Rotorua Highlights inc Waiotapu & Hot Tubs Day Tour from Auckland
Recommended by 92% of travelers
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Rotorua, New Zealand
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Combine adventure and relaxation into one full-day experience on this small-group tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Experience the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu, including the steaming vents and Champagne Pool. Then, unwind in private cedar hot tubs surrounded by native forest. Plus, enjoy the scenic drive—without having to navigate—and learn about Maori culture from your guide.
- Admissions included so you won't pay extra on the day
- Relax and treat your body to a soak in outdoor hot tubs
- Receive personalized attention on an intimate small-group tour
- See and do more in the Rotorua area from Auckland than you could alone
What's Included
- Small Group and Fully Guided Bus Tour
- Wai O Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
- Secret Spot Hot Tubs
- Water & Snacks available
- Gratuities
- Restroom on board
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Operating hours.6:30 am
Itinerary
Auckland Central (Pass By)
Waikato Region (Pass By)
Tirau (Pass By)
1
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Rotorua
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Auckland
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes
- Children aged 7 & 5 years are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- 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.
- You will be travelling with other guests who may be participating in a different afternoon activity
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 132 reviews
Renu_S, Apr 2026
It is very lord of rings like. Smoky bubbly earth with its own unique smell. Comfy transportation and friendly guide and driver. Stops are appropriately timed.
Martha_P, Dec 2024
The tour itself offers 5 different options besides the Te Puia Geiser and Hot Springs. Lots of options to explore Rotorua. The Te Puia has a lot of things to see, like the Kiwi birds (that would normally be nocturnal) and the school for carving and weaving. The driver also took us to see Rotorua Caldera and then stopped by for an ice cream on the way back to Auckland. The only thing is if you're on the bigger size (which my husband is), the van seats were quite tight and uncomfortable for a long drive. Everything else about this tour is fun and the driver is attentive to everyone and offered water and snacks during the trip.
Chelle_C, Nov 2024
We took the Rotorua highlights tour and were pleasantly surprised by the extra activities, sights, and food beyond what we expected that it is truly worth staying overnight for a second day. Our fun driver, Cheeky Mike, impressed us with his amazing vertical panoramic photography, perfectly capturing the vastness of the redwood tree walk. Despite the long drive, the tour created priceless memories that made it all worthwhile.
Gizem_A, Nov 2024
Rotorua was a beautiful place. Seeing the geyser was interesting, even though we weren't there on correct time to see it explode. We had a chance to Kiwi bird, which made our day! We attended to the Maori experience and watched their haka dances. Hangi lunch buffet was delicious. We also had a chance to go to Polynesia spa and it felt good. John was a very nice guide, he was funny, helpful, and friendly. He was good at arranging the group of people that had different choices. Also, they provided a couple of snacks and a water bottle for the trip.
Debra_S, Nov 2024
We had an amazing tour guide/driver and loved our trip to Rotorua and Te Puia. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. We felt safe and secure the entire trip. It was a very memorable experience that we will remember for life.
Abhay_S, Nov 2024
The driver and narrator was friendly and knowledgeable. Full marks. However the rating dropped because this tour does not include glow worms. The tour of the geysers, Māori dance and lunch was all top class. After lunch there was not much activity for me. I was expecting to see more as part of Rotorua highlights but saw the lake for a little time. My fault for booking the wrong tour though the right tour was shortlisted earlier. Please be careful to book the tour based on details as there are many similar looking tours costing quite similar amounts.
JoAnn_D, Oct 2024
Amazing geothermal experience! Amazing lunch (but in a rush because of the tour) with a view of geothermal!! Will come back for more!
