Day1 DAY • DEPARTS AUCKLAND • FROM $414 NZD pp
'6,100+ Happy Travellers'
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Winner 24/25/26
Opening Hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Address:
127 Franklin Road
Freemans Bay
Auckland 1011, NZ
Phone:
Email:
Opening Hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Address:
127 Franklin Road
Freemans Bay
Auckland 1011, NZ
Phone:
Email:
See Rotorua's geothermal highlights in one day from Auckland, and still be back by about 5:30 pm. Your Wild Kiwi guide picks you up in central Auckland at 7:15 am and drives a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter through the Waikato to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. You get 1 hour 45 minutes there to walk past the Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and Devil's Bath. Then a 90-minute guided Te Rā Experience at Te Puia takes you to the Pōhutu Geyser, the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
Return transport in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter Luxury Bus
Experienced local guide with in-depth commentary
Your day begins with a convenient pickup at Lylo in central Auckland. Settle into your seat in our premium minibus and meet your local guide, someone who’s not only well-versed in New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage but also passionate about sharing it. As we leave Auckland behind, your guide will introduce the route and point out notable landmarks.
We travel through the heart of New Zealand’s Waikato region, where lush green farmland, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside create a stunning backdrop. Along the way, we'll pass through charming rural towns and rich agricultural landscapes before arriving in Rotorua, a region famous for its geothermal wonders and vibrant Māori culture.
Our first geothermal experience is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal attractions.
Explore this spectacular volcanic landscape, shaped by thousands of years of geothermal activity. Wander past steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters and vividly coloured mineral terraces, including the famous Champagne Pool.
There will be time to explore the geothermal park and take in its remarkable natural features before continuing our journey through the Rotorua region.
Te Puia - Te Ra Guided Experience
On arrival in Rotorua, we will discover the living legacy of Te Puia with the Te Rā Guided Experience. Discover Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, featuring bubbling mud pools and the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser. You will also have time to explore the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, home to traditional carvers and weavers, and the Kiwi Conservation Centre to see our national icon close up.
After an unforgettable day exploring some of the North Island’s most iconic
geothermal, cultural and cinematic attractions, rejoin your guide for the journey back to Auckland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view out the window and enjoy more of the region’s sweeping scenery, with comfort stops along the way.
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Premium Leather Seats
Premium Leather Seats
USB Device Charger
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Premium Small Group Vehicles
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Make the most of your time on the road in your 16-seater luxury tour vehicle. Fitted out with luxury leather seats, USB ports, unlimited WIFI, stereo, air con, and big windows to admire those amazing views. New Zealand has some of the world’s most scenic roads and this is the best way to experience them.
Your check-in location will be at the Wild Kiwi bus, at Lylo Auckland at 7.30 am. Please meet your guide outside in the hostel entrance and arrive at least 10 mins before this time to allow for a timely departure.
Your tour will finish in Auckland around 7.30 pm. Your drop-off location will be at Lylo Auckland.
You can fly directly to Auckland with many international carriers, as well as domestically within New Zealand. Lylo Auckland lies just 27km from Auckland International Airport. From the airport, you can easily catch the Skybus for $19 NZD. Alternatively, you also have the choice of taking a taxi or Uber which are easily available.
Make a commitment to preserve and protect Aotearoa New Zealand
Yes. Rotorua is about 230 km, or roughly 3 hours, from Auckland. This tour takes about 10 hours, with 1 h 45 min at Wai-O-Tapu and a 90-minute guided tour at Te Puia, and returns by about 5:30 pm.
Transport for the day, a Wild Kiwi expert guide, Wai-O-Tapu entry, the 90-minute Te Puia Te Rā Guided Experience, and snacks and water on the bus.
About 30 km south of Rotorua on State Highway 5, roughly a 30-minute drive.
About 10 hours, from 7:15 am to around 5:30 pm.
No. You can buy lunch at the on-site café at Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia. Snacks and water are provided on the bus.
1 hour 45 minutes to explore at your own pace. That's enough time for the main loop past the Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and Devil's Bath.
A 90-minute Te Rā Guided Experience through Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Comfortable walking shoes, layers, a rain jacket, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera or phone. A little cash is handy for small purchases.
Yes, there's a sulphur smell from the geothermal activity. It's strongest near the vents, and most people stop noticing it after a few minutes.
You can cancel for a full refund (less card or bank fees) up to 24 hours before departure. Date changes are free on all departures more than 24 hours away.
A premium Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus with leather seats, air conditioning, WiFi and USB charging at every seat.
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