even squeezing an extra activity for each of us. Thanhs Jeoff!
It was a wonderful way to...
Laura L,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful way to learn about the culture of the indigenous people of New Zealand. I also enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the hot springs
Memorable day in Rotarua with Cheeky Kiwi Travel
cornym2026,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dave was an amazing tour host/driver. Super friendly, organized, polite, offering a wealth of knowledge via his engaging commentary. He definitely went “the extra mile” in all aspects of the day.
Rotorua Highlights Tour
traceybU2816LB,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hanoz was an excellent tour guide, very friendly and informative. He went out of his way to ensure we all enjoyed our day, and helped us with our questions.
Well done. Will join again.
Lwc T,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Well organized by our guide Matt , thank you. We enjoyed the tour in the thermal park as well as the redwood forest tree walk.
Well organised, informative
John P,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Grant, our guide, was knowledgeable and informative. He was delightfully “cheeky”, matching the company name. Most importantly, he was patient and diplomatic with recalcitrant guests who were consistently late back causing delays to the tour. The places we visited around Rotorua showcased everything that we had read about: fumerols, mud ponds, geysers, etc. Cheeky Kiwi has good arrangements for pick up and drop off. The reminder emails the two days before were useful.
Excellent Long Day
Dan E,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First things first, Grant is excellent in every way. Friendly, polite, hard working, thoughtful, and knowledgable. One of the best driver/guides I've ever had in my worldwide travels. The shuttle bus was comfy, had snacks, charging ports, and WiFi. Also, our group was only 14 total, so a lot more manageable than those giant buses. The activities in Rotorua were also excellent. Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu were my options, and both were outstanding. I would highly recommend one or both as your options. Wai-O-Tapu requires a fair amount of walking and is self-guided, Te Puia has excellent Mauri guides and also a fair amount of walking, but less total distance plus a "train" ride to make the uphill return easier. Finally, a bit of advice for some. Rotorua is three hours each way from Auckland. On the way back to Auckland, some in our group were completely worn out. Make sure you are in good enough shape for the walking and hours of driving involved. It's a long full day, but for me it was absolutely worth it...
Cheeky Dave made my trip to New Zealand
E6846QQchristopherb,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The itinerary was amazing and Dave was the perfect tour guide. I will be recommending Cheeky Kiwi, especially Dave, in the future and will use your service again whenever I come back to visit New Zealand. The tour bus was comfortable, its size is perfect, and it made seeing New Zealand very easy.
From NZ$346.00
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