Auckland : Rotorua Maori Village w Redwoods, Haka and Hangi Lunch
Description
Begin your tour with a scenic ride from Auckland to Rotorua, where you'll visit the incredible Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village. Be welcomed by the warmth of the local Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people and the beauty of a geothermal landscape unlike any other. Enjoy a guided tour through the village, learning how the community lives in harmony with the geothermal forces beneath their feet. Stroll along trails past bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and spouting geysers—each steeped in Māori history and mythology. Experience a powerful haka and cultural performance, then savour a traditional hāngī meal cooked with natural steam, followed by dessert. Visit the towering Redwoods Forest and enjoy a leisurely walk beneath its magnificent Californian redwoods, one of Rotorua's most iconic natural attractions. Then enjoy a guided drive past Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Point, and the Rotorua Museum before relaxing on your return to Auckland.
Tour Options
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.
Upon arrival, step into the enchanting Whakarewarewa Village, a living Māori village where the warmth of the community rivals the steam rising from the earth. Guided by locals, embark on a cultural journey through the village, learning about the traditions, customs, and daily life of the Māori people. Marvel at the geothermal landscape, with bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and steaming vents creating a dramatic backdrop. Each feature has its own story, rooted in Māori mythology. Enjoy captivating performances of traditional Māori songs and dances, offering a glimpse into their vibrant heritage. Then, savour a traditional geothermal hāngī meal, cooked using natural steam — an unforgettable, authentic taste of Māori tradition. Connect with locals, explore their customs, and gain insight into their deep connection to the land.
Continue to the iconic Redwoods Forest (Whakarewarewa Forest), where you'll stroll beneath magnificent Californian redwood trees and native New Zealand bush. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy one of Rotorua's most loved natural attractions.
After your visit to the village & redwoods, enjoy a guided driving tour of Rotorua’s key highlights, including the picturesque Government Gardens, tranquil Lake Rotorua, dramatic Sulphur Point, and the historic Rotorua Museum. Then rejoin your group for the return journey to Auckland, reflecting on a day rich in culture, nature, and history.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- 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.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(6)
Everything was perfect from start to finish. The tour was very well organized, and Wayne was incredibly kind and friendly with everyone, making the whole experience enjoyable and relaxed. Highly recommended!
Thank you so much for this — it’s so lovely to read. I’m really glad the day felt smooth from start to finish. We put a lot of care into making sure everything runs seamlessly, so it means a lot that you noticed. Wayne will be especially happy to hear your kind words — he genuinely enjoys looking after his guests and creating a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. Thanks again for the recommendation. We truly appreciate you spending the day with us.
Hello! It was really an excellent experience for us! Jason is a very good man and driver!!! He took care of us in the best way! He is smiling and talking to everyone personally! We really liked the living village of Maori! The tour with Daniel, who was amazing tour guide, the show and the lake there was awesome! The meal was delicious! So we enjoyed one of our best days here in Ackland!!!! Thank you so much, Esthir and Kostas from Greece
Hello Esthir and Kostas — thank you so much for your lovely message! We’re really happy to hear you had such an excellent day with us. Jason truly loves what he does, and it shows in the way he looks after guests and connects with everyone along the way. We’re also glad you enjoyed the Māori living village — it’s such a special place — and that Daniel, the show, the lake, and the meal all made the experience even more memorable. Knowing this was one of your best days in Auckland means the world to us. Thank you for choosing Expedigo, and warm greetings all the way to Greece 🇬🇷✨
Our guide was born and raised in the village. He is also living at the present. He’s very knowledgeable and passionate with his heritage. We enjoyed the included lunch.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s wonderful to hear how much you appreciated having a local guide who truly lives and breathes his heritage — that connection makes the experience so special. We’re glad you enjoyed the lunch as well and had such a meaningful visit.
This was a great tour. Our driver/guide Matt picked us up on time and was an excel host throughout the day. There was a lot to see in the day at the village, and Matt kept us up to date with a commentary during the 3 he drive there and back from Auckland. Well worth the time.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the day with Matt — he’ll be thrilled to know his commentary and hosting made the long drive feel engaging and enjoyable. There’s definitely a lot to take in at the village, and it’s great to hear you felt the day was worth the time. We always aim to make the journey just as memorable as the destination, so your words mean a lot. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us and hope we get to host you again the next time you’re in New Zealand!
Very good cultural experience about the history of Maori. Long ride, but stops as required. I wish I could do again.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really glad you enjoyed learning about Māori culture and history — it’s such a special experience. We know it’s a long ride, so we’re happy the stops helped make it comfortable. We’d love to have you join us again someday!
Enjoyed the trip with the able guidance of guide, who was courteous,polite, punctual and informative. Thank you
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the trip and that your guides made the experience even more special with their courtesy, punctuality, and knowledge. It means a lot to us to know we’re delivering the level of service we strive for. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you on another tour in the future!
