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.

Rotorua highlights tour with a professional guide
Drive past the farmlands of Waikato and tour the city
Watch cultural demos at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Te Puia
Stroll past bubbling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser
Upgrade to add on Polynesian Spa, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or Maori concert
Travel with a small group by air-conditioned minivan
Select a round-trip from Auckland or be dropped off in Rotorua

What's Included

Cafe Lunch - buffet when avaiable(vegetarian and gluten free options available)
Live commentary on board given by experienced guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off and other meeting points by arrangement including private addresses in the central metropolitan area
Small-group tour Transport in air-conditioned minibus with luxury leather seating
Local taxes

Morning and afternoon tea available at own expense
Infant meals not included
Gratuities
Please note that because of the amount of travel time this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years as part of the group - It can be booked as a private tour - please ask TripAdvisor/Viator to contact us for the custom price

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We pickup for free at all Central Auckland accomodation, hotels, apartments, etc. We only go to the hotels/accomodation which are booked for that day. We also offer a subsidised shuttle service for people staying out of the city centre to bring them to meet the tour coach. Please liaise with us re where you are to be picked up. It is essential you get in contact with this information as soon as possible We use shuttles to minimise the time between pickup and tour departure - You will not be driven around for hours at the beginning or end of your tour while other people are being picked up or dropped off

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Infant seats are required by law in NZ in private vehicles for children under 7 years - We recommend the same standard be applied for your child's safety and have them available in all vehicles for use of seat and child restraint for the day.
Infant meals not included
Please note that because of the amount of travel time this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years as part of the group - It can be booked as a private tour - please ask TripAdvisor/Viator to contact us for the custom Tour price
We must know where you are staying in Auckland - We do not have a standard meeting place and go only to prearranged hotels and places to meet people
Children must be accompanied by an adult - note must be over 2 years old to be on group vehicle
Wheelchair accessible

Stroller accessible
Infant seats available
Hotel or Accomodation information
Pickup address
Most travelers can participate
We have been forced to temporarily suspend our policy“We guarantee to travel for one person” due to low numbers and sustained losses caused by Covid19. Until further notice we will need a minimum of “4 people (or price equivalent)” to run tours
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

If you happen to be in Auckland, a trip to Rotorua is a must!

This was a long day but well worth it - I am so pleased I went on the trip.

Fran and Rick really make the bus trips enjoyable with their knowledge of the areas and occasional stops to show us sights not on the itinerary.

Reviews

4.5

83 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 83 reviews

OK Experience

Amy_K, Mar 2023

Overall our experience was ok. The day started by being picked up an hour late as the driver originally went to the incorrect hotel. Our driver (I believe her name was Rebecca) was nice but was not engaging as a tour guide and did a poor job of explaining how long we had at different stops. The sites were beautiful and definitely worth visiting, but would recommend looking at other companies for this tour

Response from Host, Mar 2023

I shocked and horrified that Rebecca who has worked for us for many years and has had great reviews let the side down - this is not like her. She is these days a relief driver and I am sorry your day did not ga as well as we would like

deceiving not value for money £184.72

Jenny_M, Mar 2023

Where do I start! This trip was a shambles from start to Finnish! run by flexi tours who apparently had over booked so they had to put on a minibus for nine passengers. Firstly the driver was half an hour late picking me up. The bus struggled to start every time the engine was turned off. Dirk the driver had no microphone system so it was very difficult to hear what he was saying and he had to use satnav to find his way to Rotorua. There was no Wi-Fi like on other tours which was not a problem for me but was for others we were not offered snacks or water. obviously it was just a hired Mercedes minibus. Which was unmarked no tour name. We did stop for breakfast around 9 o’clock, when we arrived at Rotorua Dirk told us because we were late. We were booked onto the 12 o’clock tour round Te Puia so we would have to have lunch at 11.30! At 12noon Dirk informed us that we were now on the 12.30 tour so no need to rush lunch!! The tour was interesting but we did not see the show that was put on apparently this was an extra cost. On leaving Te Puia some on the tour had booked extras for us that hadn’t we had to sit and wait somewhere until we were picked up at 4pm. I paid £184.72 for this day out which was daylight robbery and not value for money.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Hi - The reasons were very different as to why there were issues - and yes there were issues. We had a vehicle break down the day before so I had the situation of - rent a van last minute which as far as I was aware had a working microphone system, or cancel the tour. Every other customer has been glad we found solutions which did not mean the tour was cancelled. The reason we were late to Rotorua was caused by a customer who wandered off from the cafe and was 15 minutes late back to the vehicle after the breakfast stop. The driver had an uncomfortable choice - leave them behind or make you all late. Running late in the morning was also caused by other people not being .ready. On 99.9% of days everyone is picked up within 15 minutes but sometimes customers who think only of themselves are not ready and delay the vehicle. The time change at Te Puia was made by the staff at Te Puia and was not discussed with us. It was also not suitable for passenger who was going to Waitomo on a vehicle which was leaving 30 minutes before this tour was due to finish Our description clearly states if you do not book an option you will have free time - You just needed to book an option which interested you and you would not have been sitting doing not much Once again I am sorry you did not enjoy your day. We have a fleet of late model Mercedes but even they give problems occasionally. Which would you prefer - a cancelled tour or a hired vehicle, maybe not quite as good as our fleet - but very similar to what most other companies use

