This full day tour from Auckland to Rotorua gives you the chance to experience the local Māori culture and explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. The tour also includes the chance to see Kiwi birds and drive a through iconic NZ scenery.
The tour starts with being picked up from your Auckland city accommodation and a drive with expert commentary through the Waikato region of New Zealand with its rich Māori history and stunning farming landscapes. We make a convenience stop in the village of Matamata on the way to Rotorua.
On arrival in Rotorua you join a small group guided tour of the famous Te Puia geothermal area. This area has the most active geysers in Rotorua, bubbling mud pools and pools of boiling water. There is also a Kiwi bird enclosure at Te Puia so there is a chance to try and spot a Kiwi bird during the tour. You also get to watch the talented students at work at the national schools of carving, weaving and other traditional arts. The walkways around Te Puia have been designed to allow wheelchairs and pushchairs.
After your tour you are invited to experience a traditional Māori cultural performance. After a spine-tingling ceremonial welcome onto the Marae (meeting place) you are invited into the carved meeting house for a true taste of Māori culture with traditional storytelling, song and dance – known as Kapa Haka.
After lunch there is some free time to experience one or two of the other attractions that Rotorua is famous for such as the Skyline Gondola and Luge, Rainbow Springs bird park, the Agrodome or have a go at Zorbing. Your guide can discuss options with you.
Your guide will also show you the beautiful Government gardens and Rotorua lakefront.
A relaxed drive back to Auckland completes the day.
These prices are valid for up to 8 people. For groups of 9+ please ask for a quote (use the enquiry form on this page)
**The cultural performance is not running in 2021 – it is hoped to be back in 2022
Child price for ages 2-11
To send an enquiry about availability for this private tour just fill in the form below with the dates and number of people in your group and we’ll get right back to you.
The map is for indicative purposes only.