Rotorua Highlights Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
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 & 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
Wai-O-Tapu & Te Puia Tour
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
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
Reviews
406 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Great experience!
C5662KMhowardl,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Cam is super great, especially for giving clear instructions, picking up and dropping off the clients timely with different locations, and having a wonderful sharing about NZ history through the bus ride. Great job!
Amazing views with a great guide
Rachel L,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip to Rotorua was an absolutely amazing and breathtaking experience, even if it was a little "smelly" thanks to all that incredible geothermal activity! The natural wonders were a sight to behold, and our guide, Jeoffrey, made the day truly special. He is such a sweet, kind soul with a wealth of knowledge, sharing fascinating insights into the area while making us feel completely taken care of throughout the tour. Despite the unique sulfur scent in the air, the stunning landscapes and Jeoffrey’s wonderful company made this a highlight of our travels. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the best of New Zealand’s volcanic heart!
Great day
Darlene J,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An awesome day! More than just a “geothermal experience.” Cultural depth of place. And Jeoffrey was great. Very informative. Was also fabulous to get to the first stop before the other buses.
Great Visit With Small Kids
samanthahI2477MW,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour with Cheeky Kiwi! I traveled with my 7 and 8 year old children and we chose Te Puia with the cultural show plus the redwoods tree walk. I appreciated the quick stop at lake Rotorua and the ample stops for snacks and bathroom breaks. I highly recommend visiting Rotorua with Cheeky Kiwi.
This was a very fun...
Shirin M,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very fun experience. Our tour guide Geoff was amazing. He went above and beyond to make it fun for all of us in the tour. Lots of great information. Definitely recommend this.
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!
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel