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
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 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
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 & 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, 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
Reviews
394 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Great day!
Judith D,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were very well looked after , very informative driver. Made the day fun. It’s a long day but very enjoyable with what we managed to see and do.
Good vibe
Peter K,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well structured trip and a great guide with a good vibe
Rotorua Tour
Cecilia247,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently did a tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, and I cannot say enough great things about our tour operator, Liam. He was extremely accommodating and made the entire process seamless from start to finish. He picked us up right on time and handled all of the ticketing at each activity stop, making the day stress free. I decided to stay in Rotorua, and Liam went above and beyond by taking me to my Airbnb to check in early so I wouldn’t have to carry my luggage around. He also made sure I didn’t miss any key spots and gave me great recommendations for my stay in queenstown. Liam’s professionalism, kindness, and genuine care made this experience exceptional. I would highly recommend booking with Cheeky Kiwi.
A long trip ... that was very well it! A must visit for anyone visiting New Zealand's north island.
Flyer786424,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Cam, worked really hard to address navigation issues caused by road construction and traffic accidents that required route changes along the way. Still, we arrived at every planned stop with sufficient time to see each one. He knows the schedules for each site and got us there just in time. He provided clear direction to escape crowds before other tours created traffic jams. All together we saw: The Wai-o-tapu National Park was beautiful and fascinating. Our stops included: * A large and very active mud pool that was very fun to watch. * The Lady Knox Geyser that always goes off at 10:15 AM when it is primed and spouts a few minutes later to the delight of large crowds. Still, it's fake and disappointing to anyone who's seen Yellowstone in Wyoming, USA. * Te Puia - Which is the main geothermal area of the park that includes hot springs, mineral pools, and a "real" geyser with three vents. The park also includes the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, which was a wonderful and educational exhibit detailing Māori culture and art forms. I highly recommend this tour and specifically commend Cam as our guide, who made the whole trip enjoyable, even with the very long ride to and from Auckland.
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.
From NZ$346.00
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