Rotorua Highlights: Wai-O-Tapu, Lunch & 5 Experience Choices

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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.

   Passes by

2. Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, might 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.

   Passes by

3. 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.

   Passes by

4. Spend around 90 minutes exploring the world-famous Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Wander through this surreal geothermal landscape, with its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the vibrant Champagne Pool.

   1.5 hAdmission included

5. Champagne Pool is one of Wai-O-Tapu’s most iconic geothermal features, known for its vivid orange, yellow and green hues created by mineral-rich waters. With steaming waters reaching around 74°C, the colourful pool is a striking example of Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.

   10 min

6. We make our way to Secret Spot so you can enjoy lunch and recharge for your afternoon activity.

   45 minAdmission included

7. After lunch, your guide will take you to your afternoon activity (selected during the booking process). Your options are - Ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours - Guided tour Te Puia - Redwoods Treewalk - Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa -Secret Spot Hot Tubs

   2 h

8. Take a guided drive through Rotorua’s famous landmarks, including Lake Rotorua, the Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), the Blue Baths, and the historic Rotorua Museum.

   10 min

9. 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 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 442 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Alessandro rocks!

  Alessandro was the best tour guide ever. We got picked up and dropped off at our hotel, which was so convenient. The geo thermal park, Wai-O-Tapu, and the Te Puia tour were fantastic. Alessandro was informative, friendly, and a great driver. The lunch at Rotorua stop was delicious. We had smash burgers and fries. We had restroom breaks to get coffee and pastries and a stop for ice cream on the way home. He wanted to get to know his guests, treated us like family, and shared some of his background with us. It made the whole day a wonderful experience. Well worth the money.

  I4489DBjessiemSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Just an awesome day

  Jeoff was a great knowledgeable guide from cheeky kiwi . My family had a great experience thanks

  kevinoS9603ALSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Rotorua Highlights Tour

  Another wonderful tour with Cheeky Kiwi! We were able to pick the activities that suited us for Rotorua. We enjoyed wandering Waiotapu and then soaking and the Secret Spot hot tubs. Excellent lunch provided. Well worth the price. Big thanks to Grant for lots of great info on the places we were visiting and making everything run so smoothly.

  B6434WPemmamSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Exhilarating

  If you love wonders of the world geology , geography and chemistry this is a must see and feel experience

  Bruce_BSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5A great tour, get on it

  Communication with tour company and tour guide were great. Transport was a very comfortable van and stops for morning /afternoon tea offered at great locations. The guide was friendly,interactive, flexible and informative on culture and community. I had a great day

  Vicki_DAugust 2026via Viator

• 5Tour guide David was...

  Tour guide David was great! Very knowledgeable about the area and friendly. The sites were beautiful. Definitely recommend the spa option.

  Tabitha_LAugust 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Auckland

• Its from-price is 30% below the median of the 356 day trips we list in Auckland.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 11 of 356.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, spreads across an isthmus between two harbours, dotted with volcanic cones, beaches and island-studded bays.

The Sky Tower rises above the central city and the waterfront, where the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are lined with restaurants and yachts, fitting Auckland's nickname, the City of Sails. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, two of the many volcanic cones scattered across the city, give panoramic views.

Top-ranked sights in Auckland: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Waiheke Island, North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika).

See all 900 experiences in Auckland