Rotorua Highlights with Wai-o-Tapu & Te Puia

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$385

per adult

Book Now

Wide view of Champagne Pool with thick steam and colourful mineral formations at Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua

Experiences

Day Tours

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 12 hours

Details

Rotorua Highlights with Wai-o-Tapu & Te Puia

This full-day tour from Auckland combines natural beauty, rich culture, and geothermal marvels, making it a standout North Island experience. Travelling through the Waikato countryside, you’ll enjoy rolling hills, volcanic landscapes, and local insights along the way. With an expert guide leading the journey, every stop feels more meaningful and memorable.

At Wai-o-Tapu, the thermal wonderland comes alive with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the dazzling Champagne Pool. Vibrant colours and dramatic geothermal activity create a surreal setting unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. It’s a photographer’s dream and a fascinating reminder of the country’s volcanic heart.

Purple flowers in front of historic Government Gardens building in Rotorua

Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu with vibrant orange edges, steaming water, and geothermal terraces

Colourful edge of Champagne Pool with steam rising at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

Family viewing The Devil’s Home geothermal crater with rising steam at Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua

Vibrant mineral patterns and orange-coloured geothermal formations at Wai-o-Tapu, Rotorua

Steam rising from the colourful Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua

Close-up of colourful mineral deposits and geothermal textures at Wai-O-Tapu in New Zealand

Entrance to Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, New Zealand, featuring traditional Māori carvings and welcoming signage

Māori woman and young girl sharing a hongi greeting at Te Puia in Rotorua

Visitor touching an intricate traditional Māori carving at Te Puia, Rotorua

Artisan crafting a traditional Māori bone carving at Te Puia, Rotorua

Māori artist weaving a tukutuku panel at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua

Hands weaving flax into traditional Māori craft at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua

Māori guides sharing cultural knowledge during a traditional experience at Te Puia, Rotorua

Te Puia guide speaking to visitors inside the Kiwi Conservation Centre in Rotorua

Kiwi bird in a darkened enclosure at Te Puia, Rotorua, for conservation and viewing in a natural setting

Visitors observing a steaming geothermal pool at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand, with native landscape in the background.

Pōhutu Geyser erupting with steam and water in Te Puia geothermal valley, Rotorua

Visitors standing on a platform near Pōhutu Geyser with steam and a blue pool at Te Puia

Steam rising from Pōhutu Geyser in Te Puia’s geothermal valley under bright sunlight

Tourists at Te Puia viewing platform overlooking Pōhutu Geyser in Rotorua

Bubbling Ngāmōkaiakoko Mud Pool at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand

Te Puia and Cultural Experiences

Te Puia is the cultural heart of this tour, offering an immersive look at Māori traditions, art, and heritage. Visitors can marvel at skilled carving and weaving, while learning the stories that shape Aotearoa’s identity. The star of the show, of course, is the Pōhutu Geyser, erupting high into the sky in a spectacular display.

Adding to the day’s highlights, you’ll also enjoy scenic stops in Rotorua itself, from Lake Rotorua’s calm waters to the historic Government Gardens. With small group sizes and a relaxed pace, there’s plenty of time to soak in the beauty without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect balance of culture, nature, and local charm all in one unforgettable day.

Highlights

Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu
Māori Cultural Village and Arts School
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park
Champagne Lake & Devils Bath
Lake Rotorua
Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & Rotorua Museum
Waikato Farm Region

Inclusions

Small Group Tour
Fully Guided
Entry Tickets
Bottled Water
Snacks

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infant: Under 4 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

1. Auckland Departure
Your adventure kicks off in Auckland with a convenient hotel pick-up. As we leave the city behind, your driver-guide will share local stories and highlight Auckland’s key landmarks, setting the stage for a fascinating day ahead.

2. Scenic Waikato Drive
Heading south, we travel through the picturesque Waikato region—New Zealand’s farming heartland. Enjoy sweeping views of lush pastures, peaceful rivers, and dramatic peaks. We’ll stop for a coffee break at a local favourite before continuing on.

3. Tirau’s Quirky Charms
Pass through the charming town of Tirau, famous for its creative corrugated iron artwork and sculptures. This cheerful roadside stop always brings a few smiles—and your guide will point out the best photo-worthy moments.

4. Rotorua City Highlights
Once in Rotorua, enjoy a guided drive showcasing the city’s iconic spots including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Blue Baths, Government Gardens, and Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring)—a perfect intro to this geothermal hub.

5. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Step into a surreal geothermal landscape at Wai-O-Tapu, where colourful hot springs, steaming ground, and bubbling mud pools await. You’ll have around 90 minutes to explore this natural wonderland—make sure your camera’s charged!

6. Te Puia Geothermal & Cultural Centre
After lunch, dive into the heart of Māori culture at Te Puia on a fully guided 90-minute tour. Visit the carving and weaving schools, spot a kiwi bird, and see the mighty Pōhutu Geyser in full force. (Note: Cultural performance not included due to time constraints.)

7. Return to Auckland
We begin the journey back north with a relaxed, fully guided return to Auckland—complete with a few surprise scenic stops to round off the day.