Whakarewarewa Attractions & Things to do

***ALL OUR TOURS START & END TO FIT THE CRUISE SHIPS' ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES***
Rotorua is the 2nd most visited city in New Zealand by all tourists. As you only have a small window of opportunity to visit we have created an itinerary to showcase some of what we think makes this place so special. The two main interests which make people visit is Maori Culture & Geothermal Activity. This tour showcases the area where your ship is docked (Mount Maunganui) before we depart for the city of Rotorua. Enroute we showcase all which creates the namesake of the Bay of Plenty. Arriving at Rotorua's only Living Maori Village of its kind - Whakarewarewa - you will receive a traditional welcome and invited by a local to join them on a guided tour of this unique place. A village which lives on top of an active geothermal valley and has learnt to harness the powers of mother nature to aid their daily living needs for 100's of year. See geysers, steaming fumaroles , bubbling hot pools and much more.
Duration: 7 hours.

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown.
In Rotorua we visit the iconic venue - Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of unique harmonious song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland, bubbling hot mudpools and springs and view some iconic geysers) Entry to this venue is included for up to 4 PAX. Extra persons at a wholesale rate of $usd 50 payable on day
Then drive the holiday lakes okareka, tikitapu(blue), Tarawera..stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest...tranquil, serene and unique.
Redwoods forest and Okere falls are two more options.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours.

An independent four-day tour package departing Auckland daily with three nights 4 to 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua and Wellington. Get the most out of this unique opportunity by marvelling at the shimmering lights of tiny glow worms during a magical subterranean experience at the Waitomo Caves and then enjoy a trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. On Day 2 take in Rotorua’s impressive geysers, bubbling mud pools, and cultural Maori performances at Te Puia. and a sightseeing tour of Wellington on your final day. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.
Duration: 4 days.

Visit an authentic Living Maori Village deep in the geothermal region of Rotorua on this full-day excursion including a light lunch of a hangi pie, salad and corn. Tour with a local Maori guide and learn about how the villagers have adapted to the harsh geothermal environment. You tour will also include visits to the famous Government Gardens and Rotorua Lake. This is a small group tour with a group size usually up to 18 persons.

Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time. As the ships arrival time in port varies so much, we adjust the start and end times each day to suit the ships time in port. When your booking is accepted by us, we will confirm the true start time for the day, which overrides the time printed on your voucher.

We use the correct times for the ship which we take from the Port of Tauranga web site.
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes.

Start your tour with a scenic drive from Auckland to Rotorua, arriving at the enchanting Whakarewarewa Village. This living Māori village welcomes you with the warmth of the local community & the rich aroma of geothermal steam.

Guided by knowledgeable locals, explore the fascinating traditions, customs, & lifestyle of the Māori people. Marvel at the bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, & steaming vents that dot the landscape, each with its own story.

Immerse yourself in captivating performances of traditional Māori including a 'Haka', offering a glimpse into the heritage & enduring spirit of this indigenous culture.

After your enriching experience at the Maori Village, journey to the Waitomo Caves. Marvel at the stunning glow worms that illuminate the caves, creating a magical underground experience. Glide silently through the caves on a boat, surrounded by the enchanting glow of thousands of bioluminescent creatures before boarding the van for your return journey to Auckland.
Duration: 12 hours.

An independent four-day tour package departing Wellington daily with three nights 4 to 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua and Auckland. Visit Whakarewarewa, with its impressive geysers, bubbling mud pools, and cultural Maori performances, Visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set for a fully guided tour of this unique attraction as well as a boat tour through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where hundreds of tiny glowworms lights guide the way. Finally, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland on the final day. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.
Duration: 4 days.

Voted our most popular Tour - This tour is perfect for people wanting a full day sightseeing this diverse area including Mt Maunganui and Rotorua with a focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa, "The living Maori Village." Enjoy a 40 minute concert emphasizing the deep and colourful Maori culture  with song dance and stories.

