Private Tour
Tauranga Private Shore Excursion: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover more than just Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders. With a private guide, you’ll explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, stroll through historic Government Gardens, enjoy a thermal foot soak at Kuirau Park, and visit cultural treasures like the Te Arawa Whare Waka. Along the way, you’ll see hidden gems including the Kaituna River Falls, kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke, and New Zealand’s most iconic beach at Mount Maunganui. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Please bring sun protection and a light jacket for cooler weather
Pricing is per group
Max 6 per group
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Private Vehicle Charter + Guide
Foot spa experience at Kuirau Park mineral footbath
Port pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Waiotapu geothermal park entry fee
What To Expect
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
After meeting your private guide at the Tauranga port, set out on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal regions. Once famed for the Pink and White Terraces—often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” before their destruction in the 1886 Tarawera eruption—Wai-O-Tapu is now a remarkable landscape of steaming vents, bubbling geysers, and pools shimmering in vibrant hues of turquoise, orange, gold, and green. The park’s highlight is the striking Champagne Pool, surrounded by mineral-rich terraces. Depending on your ship’s arrival time, you may also witness the dramatic 10:15 a.m. eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. Wai-O-Tapu offers three self-guided walking tracks ranging from easy to moderate, lasting between 40 and 75 minutes. With your guide alongside, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the route that best suits your pace while taking in the geothermal wonders up close.
Government Gardens
Government Gardens is one of Rotorua’s historic landmarks and most popular tourism destinations. You'll want to have your camera on hand for this spot! The Tudor-style Bath House was built onsite and opened in 1908, and is noted as the first major investment in the New Zealand tourism industry by the government. It now houses the Rotorua Museum and art gallery. It is currently closed for renovation and earthquake strengthening. A walk through Government Gardens takes you to see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern Māori-inspired art, sculptures, and perfectly manicured grounds for bowls, croquet, petanque . You’ll also find a soldiers’ memorial for the servicemen of the local Te Arawa tribe, and the Klamath Falls Rose Gardens.
Options
Tauranga Private Shore Excursion: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day of experiencing the area
Diana C,
Feb 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day tour in a small van with Stephan. He was so knowledgeable and gave us information throughout the day. We covered lots of areas and feel like we have a good feel for the Mauri culture now.
Amazing experience
Homework38,
Dec 5, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We (a private group of 10) did this tour yesterday. We were off a cruise ship and both pick up and tour end were spot on time. Brian was our driver\guide and he was great, very knowledgeable and considerate. So much so that when someone in the group forgot their souvenirs he drove all the way back to the port with them. The Māori culture was superb and the how springs and geysers were amazing. A sight not to be forgotten. We even had a picnic of manukau honey, kiwi juice and kiwi fruit. An extremely enjoyable day at an excellent price. If you visit Tauranga do not hesitate to book this company
The best tour ever!
Carole J,
Feb 6, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just took this trip last week (early February, 2020) and there were 6 of us. Les was our tour guide - he did a wonderful job showing us all of the amazing sites in Tauranga as well as the beautiful drive to a KIWI farm and the Rotura Thermal property - which was an amazing experience for us all. He's a safe driver and was very informative, having lived in the area for so long. Our van was well equipped and very comfortable. We met the owner, Jan, and have nothing but praise for her, her company and for Les. We will definitely book with Zealandier Tours the next time we visit anywhere in New Zealand! Thank you both!
What a great day!
calliecat56,
Feb 10, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got off the Majestic Princess and met up with Nick, our tour guide for the entire day. I chose to book independently from Princess to give a more personalized tour and that's exactly what we got. There was just the three of us and Nick. What an absolute gem of a person. Very knowledgeable and a good conversationalist. He would stay with us and point out different things at each stop. I don't know which stop I enjoyed more, possibly the Maori Cultural Village and the Maori children swimming in the water asking us to throw them a coin to catch. It could also have been the Kiwi Orchard stop where we got to see how kiwi grew, tasted different kiwi products and ate kiwi ice cream. And we can't forget the stop at Wai-O-Tapu. Also, the prices at the store were as good or better than any other place if you wanted to pick up a souvenir. Excellent tour. Comfortable van and if you get Nick....consider yourself lucky!
Thoughtfully offering customer experiences and sights.
Ella K,
Dec 5, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally happy that I chose this company for our day tour, when our cruise ship stopped in Tauranga. Had perused different groups and offerings on the 'net months earlier, and concluded that these people offered much of what we wanted to see at a reasonable price. Not disappointed at all. I had emailed and queried if my mobility challenged mum of 90 yrs would be able to cope, & was reassured they'd look after her. Our down to earth and knowledgeable driver had brought a wheelchair on the bus and without fuss she was able to experience the Maori Village, Thermal Springs & dynamic fabulous concert, over uneven ground. We sampled delicious kiwi fruit icecream at a lovely orchard also, and admired the rapids where white water rafting happens, passing by gorgeous scenery and stopped at a lovely lunching place. The day was great - well thought out for day groups, with a friendly helpful driver and a very comfortable coach. Having been disappointed by the ship's excursions, I can strongly recommend Zealandier Tours based on my own experiences. Forgot to mention the historic aspects of which our driver had sound knowledge. A wonderful day with good memories!
Zealandier Tours - A First Class Company
Foody-MD,
Dec 14, 2017
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am an experienced restaurant reviewer for TA. I believe that I have developed a reputation for saying it like it is or, at least, as I see it. Now in the middle of my dream trip-a cruise from Auckland NZ to Sydney AU- I am hoping to give honest, reliable travel information to readers of TA. Forgive the double entendre of sorts! Making plans with an unknown company half way around the world can be dangerous. After all, one is giving credit card information to a complete stranger with the hope that a long awaited tour of a distant port will materialize at all. Where do we go when we disembark? Who will meet us? Will the tour live up to the description? Whom do we contact if there’s a problem? These are the questions that I-with the need to be in control-had. To be up front, I probably wouldn’t have any concerns if I booked with the cruise line((Oceania), but the cost of their excursions were astronomical compared to those I could book on my own. HAVE NO WORRIES WITH ZEALANDIER TOURS! I found them to be reputable in all regards. For the most part, their tours are identical to those of the ship and at a fraction of the price. The tour groups were small and the guides personable and extremely knowledgeable locals. We even liked hearing about their families. Robin was our guide on this tour. A delightful man. When one of the passengers asked if we were planning on visiting a kiwi fruit orchard, he made sure it happened even though it was not on the itinerary. Another tour in Napier was equally as good. We even got a discount because of an unexpected change. When heavy winds prevented our ship from entering still another port, Sharee, who promptly answered several of my questions in previous emails, ensured that I received full credit for the cancelled excursion. Kudos!
Since our visit to New Zealand...
Aileen W,
Mar 14, 2017
- Review from Viator
5.00Since our visit to New Zealand was
Although our visit to New Zealand was mostly via cruise ship, we wanted to see as much as possible at each port of call.
Our party of four was extremely fortunate to have Phillip as our guide. We had plenty of time to walk the paths at Wai-O-Tapu, marveling at the amazing colors. The second thermal region in Rotorua was not as large or dramatic but was interesting since it was in a small functioning Maori village. We saw several examples of thermal pools or heat being used for cooking. The Maori cultural performance was OK but not great. I think the usual performers were at a competition in Auckland so I commend those who stepped in.
The best part of our tour was Phillip who is extremely knowledgeable and kept up educational commentary as we drove from place to place. He was able to answer all of our questions whether on vegetation, history or culture.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those who want to see as much as possible in one day.
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Operated by Zealandier Tours