Eva_E, Oct 2024
John was excellent as a tour guide and driver, very detailed he answered all our questions he was clear in his communication and instructions, he played a big part in the success of this day tour
What I didn't like
I believe the tour was incredibly expensive for the services it offered I wish there was no pressure on the photos we have to take, the description of the tour should be clearer on what is included and what is not
Oonagh_H, Oct 2024
Our tour guide Hanoz collected us promptly and was very welcoming and personable. When all of the tour people were gathered he encouraged us to share our stories etc and get to know each other. He had a ‘magic sheet’ detailing what everyone was doing and updated it as he talked us through the options. My husband and I chose to do the guided experience at Te Puia, seeing the kiwi birds, the geothermal landscape and watched the Māori carvers and weavers demonstrate skills passed down from their ancestors. Then we watched the cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It include a Pōhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi and Haka, with my husband being selected as the ‘Chief’ to the tribe, thus taking part in the performance. This was so special and such a memorable experience. Ourselves and others from our tour group had a the delicious HĀNGĪ DINNER BUFFET, which I cannot recommend enough…it was absolutely fantastic. The food was all delicious and the selection overwhelming.
Finally we relaxed in the nearby Polynesian Spa. They hire towels and swimwear and also sell these if you want to purchase your own. I was well prepared bringing my own…but my husband forgot to bring his swimwear but was able to hire them.
All in all it was an amazing tour, an unforgettable experience which has been the highlight of our visit, so far. Cheeky Kiwi tours are fantastic and our tour guide Hanoz was so knowledgeable, that we learnt so much about the area, culture and history of New Zealand. I couldn’t recommend this highly enough!!!!!
Todd_K, Oct 2024
The hosts were polite, skilled, and very competent. We never felt unsafe. The sail was exhilarating and you get to see all of the harbor.
Kathleen_J, Oct 2024
Overall good experience. Unfortunately there are no Vegan options except French fries and some junk food. Other than that great cultural experience.
Chikere_Z, Jul 2024
I had a great time with Cheeky Kiwi! Not only was it a learning experience, it was quite enjoyable as well. At the end of the tour, we learned about about everyone’s home country which I thought was a nicely added touch. Would definitely recommend 🙌🏽
jacurry22, Jul 2024
This was a really great tour! Our driver, Simon, was a lot of fun and shared information about the history or area along the way!
The Te Puia Cultural Center was really nice to visit, but we should have been given a little more time to walk through it. I felt rushed and didn't have enough time to read about all of the exhibits.
The geothermal sites were nice - a much smaller version of Yellowstone.
Lily_S, Jun 2024
It was raining the whole day but we still had fun. The lake was looking like an ocean. We found black swans. John tried to show a few things along the way. The group was not enthusiastic for afternoon activities as it was cold ans rainy. We made it back early and it was sunny back in Auckland! ♥️ could be better if we could stop by the Polynesian Spa or the Wai Ariki Spa 😂
Leonard_P, Jun 2024
John was an excellent tour guide. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to make the tour enjoyable. I highly recommend him as a tour guide.
Dixon_F, May 2024
If you are looking for a chance to understand more about the Māori culture, this is the tour to join! Lunch was great, the geyser was beautiful, and our guides, Greg and Cameron, did everything to make sure we have an awesome time!
Zinaida_M, May 2024
Learning a little about the Māori culture and how they respect and preserve nature was definitely a highlight of this trip. NZ is such a beautiful country and it’s so amazing how you can run in the meadows with nothing to harm you. Visiting Rotorua must be on the list of to do things!!!
Donald_R, Apr 2024
Really enjoyed seeing the geo thermal impacts across Rotorua and the native Mauri show at Te Puela. Added bonus was the sky walk in Redwood forest.
Gerry_P, Apr 2024
This was an excellent package that allowed us to experience the “must-sees” in Rotorua - in a day! Our tour guide/driver John was punctual, relaxed yet professional, and shared interesting historical and entertaining bite-sized nuggets of info on all things NZ. We thoroughly enjoyed Te Puia (geyser was awesome), the Māori cultural show and the delicious lunch buffet. We added the Rewoods Walk in the afternoon. Highly recommend this day trip if you’re short on time - it was so worth it! Thanks John!
