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Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Lunch & Add-On from Auckland
About This Tour
Discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Māori culture and natural beauty on this premium small group day tour from Auckland. Travel through the scenic Waikato countryside to Rotorua, where you’ll visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (included, morning), home to vibrant hot pools, bubbling mud and the famous Champagne Pool.
In the afternoon, personalise your Rotorua experience by selecting one activity. Choose from a guided cultural and geothermal tour at Te Puia, unwind in the Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa, relax among nature at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, fly across ziplines and reach speeds of up to 80 km/h at Rotorua Canopy Tours, or take in the forest from above on the Redwoods Treewalk.
Highlights:
• Small group tour from Auckland
• Fully guided with expert commentary
• Wai-O-Tapu visit included
• Choice of afternoon activity
• Scenic Waikato journey
In the afternoon, personalise your Rotorua experience by selecting one activity. Choose from a guided cultural and geothermal tour at Te Puia, unwind in the Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa, relax among nature at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, fly across ziplines and reach speeds of up to 80 km/h at Rotorua Canopy Tours, or take in the forest from above on the Redwoods Treewalk.
Highlights:
• Small group tour from Auckland
• Fully guided with expert commentary
• Wai-O-Tapu visit included
• Choice of afternoon activity
• Scenic Waikato journey
What's Included
✓ Included
- Water available & snacks provided
- Your choice of activity! Please select the afternoon activity you'd like to experience
- Wai-O-Tapu, including the Champagne Pool and bubbling mud pools
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
✗ Not Included
- Children below 8 are required to travel in a booster/safety seat. Hire for NZ$20 or provide your own
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.
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.
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.
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.
5
We make our way to Secret Spot so you can enjoy lunch and recharge for your afternoon activity.
6
After lunch, your guide will take you to your afternoon activity (selected during the booking process). Options are a guided tour Te Puia, Redwoods Treewalk, Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa or Secret Spot Hot Tubs.
7
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.
8
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.
Good to Know
- 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 poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Treetop Walk / Zipline Adventure Activity: Involves heights of up to 30 metres and carries an element of personal risk.
- Treetop Walk / Zipline Potential Hazards: Risks may include uneven terrain, moving platforms, slips, trips, falls, weather conditions, equipment failure, and, in rare cases, serious injury.
- Treetop Walk / Zipline Participant Responsibility: Comprehensive safety measures are in place; however, participation is at your own risk and personal safety cannot be guaranteed.
- Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users