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Rotorua Cultural & Geothermal Small Group Tour From Auckland

30 Reviews 4.97 out of 5 stars Based on 30 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Auckland, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable small-group day tour from Auckland to explore the cultural and geothermal marvels of Rotorua. Dive into the heart of Māori traditions with an authentic hangi feast, mesmerizing cultural performances, and an exhilarating warrior canoe experience. The journey continues as you wander through the otherworldly landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where bubbling hot springs, vibrant geothermal pools, and steaming geysers create a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.

What's Included

  • Lunch Hangi buffet lunch included.
  • Enjoy the cultural Performance including Poi & Haka.
  • Learn all about the fascinating culture only found in Aotearoa.
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you.Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers.Scheduled Pick-Up Timings[06:30 AM - Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt, Swiss Bel-Suites Victoria Park]; [06:35 AM - M Social, Hilton Auckland]; [06:40 AM - Mövenpick Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel]; [06:45 AM - Pullman Auckland, JW Marriot, voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, ibis Budget Auckland City Centre]; [06:50 AM - Crowne Plaza Auckland, SkyCity Hotel, The Grand By SkyCity, Heritage Auckland, Rydges Auckland]; [06:55 AM - Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, VR Auckland City Hobson Street]; [07:00 AM - Cordis Auckland, Mercure Auckland, Kiwi International, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites]

OR
Meeting point

8 Customs Street East
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Auckland Central

We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bombay Hills (pass by)

The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
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Robert Harris

We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Dog and Sheep Shaped Corrugated Metal Buildings

We will also pass through the unique town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mitai Maori Village

Be a witness to the fierce warriors navigating the war canoe along the tranquil waters of Wai-o-Whiro stream and immerse yourself in rich cultural performances such as Wero, Pōwhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, Haka and much more. The amazing cultural performance will teach you about the ancient arts of carving and ta moka (tattoo art), while the weaponry and combat displays will make you understand why the Māori are considered such fearsome warriors. You will be amazed at the level of emotion such a simple sight will cause – it’s truly amazing and spine tingling! Buffet, the delicious mouthwatering traditional hangi food with distinctive flavours and unique preparation of the Māori People cooked in an earth-oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, the baskets of kai (food) are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. Experience a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an authentic indigenous cultural experience like no other.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Our second destination is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Thousands of Years in the Making and "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World". This stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 45 and 90 minutes. A walk through this surreal, lunar-like environment provides the chance to witness some of the volcanic wonders and a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world-famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, devil’s bath, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. With a colourful experience we carry our memories way back to Auckland.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Auckland Central

After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Rotorua, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua if you are staying locally in the region.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rotorua Cultural & Geothermal Small Group Tour From Auckland?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-168163P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.97
30 reviews

Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 30 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
29
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchHangi buffet lunch included.
  • Enjoy the cultural Performance including Poi & Haka.
  • Learn all about the fascinating culture only found in Aotearoa.
  • Savor a picturesque drive through vibrant countryside with plenty of stops &capture stunning photos.
  • Learn about ancestral weapons and instruments.
  • Refreshments and water onboard.
  • Find a spot with the perfect mix of hot and cold temperatures, a truly magical experience.
  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.
  • Admission to fully guided tour, Haka and hangi buffet lunch at Mitai Māori Village.
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
  • Admission to self-guided walk at Wai-o-Tapu thermal wonderland.
  • Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation in a minibus.
  • Pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
  • Insights into Māori heritage & historical uses of the land.
  • View the unveiling of traditional hangi meal.
  • Carry on past the Champagne Pool, a bubbling hot spring famed for its brilliant orange rim.
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • Visit the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and witness its unique volcanic features.
  • Walk through a surreal lunar-like environment to witness the volcanic wonders.
  • Witness the dynamic scene of warriors on the waka taua (war canoe).
  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour.
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
  • Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
  • Suitable for people of all ages. Easy and good fitness level required.
  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
  • Being an active geothermal area with uneven terrain, sturdy footwear is recommended. Jandals, sandals, flip-flops or high heeled shoes are not suitable.
  • Some dietary requests could be met. However, given the nature of Maori Kai (food), we are unable to cater to all the dietary needs such as vegan options.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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