On the way to Rotorua, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast slowly ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations (we plan to stop so you can see these vines full of fruit but not ripe yet) and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest - Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park, take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu)
 
Duration: 6 to 8 hours.

This five day independent tour offers the best the North Island has to offer. The tour includes the Bay of Islands with Hole in the Rock cruise and guided tours of Russell and Waitangi. The tour then returns to Auckland for one night prior to travelling through to Hobbiton where a guided tour of this world renown attraction has been arranged for your enjoyment. From Hobbiton the tour travels through to Rotorua and its geothermal attractions, here you will enjoy a guide tour of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and its Living Maori Village. This attraction will also include a Haka Performance. On the final day of this 5 day adventure you will visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guided boat tour through the glowworm grotto. Four star hotel accommodation and transportation included.
Duration: 5 days.

Our combo offers your access to our Iconic Village Guided Tour learning of our rich history, traditions and how our people utilise the geothermal that the village sits upon, including a corn on the cob cooked in our hot pools. Hot pools and Geysers all situated in one iconic place.
Our Geothermal Trails was opened in December 2021, you will experience untouched natural landscapes, mud pools and steaming lakes, excellent photo opportunities and suitable for the entire family.
Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see Giant Sperm Whales where mountains meet sea and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.
Duration: 5 days.

Embark on an exceptional journey with our Whakarewarewa Māori Village and Polynesian Spa tour from Auckland. Departing the city, we'll explore Rotorua's serene landscapes, home to the renowned Whakarewarewa Māori Village. Marvel at the beauty of Rotorua's silica formations, witness geothermal wonders, and take in panoramic views of geysers and boiling hot pools.

Immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture as locals share insights into life and customs in this living village. Then, unwind at the Polynesian Spa, surrounded by natural beauty and Lake Rotorua. Experience the therapeutic benefits of rejuvenating thermal waters amid picturesque surroundings.

With our knowledgeable guides illuminating indigenous culture and natural heritage, this tour promises a truly memorable adventure. Sit back and relax on a comfortable return journey from Auckland to Rotorua and enjoy a cultural and wellness experience unlike any other.
Duration: 12 hours.

This is an independent three day tour departing Wellington daily with two nights in a 4 - 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua prior to your tour concluding in Auckland on day 3. The tour includes a full day in Rotorua with a guided tour at Whakarewarewa. On day three the tour travels to Auckland via Waitomo where you will experience a guided tour of the glowworm caves. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.
Duration: 3 days.

Start your Rotorua adventure with an unforgettable visit to a Māori village, where you'll be fully immersed in the vibrant culture and awe-inspiring geothermal wonders. Engage with the local community, experience traditional performances, and explore the unique landscape of bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. After this enriching cultural experience, the afternoon is yours to tailor to your interests. Choose from a variety of exciting activities, such as relaxing in natural geothermal spas, exploring the colorful geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu, or taking a serene walk through the majestic Redwoods Forest. Whatever your preference, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and personalized adventure.
Duration: 12 hours.

Enjoy the melodious harmonies of the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people as they serenade you with song & dance unique to our people, telling stories of our ancestors, history and traditions.
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes.

Your hosts are a Māori whānau (family) business, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty tribes. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures.

Your authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, geared to take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with culturally signigficant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD.

This is not just a window to our culture, you are immersed in it.

This is an experience of a life time. In your small van group, your warm friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Rotorua/Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning.
Duration: 6 hours.

Our new geothermal nature trails provide exclusive access to an untouched geothermal landscape where visitors can experience the raw nature of Papatuanuku (mother-earth). The Jurassic park-like landscape is described as providing regenerative powers as you find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools, Geysers and native manuka bushlands.
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes.

An independent three day tour departing Auckland daily with two nights 4 - 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua prior to your tour concluding in Wellington on day 3. The tour includes a full day in Rotorua with a morning guided tour of Whakarewarewa. On day one the tour travels to Rotorua via Waitomo where you will experience a guided tour of the glowworm caves. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.
Duration: 3 days.