While the trip was well...

Al_Z, Feb 2023

While the trip was well worth it, and our guide (Beergit) was very good, it was a 3 HOUR drive each way to get to Rotorua. The Polynesian Spa was great but the day ended with the same 3 hour return trip to Aukland. So half the day was spent just getting there and back. Would be better to take the trip from Tauranga rather then Aukland if you can.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

The distances and specifically the time distance in NZ often surprises people. The drivers, where possible take different routes to get to and from places but sometimes circumstances prevent this

In the trees

Melody_S, Feb 2023

The TreeTop walk in the Redwoods. So beautiful to walk up in the trees. Also learning about the Māori culture at Te Puia. So worth the trip

Best of the Best

Yue_Z, Jan 2023

An outstanding day. Tour guide is very helpful and friendly. I have been cared well. Best customer service team, arranged last minute add-on s very well. Very good and keep it.

Trip to Rotorua

Glenda_M, Jan 2023

The bubbling Mud pools and Geysers .The school that taught wood carvings and weaving. Must congratulate the Chef as the Buffett provided was excellent. Unfortuntaly I arrived for pick for tour bus at designated time 6.30AM at a truck stop as I was out of the free area pick up and The tour bus was over 1 hour late but was lucky the Shuttle driver stayed with me till the bus arrived. I chose not to do the options and tour driver at my request dropped me off in the city for a walk around . I had asked the driver as it was a Sunday would the shops be open and he said yes. There was only a hand full of shops open besides resturants. Other then that was a good tour.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

HI - I am sorry you had to wait for us, but your driver was delayed in the city by unforeseen and unusual circumstances on your day of travel. The shuttle driver is contracted to wait with you and we pay for any wait time so it was our planning - not luck that he stayed with you until our vehicle arrived. This sort of delay seldom happens and I am sorry it happened on the day you were travelling .

Not too enjoyable

TriciaAnne_B, Jan 2023

not worth the $$$$$, guide was impatient, went around picking up passengers twice because he comes too early to pick you up and when you’re not there he drives to another hotel then goes back for you again, tour itself was boring, paid too $$$$$ to see geysers which are overrated, if you’ve seen old faithful or the ones in iceland then this tour is not for you!!! Polynesian spa was ok, we were given only an hour & a half when it says in the itinerary 2 hrs, so it was more stressful than relaxing overall i do not recommend! If you are comfortable driving, then just do this tour on your own, lunch was ok , van was a benz so it was comfortable

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We only had 5 pickups on this morning and had everyone been on time and ready at least 5 minutes before the pick time (some companies ask for 15 minutes) the driver would not have had to go round and round trying find people. We specifically ask people to be considerate and to be on time. I do not know where it as advertised there will be 2 hours at the Spa - I am sorry you found the geysers underwhelming as we have so many people telling us they are amazing Our vans have a custom fit-out with more space between rows and seats than most Mercedes so I am glad you appreciated the extra effort we make to keep you comfortable

Loved the Polynesian spa...

ANGELA_K, Jan 2023

Loved the Polynesian spa and the buffet. The geothermal valley was amazing as well as the tour of the museum.

Great tour guide. Took us...

