Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland
Description
Discover the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation on this full-day tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Explore the geothermal wonders of Wai O Tapu, before unwinding in the tranquil forest setting of Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, local stories, and plenty of Kiwi charm as you travel through the lush Waikato countryside. This is the ultimate day of contrasts, where the earth bubbles beneath your feet and serenity soothes your soul. Explore one of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal parks. Walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the striking Champagne Pool for an unforgettable experience. Relax in your own private cedar hot tub surrounded by native forest at Secret Spot (minimum age 5 years) Not all guests on your tour will be participating in the same activities, ensuring a tailored and personalized experience for everyone!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way. During our adventure in the Waikato we will also stop for a quick coffee break at a special location.
Continuing our journey to Rotorua we pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Explore one of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal parks. Walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the striking Champagne Pool for an unforgettable experience.
We make our way to Secret Spot so you can enjoy lunch , before relaxing into your afternoon activity.
After lunch, You'll be treated to an intimate and tranquil oasis nestled in a forest setting. Here, you'll experience the ultimate relaxation in private, cedar hot tubs with a stunning view of nature. Enjoy the serenity as you soak in mineral-rich water, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. With each tub thoughtfully designed for privacy, you’ll have the chance to relax and rejuvenate in peace, surrounded by native forest and the soothing sounds of nature.
To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths.
Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- You will be travelling with other guests who may be participating in a different afternoon activity
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Reviews(132)
It is very lord of rings like. Smoky bubbly earth with its own unique smell. Comfy transportation and friendly guide and driver. Stops are appropriately timed.
Really fun day with John! It was a small group and we were able to fit in a lot and do the secret spot hot tubs which were so cute. Easy pickup and drop off, lots of stops and interesting facts, the day flew by! Thanks again cheeky kiwi :)
Kia ora! So glad to hear you had such a fun day with John! Small groups really make it easier to fit in all the stops and enjoy the Secret Spot hot tubs. Sounds like the combination of interesting facts, smooth travel, and those little hidden gems made the day fly by. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
Our driver Simon is a super star, friendly, kind, knowledgeable and respectful. It was a great tour and we learned a lot of the Mouri culture and how New Zealand is a different country with so much diversity and culture.
Kia ora, “Super star” is pretty hard to top, and we’ll happily take that. Simon has a great way of sharing stories and knowledge in a respectful, down-to-earth way, so it’s lovely to hear that came through for you. Rotorua is such a strong place to learn about Māori culture, and it’s great to know the day gave you a deeper appreciation of just how diverse Aotearoa really is. Thanks for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
Thanks Cheeky Kiwi and our guide, Ben, for the informative and fun experience. I especially enjoyed Ben’s commentary and positive energy which he kept going for the whole day tour!
Thanks so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that Ben’s knowledge, energy, and local insights made the day so enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to host you, and we’d love to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
Exceeded all expectations, from on time pickup to convenient drop off. John got the group of 13 engaged and entertained with ice breakers, cultural info and games for the long drive to and from Rotorua. The activities were as promised and John wet above and beyond to add a stop to see glowworms. Definitely select cheeky Kiwi and ask for John as your driver.
Kia ora Bette, Thanks for your amazing review! It’s fantastic to hear that John made the Rotorua trip so engaging and fun, from the icebreakers to the cultural insights, and even going the extra mile with the glowworm stop. Sounds like it was a truly memorable day for your group! We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
We joined the small group tour of Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia, it’s a really nice trip to see the natural side of New Zealand. The coach was very comfortable and our tour guide Matt was doing an excellent job, especially his knowledge as well as the perfect arrangement of the tour. Albeit it was an >13 hours tour, my husband and I both were satisfactory of it.
Kia ora Carmen, Thanks for your wonderful review! It’s great to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the Waitomo and Rotorua tour, and that Matt made the day enjoyable with his knowledge and thoughtful planning. Long days can be full-on, so it’s fantastic that you found it worthwhile and comfortable. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
Had a great trip. The driver, Hanoz, had great information and a fun personality for the drive. Highly recommend doing the cultural celebration at the Māori village. Really unique experience.
Kia ora! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your Rotorua Highlights adventure. Awesome to hear Hanoz kept the drive fun and full of insight—he’s brilliant at bringing the journey to life. We’re glad you enjoyed the cultural celebration at Te Puia; it really is a special and authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
We had an amazing day, I can’t fault anything on the trip. John was our driver and he made us all comfortable from the start. He made lots of jokes and had fun digging at us ‘aussies’ but in the nicest way, we weren’t offended lol. Lots of information, it was just a great day!
Kia ora! It sounds like you had a fantastic day with John! His ability to keep the atmosphere light with jokes while providing plenty of information is what makes our tours special. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the experience, including some friendly banter! We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
Alejandro the friendly Brazilian was an absolute delight. He genuinely loved his job and we learned so much from him. He took such good care of everyone and Made it a 5 star experience.
Kia ora! Ale will be thrilled to hear your kind words! His passion for what he does really shines through, and it’s fantastic to know he made your Rotorua adventure a 5-star experience. Sounds like a day filled with learning, care, and plenty of great memories! We’d love to welcome you back for another trip in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
Excellent trip with amazing visits. Guide worked hard to ensure everyone had a great time. Highly recommended day out.
Kia ora! A day in Rotorua is always one to remember! We’re thrilled you had such an amazing time and that your guide helped make the experience special. Thanks for the high recommendation—it means a lot! We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
