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
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 & 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
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, 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 & 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 & 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
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 & 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
380 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent trip to Rotorua
charles g,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00John is an excellent guide. Very accommodating. The trip was well organized with an excellent use of the day.
THE BEST GUIDE IN THE WORLD
T3907PP,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited Wai-O tapu, redwoods with guide John. It seems like he tried to explain everthing he knows about NZ. I couldn't understand 100% his saying, but we can feel he did his best to make our trip special. I hope his happiness. From DEMON HUNTER, SOUTH KOREA
Guides are top of the line
lynnetourond,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable and entertaining driver who went out of his way to make this the best experience - thermal pools and Māori cultural arts training school.? 12 hours went by very quickly with always something to see
Excellent tour guide
Voyage727595,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is an excellent trip arrangements involving both stunning views and moderate walks. Our tour guide Ben is very friendly amd cooperative. He is knowledgeable and full of passion. He even paid my ice cream from his own pocket when he found I didn’t bring cash with me. A great guy!
Long Day
charlesfQ2741UT,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00First, our guide/driver, Ben was great. It's a long ride out and back to Rotorua and he gave us time to sleep and he gave us a good amount of history/site seeing. The day is a very long one, make no mistake. We were picked up at 610am and dropped off at 735pm. Most of that time is driving to and from Rotorua. Once there we chose the self guided tours of the hot springs and redwoods. Both were great. The redwood forest in particular was peaceful and amazing. Would we do it again? Probably not just because it's such a long day, mostly on the comfortable 16 passenger van. While the van is comfortable and well stocked with water and snacks, it's still alot of just sitting time. Hats off to Ben - he made it a better day.
Awsome
Laura C,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awsome experience Tour guide very friendly and knowledgeable contact me via email and WhatsApp thank you so much
Rotorua day trip
Sanjay M,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was fun and a chance to learn about Rotorua and Māori culture. Grant was our driver and guide. Very informative and helpful in many ways.
Fun tour
alex mn1,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun well organized tour. Grant was a great guide and driver and took good care of everybody. He was well spoken, very knowledgeable and very good sense of humor :) We had plenty of time for sightseeing and both places we visited were interesting.
The bus ride takes...
Mackenzie P,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The bus ride takes approximately 3 hours one way but the guide does stop about an hour in for coffee/bathroom. Same on the way back but with ice cream/bathroom. We went to Wai-O-Tapu for about 2 hours on a self guided tour of the Geothermal Hot Pools (FYI it smells STRONGLY of sulfer). Then everyone got to pre pick their second activity which we did the Polynesian Spa. We spent around 2 hours there as well which was relaxing but only needed about an hour (we also smelt like sulfur from the mineral in the hot tubs at the spa which wasn’t enjoyable). Overall it was memorable but wouldn’t necessarily spend the money on the trip if given the choice again.
Amazing experience
carlarD1892ZB,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides are very good, and the experience was amazing.
From NZ$346.00
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