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Rotorua Highlights inc. Waiotapu & Te Puia Day Tour from Auckland

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$399.00 per person

4.6 (86 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Guided day tour from Auckland to Rotorua visiting Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia, with Māori cultural experiences, geothermal sites and Waikato scenery.

Tour Overview

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua on a fully guided small group day tour that combines geothermal landscapes, Māori cultural experiences, and a scenic drive through the Waikato countryside. As you leave New Zealand’s largest city, your guide shares commentary on the journey and points out highlights along the way.

Heading south, you pass through the Waikato, known here as an extensive farming area with mighty rivers, mountain views, and farmland dotted with animals. There is a short coffee stop before continuing through Tirau, the self-described Corrugated Iron Capital of the World, where unusual corrugated iron buildings and sculptures stand out as you drive through town.

In Rotorua, visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, where you can see Champagne Lake, Devil’s Bath, mud pools, geothermal craters, and other active thermal features. After lunch, continue to Te Puia for a guided 90 minute tour focused on Māori culture and geothermal activity. See carving and weaving schools, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to 30 metres high.

The day also includes a guided driving tour of Rotorua’s key sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths, before the return journey to Auckland. Swimming is not permitted at Wai-O-Tapu.

What's Included

  • Te Puia Guided Tour
  • Water & Snacks available
  • Waiotapu Entry
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Bus Tour

Not Included:

  • Lunch (available to purchase at own expense)
  • Te Puia Cultural Show (time limitations)
  • Pickup from hotels not listed

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Waikato Region

    Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way. During our adventure in the Waikato we will also stop for a quick coffee break at a special location.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Tirau

    Continuing our journey to Rotorua we pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4

    Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

    Arriving at our feature destination you will experience Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Considered one of the most surreal places on earth, here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, local mud-pools, geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  5. 5

    Te Puia

    After a break for lunch, you'll discover the rich history and traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture at Te Puia on a guided 90 minute tour. Watch skilled artisans bring ancient techniques to life at the carving and weaving schools, explore the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and witness the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser erupting up to 30 metres high in the geothermal

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Rotorua

    To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths.

    15 minutes

  7. 7

    Auckland

    Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

    5 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

- Pick-ups are available only from the hotels listed. If your location isn’t listed, please select the nearest option. - Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the tour time. Be ready and waiting outside by this time to avoid missing your pick-up....

Important Information

Hotel Pick ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time in tour information to ensure you do not miss your pickup. You will be picked up in a 16 seater minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties - A moderate amount of walking is involved.

Cancellation Policy

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