Thermal Path Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a 4 hour, small group tour (8people max). Departs every day from 1:15 pm return 5:15pm.
Discover some of Rotorua's "off the beaten track" mud pools and best thermal areas. Dip your toes or fully immerse yourself in our favourite hot springs.
Rainbow Mountain, Crater Lakes - uniquely coloured vegetation and lakes. Waiotapu mud Pool - boiling mud with mini-eruptions guaranteed. Hot lakes a natural thermal experience like no other. Te Manaroa Spring - NZ's largest source of 100% boiling spring water. Finish the day soaking in Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Spring n Spa.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A maximum of 8 people per tour
Supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots is recommended
This tour includes walks of up to 2 kilometers, a good level of fitness and balance is required for all participants
Risk Disclosure: We operate a strict safety management system that is audited to New Zealand standards. It is important for you to be aware of the risk and hazards of this tour which are: uneven grounds, tree roots, rocks and slippery surfaces that could result in slips, trips and falls causing injury / strains / sprains / or broken bones. Note: in geothermal areas please keep to formed trails/paths as thin crust surfaces, gases (carbon dioxide and sulphide) and hot fluids are present; contact with this can cause serious injuries, asphyxiation or death. When bathing in geothermal waters keep your head above the water at all times because of the risk of contracting the potentially fatal Amoebic Meningitis
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Local guide
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
none
What To Expect
On this 4 hour thermal tour you will be traveling in a modern, comfortable coach with a Friendly and knowledgeable local guide, Stephen. Departing from the Information Center Rotorua, you'll first head out of the city to Rainbow mountain, enjoy this half hour walk with great views and unique geothermal vegetation. After exploring the crater, you'll head to Kerosene Creek a geothermal heated river where you can dip your toes or yourself. Next stop the largest and best example of boiling mud, take your time and experience the sounds and activity of this amazing natural phenomenon. last stop Waikite Valley Hot Springs, a short walk will lead you to the "living waters" of Te Manaroa Springs the largest discharge of boiling water in NZ. Finishing the day relaxing in one of the many silky-smooth mineral hot pools. Returning you back to Rotorua.
Options
Thermal Path Tour
Reviews
68 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nature walk and thermal baths
Lynn H,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Stephen was very informative — pleasant and on time! Lovely afternoon seeing some very remote parts of NZ we would never have seen on our own. So disappointed we were not able to catch his glow worm tour.
Excellente visite
Moeava T,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Visit Rotorua's best thermal sites in 4 hours, without worrying about parking, searching for information, driving, and all that in the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus. An incredible time saver! Steven, our guide, was great. He knows the area well and explained a lot of things to us that we would never have known if we had visited the sites on our own. And the highlight was definitely the hot bath at the end of the tour, at Waikite Valley Hot Pools. A beautiful place that I highly recommend as well.
Awesome
Chris B,
Mar 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Steve did a fantastic job taking us on the thermal path tour. His knowledge is boundless presented in an informative and easy going manner. We were so lucky it was just the two of us on the tour and Steve paced things perfectly for a couple not as agile as we used to be. I would recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see the real Rotorua.
Very good tour of Rotorua
Helene G,
Mar 22, 2024
- Viator
4.00Guide provided interesting informations through out the tour. Had a good time in the hot springs but would have liked to spend more time than what was allocated.
Would recommend this tour
Heather G,
Oct 30, 2023
- Viator
5.00Steve's knowledge and interest in the environment was inspiring! He took us to several places which was interesting.
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Operated by Real Rotorua