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
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
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Local guide
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
none
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
73 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding tour!
Rachel M,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Look no further! This is an excellent tour experience. Stephen, the owner and guide, did an awesome job. Very knowledgeable about the geology and fauna and history of the area. Really helped us appreciate the incredible things we were seeing.
Learned a lot while enjoying the day
ThomasA595,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen did an awesome job showing us some off the main tourist attraction sites. What was even more impressive was the knowledge he had of the plants and animals and geo thermal facts. We really enjoyed the spa at the end as well.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience
Rachel A,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the thermal path tour. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and informative. I would highly recommend this small group tour for people who want a small group experience and for those who want to gain some local knowledge, history and learn about the geothermal springs in Rotorua. The Real Rotorua lives up to its name as it is run by a very genuine guide
Amazing Adventure with Real Rotorua and Steve!
HLinkowich,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible day with Steve from Real Rotorua! From the start, he was kind, patient, and flexible, managing our flight delay, helping with a quick baggage drop at the hotel, even making stops for McDonald’s and water. Everything was done with ease and a smile. Steve’s nature talks and stories during our walks were fascinating. I learned so much and even watched the Whakaari Netflix documentary he recommended. The tour of the mud pots and hot springs was a highlight, capped off with cookies and delicious peach tea. Our family truly enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend Real Rotorua for an unforgettable experience!
Our guide, Stephen, was...
Steven S,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide, Stephen, was amazing showing us the most amazing places before taking us to the hot springs. We learned so much making is a truly spectacular experience.
Nature walk and thermal baths
Lynn H,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from 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.
The best Rotorua tour.
PhillJames9,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour and easily will be the best way to explore Rotorua. Steve, the guide was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating and engaging throughout. He clearly knew all the best places to go, away from the usual tourist crowds. If you really want to understand the area, as well as bathe in some out the outstanding surroundings and water, this is 100% the tour you need!
Excellente visite
Moeava T,Jun 10, 2025
- Review from 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.
Great.
m0eavat,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great family experience, convenient and comfortable way to visit several thermal sites, Steven knows the history of all his sites. This is more than just a visit. Alone, we would have seen beautiful landscapes without knowing their history. I recommend 100%
Highly recommended tour
Vacation30991902943,Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Thermal Path Tour is wonderful! Stephen is a very friendly and informative guide. I learned not only about the geothermal activity at 5 different sites but also about the plants and wildlife too. It's a perfect tour for anyone making a short visit to Rotorua as so much ground is covered. Highly recommended!
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Operated by Real Rotorua