A seven day independent tour exploring some of the best locations in New Zealand. This tour departs Auckland daily with six nights 4 - 4.5 star accommodation including two nights in Rotorua, one night in Wellington, one night in Kaikoura and two nights in Christchurch before concluding in Queenstown. Activities include city sights in Christchurch, whale watching in Kaikoura, travel on the Coastal Pacific Train (October - April) and Interislander Ferry, plus admission and guided tours of Whakarewarewa and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Duration: 7 days.

Discover some of the best attractions of the North Island on this 3-day trip from Auckland. Hobbiton, the movie set for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors around the world. Explore the picturesque lakeside setting of Rotorua and experience the amazing geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa.
Also included is Waitomo Caves, you'll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. The tour includes travel the Glowworm Grotto a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms.
All this plus 4 Star Hotel Accommodation
Duration: 3 days.

Experience the magic of great value Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and the geothermal oasis of Rotorua on an exclusive luxury private tour from Auckland. Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and continue visiting the mighty Whakarewarewa Valley, for a truly culture rich experience, the home to a living Māori village and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity where you can experience bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily.
Duration: 13 hours.

This 7 day, small group guided tour of the North Island will visit the Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and the bustling capital Wellington, with the option to visit Hobbiton and the Tongariro Crossing along the way. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Duration: 11 days.

Thermal Getaway hosts unique insights for travellers wanting to experience a fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories. Uncover under cave wonders, geothermal hotspots, discover vibrant cities and be immersed in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage that holds a special bond with this ancient land. A huge range of family attractions and adrenaline activities, as well as peaceful nature-based experiences that will get you back in touch with the real world. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience on this luxury private tour.
Duration: 4 days.

Experience an authentic cultural encounter that is rich in history and traditions passed on from generation to generation during this full-day private tour to Rotorua from Auckland, set in a landscape where your senses will come alive. Immerse yourself in our unique Māori culture in the Whakarewarewa village on a guided tour through our real Living Māori Village including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity, to violent and unexpected volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 was New Zealand's greatest natural disasters. The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is one of New Zealand’s most visited archaeological sites where the stories of Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and share the tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces.
Duration: 13 hours.

If you only have two days and want to visit the extraordinary Waitomo Caves on your way to a fun-filled night in Rotorua then this is the tour for you. Experience an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture and explore Rotorua's Forest Canopy before returning to Auckland. A great way to spend two days in New Zealand!

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers.
Duration: 2 days.

Private tour: Max 4 people.
A living Māori village. The villagers have built their homes amongst erupting geysers, boiling mud, steam vents, & hot pools. They use natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes. Walk amongst the wonders of the Whakarewarewa Valley, our guide explains the history of the village, where the Tuhourangi / Ngati Wahiao tribe has lived for over 200 years. See Pohutu the biggest active geyser in the southern hemisphere erupting up to 100 feet. Amongst this steaming volcanic landscape, generations of villagers have made Whakarewarewa there home.

On this tour, you will see NZ’s best surf beach, stunning scenery, kiwifruit orchards, the scenic lakes district, beautiful farmland, native bush, pine plantation & dairy farms.
We take a short stroll through the breathtaking, giant, 70 ft high, 120 year old Redwood Forest & wonder at the natural beauty.
We explore Rotorua’s lakefront, hotspots and pristine Government Gardens before returning to port

Duration: 6 hours.

We will run this trip exclusively for your group, allowing you to have the greatest possible travel experience while on your trip and tour.
We have drivers and guides that speak Punjabi, Korean, Hindi, and English. You can ask to have one of them, depending on your preferences.

This trip's destination is the rural center section of the island where you will visit the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie sets, which offer an immersive experience into the fanciful world of center-earth. Moreover, a live Maori village in Rotorua, where your tour guide will regale you with details on Marori culture, history, and information to help you learn more about New Zealand's aboriginal population.
Duration: 10 to 12 hours.