Rotorua to Wai-o-Tapu, Taupo, Hamilton Gardens & Auckland (One Way)

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$329

per adult

Aerial view of the Italian Renaissance Garden at Hamilton Gardens showing symmetrical pools, potted citrus trees, and formal landscaping in New Zealand

Experiences

Small Group Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Finish: Auckland

Location: Rotorua

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 11 hours

Details

Rotorua to Wai-o-Tapu, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens

This one-way journey from Rotorua to Auckland is the perfect mix of nature, culture and relaxation. At Wai-o-Tapu, you’ll discover colourful geothermal pools, bubbling mud and the famous geysers that make the region so unique. With expert commentary, every stop is brought to life with stories that connect you to the land.

From there, Taupo offers a lakeside break with sweeping views across New Zealand’s largest lake. The nearby Huka Falls provides a thunderous display of power, a highlight for many travellers. Continuing on, Hamilton Gardens invites you to wander through themed spaces that reflect cultures and traditions from around the world.

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

Group of tourists standing at Rainbow Crater in Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with steam rising from the geothermal landscape

Crowd gathered around Lady Knox Geyser moments before eruption at Wai-O-Tapu

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

Devil’s Bath at Wai-O-Tapu, a vivid green sulphur pool surrounded by geothermal terrain in Rotorua, New Zealand

Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu with steaming turquoise water, orange silica edge, and sulphur-rich geothermal landscape

Man sitting on a railing beside the steaming Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu

Large tree on the grassy shoreline of Lake Taupō with waterfront views and distant hills in New Zealand

#LOVETAUPŌ sign on the lakefront with Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park in the background

Expansive view over Lake Taupō with calm blue waters, distant hills, and dramatic skies in New Zealand’s North Island

Scenic shoreline of Lake Taupō with calm blue waters, grassy banks, and expansive skies in New Zealand

Visitors standing on the pedestrian bridge over the vibrant blue waters of Huka Falls, surrounded by lush greenery near Lake Taupō, New Zealand

Powerful blue waters cascading at Huka Falls near Taupo, New Zealand

Turquoise water surging through the narrow channel at Huka Falls in Wairakei, Taupō, New Zealand.

Carved Māori gateway at Te Parapara Garden in Hamilton Gardens, surrounded by native New Zealand plants

Ancient Egyptian Garden at Hamilton Gardens with painted columns and reflecting pool

Whimsical topiary trees sculpted into surreal shapes in the Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens, New Zealand

Children dressed in costumes running through the Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens in Waikato

Aerial view of the Italian Renaissance Garden at Hamilton Gardens in Waikato

Italian Renaissance Garden with central fountain and manicured hedges at Hamilton Gardens in Waikato, New Zealand

Te Parapara Māori garden with traditional red-carved pataka at Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand

Tudor-style pavilion and manicured hedge maze at Hamilton Gardens, New Zealand

Elegant summerhouse pavilion set for a garden event in Hamilton Gardens, New Zealand

Traditional Japanese pavilion reflected in tranquil pond at the Garden of Contemplation, Hamilton Gardens New Zealand

View of the Indian Char Bagh Garden at Hamilton Gardens, featuring symmetrical flower beds, white pavilion, and flowing water channels inspired by Mughal design

Hamilton Gardens, Indian Char Bagh Garden

From Hamilton to Auckland

The journey continues north through rolling Waikato farmland, with scenic stops for photos and fresh air along the way. Hamilton Gardens is a chance to relax and take in award-winning landscapes that change with every turn. Each section of the tour is designed to be comfortable and enriching, without feeling rushed.

Finally, the road leads to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. Along the drive, your guide shares insights into local history and the diverse regions you pass through. By the time you arrive, you’ll have experienced a rewarding snapshot of the North Island’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

Please note: this tour makes up Day 2 of our 2-day Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens Tour, and so may be shared with guests who are doing the full 2-day tour. If booking this tour, guests will join the group in Rotorua at the start of Day 2.

Highlights

Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland: Visit colourful geothermal pools and see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt
Lake Taupo: Enjoy lake views and a guided highlights tour of the town
Huka Falls: Witness the power of New Zealand’s most iconic waterfall
Hamilton Gardens: Explore themed gardens inspired by different cultures and time periods
Scenic Drive: Travel through central North Island landscapes with photo stops and commentary

What's Included?

Hotel Transfers: Pickup in Rotorua and drop-off in Auckland
Attraction Access: Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
Guided Experiences: Local expert guide providing stories and insights
Comfortable Transport: Luxury Mercedes-Benz minibus (max 15 guests)
Extras Included: Bottled water, snacks, and onboard comforts
Taupo & Garden Stops: Time to explore Taupo and Hamilton Gardens with your guide

Age Information

Infants (0–3 years): Eligible for infant fares
Children (4–14 years): Eligible for children’s fares
Adults (15 years and up): Standard adult pricing applies
Travel Policy: Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over to join the tour