Nancy_B, Apr 2024
Brandon was a thoughtful, pleasant and considerate guide. We were happy to support Māori culture and enjoyed seeing the geysers.
FoyeEllis_D, Mar 2024
This was a 13 hour tour from pick up to drop off. 6 hours of riding in the van. Great tour guide. The Māori cultural center with Haka was interesting and the geysers were ok. Seeing the Kiwi was the best part of the tour.
The buffet lunch was excellent. We were exhausted at the end of the trip. Too many hours riding in a full van.
EILEEN_H, Feb 2024
It was a perfect day! The scenery was spectacular! Our tour guide Brenden was so great. He was knowledgeable, friendly and took such great care of everyone in our group. The drive to Rotorua was beautiful and the cultural experience at Te Puia was amazing! The food was so delicious! I highly recommend this amazing experience!
Namit_A, Feb 2024
The driver and tour guide Michael was amazing. He explained everything clearly. He was entertaining and went above and beyond to enjoy Waiotapu and Te Puia. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Auckland.
Andre_d, Feb 2024
Wonderful trip, even the scenic drive was great! Alessandro was a great guide/driver. Very flexible and accommodating! Highly recommend.
Khristine_G, Jan 2024
Fun tour with a fun tour guide Allessandro who took care of us during the day tour. The entire tour was nice with all the tourmates on a happy mood singing songs on the way back to Auckland and some cassava chips treat. Lots of choices of activities to do as well - Maori cultural show, lunch, spa or simply have your own free time in Rotorua.
Britta_K, Jan 2024
I booked the two parks, but was put on a hangi instead. They were 28 minutes late. They excused themselves with red light-sodavand and babyseats, thongs They should borg be prepared for. It is all about there needs. They Said They had tried to Call me, which i coulis see was not true. We were about twelve People’s with Four different programmes. They thougth i should finish the hangi, buffet at the same time it took the others to eat there included cafemeal. The send somebody from the spagroup to stress me. Ond the end we were droppes of in and eating place, when we had just eaten. I just wAnted to find a toilet and when i returner, the car was gone. I Then wAnted two hours in the backing Sun. They were at the spa pickong up the spa People’s.
Response from Host, May 2024
Sorry to hear this. It sounds like a breakdown of communication. The guide would normally be picking up the guests from the Spa while others have their buffet lunch at the geyser. It sounds like this wasn't made clear to you and I am sorry.
Alejandra_H, Jan 2024
A wonderful tour! Te Puia is breathtaking and a truly immersive insight into Māori culture. Our tour guide Jose was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating, one of the best tour guides ever!
Bronwen_W, Jan 2024
Fabulous day with a choice of activities. The Geothermal lake had extraordinary colours and amazing mud pools. There were also spectacular geysers. A really great trip.
Cheeky Kiwis were a great company and would recommend fir fill female travellers
Khrystyna_H, Jan 2024
I loved the geothermal valley in Te Puia - visually, it is a very beautiful and unique sight. I loved the Maori show. The lunch (buffet style) was very tasteful. The visit to the kiwi house was short, but we were able to see the kiwis. There was downtime to visit the souvenir shops. The places are definitely interesting and visually appealing; however, as this was high season, there were too many groups and too many guides and it was easy to get lost. I learned from the guides but also from the stands/posters as the groups were too big. The driver was polite and organized.
gdisu83, Jan 2024
It was a fabulous tour! Our guide Simon was amazinggggg! Very knowledgeable and did his best to ensure everyone was comfortable and engaged during the duration of the trip! The sights were good and the Māori show was wonderful! We had extra time to check out the redwood forest and overall I would highly recommend it! I went by myself but felt like I had a wonderful group of friends by the end of the tour! Highly recommend!
From $233.88
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Rotorua Highlights inc Waiotapu & Hot Tubs Day Tour from Auckland
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