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Rotorua Cultural & Geothermal Small Group Tour From Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

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$475.00 per person

5.0 (18 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

13 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Full-day small-group tour from Auckland to Rotorua with Mitai Māori Village (cultural show + hāngī lunch) and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. CBD pickup, guided transfers, Wi-Fi included.

Tour Overview

Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and living Māori culture on a full-day small-group tour from Auckland (approx. 13 hours). After CBD pickup, travel in a temperature-controlled minibus with onboard Wi-Fi and refreshments, pausing en route for a coffee stop and a look at Tirau’s famous corrugated-iron landmarks.

In Rotorua, begin with an immersive visit to Mitai Māori Village. Watch warriors paddle a traditional waka on the Wai-o-Whiro stream, then enjoy a guided cultural performance featuring pōwhiri, waiata, poi, mōteatea, and haka. See the unveiling of the ground-cooked hāngī and sit down to a buffet lunch.

Continue to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for a self-guided walk among colourful hot and cold springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, craters, terraces, and the Champagne Pool’s vivid orange rim. After free time to explore at your own pace, return to Auckland with drop-off at your original meeting point. Inclusions cover fully guided return transfers, admission to Mitai (cultural experience and hāngī lunch) and Wai-O-Tapu, bottled water, and a local English-speaking escort. Breakfast and dinner are not included.

What's Included

  • Admission to self-guided walk at Wai-o-Tapu thermal wonderland.
  • Enjoy the cultural Performance including Poi & Haka.
  • Learn all about the fascinating culture only found in Aotearoa.
  • Complimentary refreshments and water onboard.
  • Savor a picturesque drive through vibrant countryside with plenty of stops &capture stunning photos.
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
  • Admission to fully guided tour, Haka and hangi buffet lunch at Mitai Māori Village.
  • Learn about ancestral weapons and instruments.
  • Find a spot with the perfect mix of hot and cold temperatures, a truly magical experience.
  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.
  • Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation in a minibus.
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
  • Insights into Māori heritage & historical uses of the land.
  • View the unveiling of traditional hangi meal.
  • Carry on past the Champagne Pool, a bubbling hot spring famed for its brilliant orange rim.
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • Visit the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and witness its unique volcanic features.
  • Walk through a surreal lunar-like environment to witness the volcanic wonders.
  • Witness the dynamic scene of warriors on the waka taua (war canoe).
  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
  • Hangi buffet lunch included.
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour.

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Bombay Hills

    The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Robert Harris

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Dog and Sheep Shaped Corrugated Metal Buildings

    We will also pass through the unique town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    Mitai Maori Village

    Be a witness to the fierce warriors navigating the war canoe along the tranquil waters of Wai-o-Whiro stream and immerse yourself in rich cultural performances such as Wero, Pōwhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, Haka and much more. The amazing cultural performance will teach you about the ancient arts of carving and ta moka (tattoo art), while the weaponry and combat displays will make you understand why the Māori are considered such fearsome warriors. You will be amazed at the level of emotion such a simple sight will cause – it’s truly amazing and spine tingling! Buffet, the delicious mouthwatering traditional hangi food with distinctive flavours and unique preparation of the Māori People cooked in an earth-oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, the baskets of kai (food) are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. Experience a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an authentic indigenous cultural experience like no other.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

    Our second destination is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Thousands of Years in the Making and "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World". This stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 45 and 90 minutes. A walk through this surreal, lunar-like environment provides the chance to witness some of the volcanic wonders and a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world-famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, devil’s bath, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. With a colourful experience we carry our memories way back to Auckland.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  7. 7

    Auckland Central

    After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Rotorua, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you. Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers....

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Our central meeting point in Auckland City is in front of Movenpick Hotel (8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010). This meeting point is well connected with Auckland's public transport network. Kindly advise us if you will be meeting us at this location.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
  • Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
  • Suitable for people of all ages. Easy and good fitness level required.
  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
  • Being an active geothermal area with uneven terrain, sturdy footwear is recommended. Jandals, sandals, flip-flops or high heeled shoes are not suitable.
  • Some dietary requests could be met. However, given the nature of Maori Kai (food), we are unable to cater to all the dietary needs such as vegan options.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Rotorua Cultural & Geothermal Small Group Tour From Auckland | Auckland.kiwi