Te Puia, located in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at the edge of Rotorua features Pohutu Geyser and is home to the impressive New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Visitors can tour the bubbling mud pools with a local Maori guide and choose from among myriad activities.
The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and native culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous tour takes in both sites in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites at the famous Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua attractions including the Government Gardens and Lake Rotorua.
Combine the top sights of Rotorua and Te Puia in a single comprehensive day tour from Auckland. Traveling with a guide and following a carefully curated itinerary means you won't miss any of the important sights. Visit the Maori cultural landmarks and geothermal spots of Te Puia, as well as the city sights in Rotorua, accompanied by insightful guided commentary. Round-trip transportation from Auckland means you can focus on the scenery and the experience instead of driving and directions.
Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this 4-hour hike from Rotorua. Travel by off-road 4x4 vehicle into the North Island wilderness with a guide. Follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt Tarawera up to the crater’s edge, and learn all about the mighty volcano’s 1886 eruption. From your vantage point near the crater, admire panoramic views over the geothermal valley of Waimangu. This exciting hiking tour is suited to adventurers of all ages.
When your cruise ship docks in the Port of Tauranga, explore Rotorua, Te Puia, and the surrounding countryside, and see the best of the North Island’s geothermal landscapes with ease. With round-trip travel from the Port of Tauranga included, hit top attractions including the Government Gardens, Mt. Maunganui, and the Pohutu geyser. Along the way, watch a traditional Maori cultural performance, and learn of New Zealand’s rich native culture and heritage.
This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights and hospitality of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, witness the thermal activity of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for additional free time to explore on your own, or upgrade for a private soak at the Polynesian Spa, a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or a Maori concert. You have the flexibility to return to Auckland or end with drop-off in Rotorua.
Spend a day exploring must-see cultural highlights on this extraordinary round trip from Auckland. Explore the Shire at the renowned Hobbiton Movie Set: stroll through stunning gardens, visit hobbit holes and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Then, witness the unique wonder of Te Puia Geothermal Park, with blue baths and thermal springs. Experience a taste of Maori culture with a haka performance and a delicious hangi: a traditional Maori meal cooked in the ground. Discover local history and culture on this family-friendly tour.
Cover plenty of ground in one day by combining several North Island highlights: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and Rotorua. Ride a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see these radiant lights. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you find the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the home of Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Enjoy lunch at Te Puia, home to Pohutu Geyser. You can start and finish your tour in either Auckland or Rotorua, traveling one-way or round-trip.
When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. At the Te Puia Maori cultural center, discover boiling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley; learn about Maori customs at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird.
Set off from Rotorua and travel north through lush farmland to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Take a guided tour and discover how this working farm was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Sit down to a tasty lunch at the Green Dragon Inn, then make your way back to Rotorua and visit TePuia, one of New Zealand’s top cultural venues. Receive a traditional welcome and discover TePuia's history and lineage with a personalized guided tour. Afterwards, explore Te Puia's geothermal valley, seeing bubbling mud and steaming geysers.
Take in two of New Zealand’s top attractions in one day on this Rotorua and Waitomo Caves day trip from Auckland. Visit Rotorua with a guide and take in key sites including Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. After lunch, admire fine views over Lake Rotorua on route to the famous Waitomo Caves. During your boat ride, gain insight into the caves’ geological significance and marvel at the luminescent glow worms illuminating the dark caves.
Travel around Rotorua with a guide who is passionate about its geothermal wonders and Maori culture. This small-group tour from Auckland runs with a maximum of 11 people. Make use of Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and drop-down screens on board the minibus. You’ll enjoy a traditional “hangi” for lunch, followed by a look at Pōhutu Geyser and the Maori concert at Te Puia.
Spend an afternoon in Te Puia at Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute — Rotorua’s premier cultural center. Discover Maori history and customs with guided visits to settlement sites and living villages, then walk past mud pools and hot lakes to see the eruption of Pohutu Geyser. You’ll spot kiwi birds and stop by lakes Tikitapu, Okareka and Rotokakahi on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.
Design your perfect New Zealand trip and feel like a VIP with every detail taken care of on this custom-made tour. Where you go and what you do is completely up to you, so you could visit the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on the North Island; discover Milford Sound, Queenstown, and the Fox Glacier on the South Island; or tour LOTR sites such as Tongariro and Hobbiton.
This day experience takes visitors to the famous geothermal sites of New Zealand, departing from Mount Maunganui and travelling to Rotorua, before returning to the former when the tour is over. Pass by Tauranga and the Harbour Bridge before stopping at the Pohutu Geyser and Okere Falls in Rotorua.
Explore the Shire and Middle-Earth on this full-day Hobbiton and Rotorua tour from Auckland. Travel through Waikato with a guide and admire panoramic views over the Hauraki Plains. Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton — made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ movies. Learn how the set was created, and discover sites you love including the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn and the Mill. After lunch in Te Puia, head into the geothermal Te Whakarewarewa Valley where shooting geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs await.
Private Tour: Max 4 people
The Redwoods Forest with its century-old trees offers tranquility as you traverse the worlds longest canopy walk. The gentle redwood giants, towering up to 75 feet are complemented by the forest floor's native flora & sweeping silver ferns. If you are not a nature enthusiast you will enjoy the stunning beauty from a birds-eye view as you navigate the 700-meter trail, pause on one of the 55 eco-suspended bridges & platforms to take a peek at the wonderful sight's surrounding you.
"Te Puia Geysers" heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity, Māori history & culture.
See the historic sights of pre - European village, nocturnal Kiwi bird, wood & greenstone carvers at work.
Surrounded by a steaming volcanic landscape, you'll see & feel the heat of boiling mud, hot water pools, & steam vents.
Feel the force of "Pōhutu" geyser erupting, an awe-inspiring sight of the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere shooting boiling water & steam 100 ft above you.
Combine Maori traditions and natural wonders on a full-day tour of steaming geysers, colorful hot springs, and local culture. In addition to the spectacular volcanic landscape, you’ll learn about traditional wood carving, arts, crafts, and customs, then see a Maori war canoe. The itinerary includes Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Te Puia, and Rainbow Springs Nature Park, combining top sites to make the most of your time.
Combine three of New Zealand’s most popular attractions on this 2-day tour from Auckland. Step into Middle Earth on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings,' explore the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, and cruise through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This great-value tour includes hotel pickup, some meals, and overnight accommodation in Rotorua.
Discover the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island, from Rotorua’s geothermal pools and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Enjoy standard (3 star hotel) or superior (4 star hotel) overnight accommodation in Rotorua.
Make the most of a short time in Tauranga and Rotorua on a private shore excursion for up to eight people. Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this varied itinerary, which can be customized to suit your needs. Visit beautiful beaches, sample local kiwifruit, stroll through shady redwood forests, and be amazed at Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. A mix of cultural and natural attractions are offered.
Cruise passengers can make the most of their time on land with an easy private shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua. After being picked up from the port, travel inland to Rotorua, a hub of Maori culture that’s notorious for its sulfurous geothermal attractions. Visit Te Puia, a geothermal park where you’ll see the spurting Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, a Maori village, and New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi.
Immerse yourself in Māori culture, history, and tradition during this full-day private tour to Rotorua from Auckland. Get a traditional Māori welcome followed by a cultural show at Te Puia, then continue to the Kiwi House to get a good look at New Zealand's national bird. Follow your dedicated guide through the Pikirangi Māori Village to see how the indigenous people of New Zealand lived before the European settlers arrived. Explore the mud pools and geysers in the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and spend time in the Rotorua government center. Round-trip transportation from Auckland is included; all entrance fees are at your own expense.
Combine two of New Zealand's favorite locations - Hobbiton Movie Set and Te Puia with a private guide and transport to and from Hobbiton and Te Puia. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicles and escape the crowds with this exciting private tour.
Experience a personal encounter with our people, culture and place. Explore the Government Gardens, the Whakarewarewa Valley, home to the active Pohutu Geyser. Discover the boiling mud pools and waters which are still used to cook. Enjoy a tour of Te Puia, an interactive weaving experience, plus a traditional hangi lunch to enjoy in front of Pohutu Geyser.
Wonderful tour. Grant, our driver, was very knowledgeable and keen about safety. There were 16 ppl in out group with different plans for the day, and Grant managed it all perfectly. I chose to go to Te Puia and take the rest of the day free at the charming town of Rotorua. I love it.
Our guide and driver, Grant, was fantastic. He was very helpful and got us to Te Puia on time. Te Puia was a fantastic experience that is well worth the money. The Hangi was delicious, and the cultural show was a great experience. Highly recommend.
Our guide John was droll and gave us a lot of interesting information. We had a mixed group on board that became friends by the end of our long day. Hobbiton was a lovely experience and Te Puia was amazing! The geysers were incredible!! I’d do it all over again! Thank you to John for being a great guide!
Loved getting to see a lot of New Zealand driving through the countryside to the destinations. Liked Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. Surprised to get to see two ostriches and a rose garden of a sister city in the US... Tour guide was very accomodating.
Was a great adventure. Enjoyed the glow worms especially although the caves were spooky. The geyser and the guide through Te Puia was fun and interesting. Mark was a great guide. Definitely recommend...
This tour was fantastic. We had a great tour guide (John) who was so professional and knowledgeable about the sites we were visiting, history of the region and also looked after all components of our day. His timing was impeccable and he was engaging and ensured everyone on the tour had a great day.
Great tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Pick up through drop off at hotel went smoothly. Brandon, our tour guide, was friendly and considerate. Learned a lot about New Zealand and Maori culture. Geysers at Te Puia were the highlight! Long day. Would recommend a one way tour to Rotorua and staying an extra day or two to do some activities there if time allows.
Awesome. From on-time pick up of the tour guide to the whole trip, we had a blast! The concert, visit to the kiwi, weaving, sculpture, geyser, and lunch, were amazing. We had so much fun. Thank you for the experience :)
Māori cultural show is highly recommended for first time visitor. Buffet lunch is normal. Hence, not recommended. Not enough time for gift shopping. Overall rating is good.
Very cool tour with awesome tour guide and good food
Never read the books nor watched the movies but this tour was absolutely awesome. Entering the set gave me a different vibe (making me want to read the books haha). It was sooooo cool and Hannah our tour guide from Great Sights was also funny and friendly. The tour also had an awesome buffet lunch which I did not expect. Highly commendable
Seeing the Hobbiton set and learning about all the "back stories" about the filming of the movies. The lunch at the Green Dragon was good too! The Te Puia thermal fields were awesome as well!
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ:What's the best way to experience Te Puia?