This was my second trip with Expedigo. It went just as well as the first one. David, the tour guide, was full of stories - the kind that you'll hear only from someone who has grown up in and loves Aotearoa New Zealand. I picked the Redwoods Forest tree as my activity of choice and couldn't be happier with the decision. And, the Mud Pool remains the coolest thing that I have ever seen!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- If your accommodation is not yet confirmed, we suggest selecting The SkyCity Hotel for now—you can update it later if needed! We offer convenient pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option and meet us there. Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be ready and waiting outside by then for a smooth start. - Pick-up locations are planned based on each tour and may vary by day. If there are any changes to your pick-up spot, please let us know in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To keep the tour on schedule, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late arrivals. As our hotel pickups operate from downtown CBD, guests located near the airport or South Auckland can be picked up from The Sebel, Auckland Manukau at 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104,
Itinerary
Begin your tour with a scenic drive from Auckland to Rotorua, a city known for its dramatic geothermal activity and rich Maori heritage. As you journey through lush landscapes, you’ll be treated to stunning views that set the stage for the unique experiences awaiting you in Rotorua.
Start your Rotorua experience by exploring some of Rotorua’s renowned highlights. Take in the beauty of Lake Rotorua, a stunning geothermal lake at the heart of the city, wander through the beautifully manicured Government Gardens, and visit Sulphur Point, where you can see steaming vents and mineral-rich waters up close.
Upon Arrival at Waiotapu, Marvel at the vibrant Champagne Pool, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents—an incredible display of New Zealand’s geothermal power. Wander through this otherworldly landscape as your guide shares fascinating insights into Waiotapu’s unique geology and history. The striking colors and dramatic geothermal formations make this a must-visit natural wonder.
After your breathtaking experience at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Choose from a range of exciting activities For ultimate relaxation, visit the world-renowned Polynesian Spa, set against a stunning natural backdrop. Here, you can unwind in soothing geothermal pools, enriched with minerals known for their healing properties. For cultural exploration, visit Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village. Take a guided tour, learn about Māori traditions, and witness an authentic haka performance in this geothermal village. For a deeper dive, Te Puia – Te Rā & Haka offers a guided tour of the Pōhutu Geyser, boiling mud pools, and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, plus an unforgettable haka performance. For a nature-inspired adventure, embark on the Redwoods Treewalk, strolling across suspended bridges high among towering redwoods with breathtaking forest views.
As the afternoon draws to a close, regroup for your return journey to Auckland. Reflect on the day’s adventures as you travel back through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's North Island, filled with new memories and experiences of Rotorua's unique culture, natural beauty, and exciting attractions.
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Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
I had an excellent trip to Rotorua—truly beyond my expectations. Although I've visited Rotorua many times before, this trip felt like a completely new experience. One of my biggest concerns beforehand was the long drive from Auckland. I had been dealing with some back pain and physical discomfort, so I was quite nervous about it. However, the car was so comfy n the ride was incredibly smooth. It was not at all tiring as anticipated but much more enjoyable experience. What really made the trip special was our guide. His knowledge of New Zealand was outstanding, and he shared fascinating insights about the country throughout the day. Even after living here for six years, I learned so many things I had never known before. He was also extremely friendly, accommodating, and genuinely passionate about what he does. Overall, the entire day was wonderful from start to finish. The combination of a comfortable journey, an informative and engaging guide, and a well-organized experience made this one of my most memorable trips to Rotorua. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing, enjoyable, and enriching day out.
David did great job narrating the day. Sites to see are as advertised. The trip does not provide food, but there were several cafes stops that had quality/ fresh sandwiches available for purchase. Ice cream stop on the way back was a nice treat. The van door is motorized but it didn't work making it hard to open and close. Not normally a big deal, but this trip has 6 or 7 stops making loading and unloading harder than it needs to be. Also- we did 4 van trips while in NZ. This one had the most uncomfortable seats. That becomes an issue when you're in van roughly 6-7 hours on this trip. Thanks David for a great tour.
This was such a unique experience! The geothermal pools are a must-see if you are visiting New Zealand, and the choose-your-own-adventure in the afternoon had a number of terrific options. Our tour guide, David, was amazing! As a local, he was highly knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the cultural significance of the places we stopped and the activities we participated in. He went above and beyond to ensure that my husband and I had a positive experience. We are so grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible country, and for the people who have put in so much effort to make sure we have a fabulous tour! Thank you so much to the team at Expedigo for the great communication before the tour as well- we knew exactly where to be and what to expect. If you are considering a tour, this one was a long day but an excellent experience!
This was such a unique experience! The geothermal pools are a must-see if you are visiting New Zealand, and the choose-your-own-adventure in the afternoon had a number of terrific options. Our tour guide, David, was amazing! As a local, he was highly knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the cultural significance of the places we stopped and the activities we participated in. He went above and beyond to ensure that my husband and I had a positive experience. We are so grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible country, and for the people who have put in so much effort to make sure we have a fabulous tour! Thank you so much to the team at Expedigo for the great communication before the tour as well- we knew exactly where to be and what to expect. If you are considering a tour, this one was a long day but an excellent experience!
Dean is so great! Warm and lovely driver, providing clear instruction and interesting NZ sharing! Love this tour! Early go and back on time
The sites are truly amazing! Definitely worth the drive time from Auckland. Dean our driver/ tour guide made the trip enjoyable, enlightening us about New Zealand culture and ensured we made the most of the day! We chose to do the Redwood Tree-walk as our option, it was impressive and serene at the same time.
We had a great day. Well organised and our guide Jamie was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond. Highly recommend
Everything was great, our guide, John, was helpful and nice. The tour was quick and clear. Awesome crew John and Mike. Perfect !!
An absolutely amazing experience! Wai-O-Tapu and the Redwoods walk were both stunning — full of colors, nature, and unique landscapes. Our guide John was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole day even more enjoyable. Everything was perfectly organized. Highly recommend this tour!
The visit of Māori village followed by a māori show was superb, we visited the village and have the chance to taste steamed corn. I also liked the walk in the forest full of red pine trees from California. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
This was an amazing tour that covered many activities and attractions without feeling rushed. Our tour guide Jason did a fantastic job managing time and taking really good care of the guests. He shared fun facts and history, offered snacks and clicked pictures for solo travelers throughout the trip. Highly recommend this trip check out the natural wonders of New Zealand, explore cultural tours, and enjoy fun activities like the Redwood tree walk.
My friend and I had a wonderful time. Our driver, Jason, was a delight. He got us there and back safely. Our tour guide at the Maori Village was amazing. I highly recommend!
Alfredo, the guide, was warm, helpful and informative. He was flexible in assisting all guests with their chiosen itineraries. The Maori Village, including local guide, was most interesting.
Roturoa, a Maori village where there are hot springs, with sulphide that smells like rotten eggs and looks like a trip to the Moon with geysers, bubbles and smoke coming out of the water... Very curious.
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