Nancy_B, Dec 2022

Great tour guide. Took us to so many great spots. Bus was comfortable though would be better if WiFi.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Hi - The reason we do not supply wi-fi is because of the patchy reception as we drive - Our drivers are concentrating on keeping you both safe and informed and do not need the added distraction of unreliable Wi-Fi. and customers who are upset because they lost signal while sending an email or similar There is free WiFi at the attractions and if being connected is that important to you, you can purchase a local SIM card ( free ) and load a data plan - from $10. We are hoping you will look out the windows, disconnect from your electronics for a couple of hours and enjoy what NZ has to offer on the way of scenery

Great Rotorua trip from Auckland

Monica_B, Dec 2022

The tour to Rotorua from Auckland was really nice, the Te puia was really strong it was awesome experience, to see all those geothermal activities and mud pools, we had the option with Polynesian spa, which was awesome end of the day. We saw some wild pukekos with their baby birds running around, really great experience.

Worth going!

KamHo_W, Dec 2022

A day trip to multiple places including the Kaihere Lookout, the Rachel Spring and the famous Te Puia (with a guide tour to the Pohutu Geyser, a Kiwi house, mud spring and Maori crafting school). A Maori traditional Haka is also included (gentlemen, please be ready to go to the stage and dance together!). I had a nice buffet lunch in Te Puia. Worth taking a look to those huge California Redwoods. To sum up, it's a very nice trip!

Very genuine, knowledge,...

Rimma_L, Nov 2022

Very genuine, knowledge, and reasonable guide. He smiled, joked, engaged in smooth conversation, and gave just enough information about the area.

Allround great tour.

Elizabeth_B, Nov 2022

Really enjoyed from the start of the bus trip to the return to our accommodation. Bus driver gave excellent commentary to Rotorua and back. I’d have no hesitation on recommending this trip.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

It is great hear you were happy - We do our best to try and make things work for everyone and finds the best drivers and guides available

Great experience

Rose_M, Sept 2022

Very knowledgeable tour operator (Kelly). Rotorua is a geothermal wonder. Long day if combined with other activity but worth the drive.

Response from Host, Sept 2022

I am glad you enjoyed your day - Everything in NZ seems a little further as our road to a large extent are not motorways and the drives take longer than expected

Great day!

tamara_b, Jul 2022

Had a wonderful day! Andy took us around and was very informative about the area to extra sights. The spa was the perfect end to day. Highly recommended this as a must see.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

We are so happy you enjoyed your day and try to fit in a as much as we can, but balancing this with trying not to make things rushed and giving you plenty of time to relax in the spa if this is your choice of activity

Recommended

Monica_L, Jul 2022

Great experience not to be missed if you are in Auckland for a short period of time. Lunch included was well catered for and Andy our guide, was very knowledgeable.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

I am really happy you enjoyed the tour and the lunch - We know our tours are not the cheapest in town, but we make sure they are great value, and quality check our suppliers at all times. It is important to us that your day was special.

Great scenery but time could be better spent

DI_H, Jul 2022

Our guide Fran was amazing. She shared a lot of interesting things with us Although the tour at Te Puia was a bit too long because of the park guide, the scenery was amazing. I wish we had more time walking about in the park rather than waiting for other people on different tours.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Te Puia recently introduced long guided tours and stopped people from be able to enter and explore the park on their own. I am glad you enjoyed our input and Fran. They have shortened the tour so we are able to give people at least 30 minutes time to explore after the tour on the Park (This was after I gave them the feed back of your review) Timing is worked out so you should not be waiting for other people, but occasionally a driver is delayed for reasons beyond our control. You will not see this issue raised in other reviews and that is because it seldom happens

Great day trip experience

David_R, Jun 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our guides experience and the timetable for the day. The Polynesian baths were a great stop to relax.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

It is nice to know you were happy. We are so pleased tourists are returning and they are loving what we offer THe Polynesian Spa is also one of my favorite places

Tip Top

Wayne_R, Mar 2020

Great day out, nice and relaxed, enough time to go at my own pace. Lunch was great. Pick up and drop off really handy.

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Hi there, Thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed your tour and appreciate how we run them giving you the options to choose. Mata Mata

An excellent day

Stephen_P, Feb 2020

I cant praise this day out enough. The pick up was well organised and on time - comfortable small bus and a very nice small group. Daryl the guide was very welcoming and friendly. He is very knowledgeable about the area and gave us a lot of background information. The thermal/cultural site at Rotorua is very well organised and interesting. Daryl provided us with a tour of the city and interesting parts of the surrounding area. This was a long day but well worth it - I am so pleased I went on the trip.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thankyou for your great review! I’m glad you enjoyed your day with us. Our aim is to ensure you have the best day possible! Thankyou for your kind words about Darryl I will let him know. We look forward to having you travel with us again in the future. Kind regards, Serhan

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