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‘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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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.
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
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
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 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
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
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 & 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
Reviews
302 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spa and Redwoods, a great combo
tiffany w,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00My tour guide/driver John was great. The bus was comfortable and we had good bathroom/snack breaks. If you have John as your driver be sure to engage with him as the more energy he feels from you the more you learn about the area. I chose the Spa and redwoods option and enjoyed both. The spa is one of the top 10 in the world, but I will say I was underwhelmed by the spa. The geothermal pools are amazing though and I loved soaking in them. I recommend renting a swimsuit to prevent your own suit from absorbing the sulfur smell of the pools. I wish I had thought ahead to plan a treatment for when I would be there. If you want to buy geothermal mud for yourself or as a gift, the spa has cheaper prices than Wai-O-Tapu’s gift shop. The Redwoods walk was cool, but I wish there was an educational speech to go with the safety speech. I highly recommend going the upper route, versus staying the lower route. On the way back we stopped for Tip Top ice cream and it was some of the best ice cream I had ever had.
Excellent Personalized Rotorua Tour
Jessica G,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00This day was SUCH a well organized effort - I was very impressed that this day was able to be personalized to the actiivitiee that each person on the tour wanted to do which really allowed each tourist to make the experience their own. We had an incredible time learning about Māori culture more at Te Puia then relaxing at the Polynesian spa. John was a great guide throughout this process - making sure we were engaged during the drives (he’s a man of many interesting facts and knowledge and kept it fun) and making sure we knew where to be at each stop. Couldn’t have had a better experience! Highly recommend!
The day tour was a...
melos l,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00The day tour was a wonderful blend of nature and Maori culture appreciation. Our tour guide is absolutely fantastic, that included a brief visit -totally amazing surprise towards the end of our visits, making the experience even more unforgettable.
Fantastic tour guide
Aisling B,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
4.00Our tour guide Hanoz (hope I'm spelling the name right 😅) was fantastic and really made the experience. Very friendly and good banter. Would recommend to other female solo travellers!
Amazing experience!
Eugene J,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00The ride was quite nice and comfortable and i appreciated how the tour guide told us stories of the landmarks and destinations. Rotorua was both a cultural and geological marvel and the Redwoods was a nice, relaxing escape from the city. Highly recommend this tour! Cheers to Aled for this wonderful experience!
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel