Auckland: Rotorua Tour with Waiotapu, Te Puia and Maori Haka


About This Experience
Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Auckland to Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia in Rotorua, where natural wonders and cultural experiences await. Witness the surreal landscape of Wai-O-Tapu's geothermal area, shaped by volcanic forces over millennia, featuring colorful hot springs. Then, immerse yourself in the rich Māori heritage at Te Puia, where you can explore geothermal marvels, witness powerful geysers, and enjoy traditional cultural performances. Ideal for adventure seekers and families looking for both natural wonders and cultural discovery, this tour promises a day of exploration and inspiration.
Highlights
- Highest-rated tour on this site — 4.96 out of 5 across more than 100 reviews
- Admission to Wai-O-Tapu and to Te Puia's Te Ra and Haka experience both included
- Two contrasting geothermal sites: Wai-O-Tapu's colour fields and Te Puia's Pohutu Geyser
- Maori carving and weaving at the Arts and Crafts Institute, plus a live haka performance
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off in the Auckland CBD, bottled water and taxes included
- Fully guided small group rather than a coach — and rated suitable for all fitness levels
What's Included
- ✓ Admission to Wai-O-Tapu
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ All Fees and Taxes
- ✓ Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- ✓ Fully Guided Small Group Tour
- ✓ In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓ Admission to the Te Puia - Te Ra + Haka Experience
Not Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
What to Bring
- Closed walking shoes — the loop trails are boardwalk and packed gravel, with sulphur-slick patches after rain
- A rain jacket and a warm layer: the tours run in all weather, and the open sinter flats catch the wind
- Sun protection; the sinter flats are open and reflective, and New Zealand's UV is fierce in summer
- Money for meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner are all excluded
Good to Know & Caveats
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not Suitable For
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Meeting Point
Pickup from your accommodation included.
What Travelers Say
Rated 5.0/5 by 109 verified Viator travellers.
Nelson, our guide, was fabulous, waiting for late passengers and accommodating all our wants. A very complete tour with Geothermal springs, visiting a beautiful lake, learning about Maori traditions and watching their songs and dance, viewing of kiwi birds and Maori arts and crafts. I recommend it highly.
— TanyaTobin, Aug 2026
We had such an amazing day trip to Rotorua! Even before the tour started, the communication was excellent. They had to reschedule our tour, but kept us updated the whole time and made everything so easy. Pickup was right on time, and the…
— TanyaTobin, Aug 2026
We had an excellent tour including Rotorua, Waiotapu, Te Puia, and Māori. Our tour guide, David, was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. He was very helpful with the needs of his tour group. The sites were amazing! The geother…
— JoEllenMiller_M, Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both park entries included?
Yes. Admission to Wai-O-Tapu and to Te Puia's Te Ra + Haka experience are both in the fare, along with bottled water and all fees and taxes.
Is food included?
No — breakfast, lunch and dinner are all excluded. There are places to buy food at both sites.
What is the difference between Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia?
Wai-O-Tapu is the colour: the Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and Devil's Bath, walked on loop trails. Te Puia is the geyser and the culture — Pohutu erupts many times a day, and the site houses the national carving and weaving schools. Seeing both in one day is the point of this tour.
How long is the day?
About 12 hours from Auckland, with pickup and drop-off in the CBD.






