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
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, 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 & 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
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
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 & 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
322 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonder-full!
Ana I,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved every minute of the experience! The Polynesian spa was the highlight!! The cultural show was great and everything worked out beautifully!
Great day trip
kevinbS5974KO,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A well organised trip that the team seem to have down well pat. Pick up was on time, guides were friendly and knowledgable. Only downside was only being able to pick two of the several options for activities as all were things I'd like to do, but there wasn't time for everything.
Excellent
805zenaidae,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Its an amazing experience specially the volcanic Park. The history of the art is very interesting but needs more time because we round out of time. I suggest to give 30 more before pick up. Hanoz is good driver.
NZ FAMILY HOLIDAY
908zenaidae,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver is on time on scheduled. Very interesting places. I can recommend this places to my colleagues and friends to considered as they're holiday list.
Simply perfect
Paradise11734233042,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing trip with Cheeky Kiwi to Rotorua! Everything was planned really perfectly and with lots of of different opportunities, so everyone could experience what they wanted. On our tour we had John as our guide, and he did an amazing job! Told a lot of interesting information, made sure everyone got to their respective places and last but not least he made a really good social gathering of the people in the group. Thanks John and Cheeky Kiwi! Definitely not last time I go with you! - Michael
Rotorua Day Tour from Auckland
Marcy4N,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great trip to Rotorua! Our guide Simon offered lots of information about the area and it was fantastic to be able to choose your own activities for the day.
“Fantastic Day in Rotorua with Hanoz!”
dianecR354SF,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We spent about 11 hours on our Rotorua tour with our driver, Hanoz, and honestly had the best time! He was super accommodating, easygoing, and made the whole day fun. Even with such a long trip, it never felt tiring because he kept things interesting and had a great sense of humor. Highly recommend doing this tour—and definitely ask for Hanoz if you can!
Highly recommended tour and operator
255KartiS,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cheeky Kiwi was our Rotorua tour operator and they were real value. The pick-up from the hotel was punctual, the program was comprehensive and well-organized, and when the logistics didn’t permit us to catch the cultural show at Wai-O-Tapu, they refunded the ticket money paid in advance. Best of all, the driver Grant was magnificent: knowledgeable about the Rotorua highlights and about New Zealand generally. He enhanced our appreciation of both Rotorua and the country’s history and situation. Above all, he was full of humor and patience!
Cheeky Kiwi John my new BFF.
AnnC0121,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really good day! The van was very clean and comfortable. Our driver John(alias Travis, lol) was the best! I travel quite a bit, and he totally made everyone feel like old friends. John’s music playlist was enjoyable. John is a true Kiwi, his love and knowledge of NZ was impressive. John made sure everyone was having a good time. John’s safety check of having everyone count forward and backwards, even and odd was entertaining. Number 3 (me) was not always the brightest bulb on the tree but was a good sport and enjoyed the laughs. Cheeky Kiwi needs to make John the employee of the year!
Hanoz is a great host!
YourRightPath,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hanoz was such a great host - he did everything he could to make our trip enjoyable! Highly recommend him . He really made us feel safe and cared for! Thank you Hanoz - The Flex 5
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel