Top Rotorua Tours by Duration

Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle Earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill, and many other structures from the movies. Then enjoy a tasty lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before making your way back to Rotorua. Construction on the Hobbiton Movie Set: A major and very exciting development project is underway at Hobbiton Movie Set until December 2023

While in Rotorua, see a cultural performance and take part in a 3-course seasonal fusion feast at Te Pā Tū, featuring lesser-known delicacies. A local guide escorts you by coach to the “marae” (Māori village) for an immersive evening that begins with a welcome ceremony by New Zealand's Indigenous people. Learn about local customs based on the Māori lunar calendar and watch a powerful display of song and dance.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Hear a morning presentation about the Lady Knox Geyser and observe the daily eruption before a short drive through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Numbers are limited to 12 people, providing a more personalized experience with a small group.

Even on the cloudiest night, the New Zealand glowworm lights up the darkness in a lucky few spots across the country. This short evening bush-walk departing from Rotorua involves a short drive, a walk through picturesque native bush and the chance to see these increasingly rare creatures. Tack this tour onto the end of a thrilling day in Rotorua instead of hiring a car for an almost two-hour drive west to visit the exceedingly popular Waitomo Caves. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Aotearoa’s unique glowworm habitats.

Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu — the world’s youngest geothermal system — and marvel at the scenery you find. Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands. Along the way, gain insight into the geothermal activity from your guide sheet and watch for the native plant and animal life for which Waimangu is famous. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus to return you to the start at the end of your hike.

This Kaituna River rafting adventure in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve promises plenty of thrills! With an expert guide at the helm, you’ll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Accessible to adventurous beginners, this 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing with paddling instruction, all necessary equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

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.

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from 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.

Get away from the tourist crowds and explore the Bay of Plenty in a variety of ways with this combo ticket. Drive a four-wheel-drive buggy through dense native bush, ride a horse through the sprawling countryside, and shoot a few clay pigeons – all in an action-packed morning or afternoon. Ride down centuries-old forestry trails to isolated, hard-to-access locations with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island and the rest of the region.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes. See some of the most spectacular ones on this half day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes which have shaped this land of fire and water.

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Learn about vibrant Māori culture on this half day experience in Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao. Discover the heart of Aotearoa, admire stunning views and travel in a luxury 4WD on this guided tour. Start at the Rotorua Museum to gain historic context on the region. Travel to a local whenua. Learn the stories of whānau and immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of this land, home to Māori for generations.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Embark on a one-way tour from Rotorua to Auckland, the first stop is the Hobbiton Movie Set, the world-famous film location. See Hobbit Holes, stroll through the lush gardens and learn how this private farm became Middle-earth on a private tour. The next stop is Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of the North Island’s most popular attractions. Be amazed by the illumination of thousands of tiny glowworms on a boat tour through Glowworm Grotto, a subterranean marvel. Travel through the Mamaku Ranges and the rural farmlands of Waikato en route to Auckland, admiring highlights such as Fitzgerald Glade.

Make the most of a travel day with a transfer service between Rotorua and Auckland that includes a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Instead of heading straight to Auckland and missing the sights along the way, you’ll stop to learn more about movie-making history at the set, where parts of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.

Rotorua is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity, but without local knowledge, it can be tricky to know the best off the beaten path mud pools and thermal springs to visit. This small-group guided tour is the perfect solution. Travel in an air-conditioned minivan, and visit a selection of outdoor thermal sites—such as Te Manaroa Spring, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and Waiotapu Mud Pool.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Ride Redwoods Bike Park on a full-suspension, electric mountain bike that lets you cruise up the big hills without breaking a sweat. Since the day is ‘semi-guided,’ you’ll have the best of both worlds: a local to show you the trails, and free time to pedal through the mountain bike park at your own pace, without being limited by a large group of cyclists.

As well as the incredible views you’ll enjoy from the air on this scenic helicopter flight, you’ll also be treated to views of Lakes Okareka, Tarawera, and Rotomahana, and even White Island and Mt. Ruapehu on clear days. But this experience doesn’t stop with faraway views. After landing on Mt. Tarawera, you’ll be taken on a guided crater walk. Enjoy more panoramic views from the rim of the crater.

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.

Admire amazing views of the Central North Island of New Zealand with this scenic helicopter flight and short walking tour. Take in spectacular aerial views of the Tarawera Falls, bubbling geothermal reserves, crater lakes and much more. After landing in the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, explore a local geothermal wonderland, including hot springs and magnificent geysers, before your return flight to Rotorua.

Make the most of a travel day by visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves en route from Rotorua to Auckland. If you’re on a tight schedule, starting the day in Rotorua and ending in Auckland while sightseeing on the way will save time. Tolkein fans will love the movie set, while nature enthusiasts will be impressed by the glowworm caves at Waitomo.