Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal ParkChampagne Lake & Devils BathTe Puia Geothermal Park & PohutuMāori Cultural Village and Arts SchoolLake RotoruaGovernment Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & Rotorua MuseumWaikato Farm Region

Fully guided small group return tour from AucklandHotel pick ups and drop offs (specific central Auckland hotels only)Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park & guided tourLunch includedEntry to e Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu & guided tourRotorua City Highlights TourRefreshments and snacks whilst drivingOn screen entertainment during the driveMultiple stops to purchase food, buy souvenirs or take photosWifi and charging ports available in vehicleTransport in modern and comfortable minibuses

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

Rotorua Highlights with Wai-o-Tapu, Te Puia & Lunch

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

US$246

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, Spas, and Geothermal Attractions

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 12 hours

The Rotorua Highlights Tour is a 12-hour small-group day trip from Auckland combining two of the region’s leading geothermal attractions with Māori arts, native wildlife and city sightseeing. Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland before enjoying an included lunch and a 90-minute guided Te Puia experience featuring the Pōhutu Geyser, carving and weaving schools and kiwi conservation centre. Hotel transfers, entry fees, snacks and bottled water are included. Adult fares apply from 15 years, with child fares for ages 4–14.

Experience Rotorua’s Geothermal Power and Māori Heritage

Travel from Auckland through the rolling farmland and river landscapes of the Waikato, passing the distinctive corrugated-iron displays of Tīrau along the way. A guided drive introduces Rotorua landmarks including Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, the historic Blue Baths, Rotorua Museum and Whangapipiro Rachel Spring. At Wai-O-Tapu, spend approximately 90 minutes discovering steaming craters, bubbling mud pools, the Champagne Pool and the vividly coloured Devil’s Bath.

After your included lunch, continue to Te Puia for a fully guided 90-minute exploration of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. See the powerful Pōhutu Geyser, visit the national carving and weaving schools and look for native kiwi inside the conservation centre. The experience provides an engaging introduction to Māori arts, heritage and geothermal traditions, although a cultural performance is not included.

Departs: 6:30am
Finishes: 6:30pm

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.

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

Fully guided small group return tour from Auckland
Hotel pick ups and drop offs (specific central Auckland hotels only)
Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park & guided tour
Lunch included
Entry to e Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu & guided tour
Rotorua City Highlights Tour
Refreshments and snacks whilst driving
On screen entertainment during the drive
Multiple stops to purchase food, buy souvenirs or take photos
Wifi and charging ports available in vehicle
Transport in modern and comfortable minibuses

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

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

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*