Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour + Waiotapu, Lunch & Add-On
About This Experience
A long day out of Auckland built around Wai-O-Tapu in the morning and a second Rotorua attraction of your own choosing in the afternoon. You pick the add-on when you book — Te Puia, the Redwoods Treewalk, a thermal spa — so the same trip can be pitched at geothermal, culture or a soak, without changing the Wai-O-Tapu half.
Wai-O-Tapu entry is included and the walking there is self-guided, which is the right way round for a day this long: you set your own pace on the loops instead of being marched. Lunch is included with a free choice from a set menu, and snacks and water are carried on board.
This is a small-group minibus rather than a coach, and the drive is about three hours each way, so budget roughly thirteen hours door to door. Child seats are required for under-8s and can be rented; the operator asks for children's ages at booking.
Highlights
- Choose 1 of 5 unforgettable afternoon experiences (chosen at time of booking)
- Experience Rotorua your way, from Māori culture to ziplining
- Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland & witness its vibrant geothermal landscapes
- Travel in a small group with a passionate local guide
- Enjoy a delicious lunch included in your day
What's Included
- ✓ Wai O Tapu Entry (morning activity)
- ✓ Lunch (Free choice from set menu, provided on day)
- ✓ Your choice of afternoon activity from the options provided during booking process
- ✓ Snacks and water (we encourage guests to bring a reusable water bottle)
- ✓ Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger - please advise if you prefer to provide your own
Not Included
- Activities not mentioned in your selected option are excluded. For example, if you've chosen Wai O Tapu and Te Puia, Redwoods is not included
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Closed-toe shoes
Good to Know & Caveats
- Please choose your second activity from the options provided when booking; this will be the activity you complete in the afternoon
- Children under 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car or booster seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented for $20 per child
- Please advise the ages of any children on the booking
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. You will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Operates in all weather, please dress accordingly
- Safety Notice: The Treetop Walk / Zipline is an adventure activity involving heights of up to 30 metres and inherent risks. While safety systems are in place and risks are carefully managed, participation is at your own risk and personal safety cannot be guaranteed
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
Pickup from central Auckland hotels — twenty-six options on the list, including the Cordis, Pullman, SkyCity, Sofitel Viaduct, Park Hyatt, Hilton, InterContinental, JW Marriott and Grand Millennium.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 434 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
It was a fantastic day and I appreciated the ability to choose which activity to do :)
— Laura, August
The tour guide Alessandro was excellent! Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu are fantastic places.
— Dania, July 30
We had a great day with Matt! We were a small group of 5 people, starting the day in Wai-o-Tapu and then splitting up to do our activities of choice. I went to Te Puia which was so interesting and we even got to see some Kiwis! Matt was a safe driver and we had time for breakfast and toilet breaks. It was pretty rainy but near the Geysers it doesn’t even matter that much! Be prepared for glasses and camera lenses to steam up and bring some wipes.
— Meike, May 18,
Frequently Asked Questions
What afternoon activity can you choose?
You select your second activity from the options presented during booking — commonly Te Puia, the Redwoods Treewalk or a geothermal spa. Only the option you choose is included; the others are not.
How long is the day from Auckland?
About thirteen hours door to door, with roughly three hours' driving each way. Pickup is from central Auckland hotels in the early morning.
Is lunch included?
Yes — lunch with a free choice from a set menu on the day, plus snacks and water on board. Bring a reusable bottle if you can.
Do you need child seats?
Children under eight must travel in a child safety or booster seat. One can be rented for $20 per child, or you can bring your own. Give the operator the children's ages when you book.
