Top Experiences in Whakarewarewa

***We run ALL our tours to fit with 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Thermal Getaway hosts unique insight 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 for adults and kids, adventure 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.

Immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island on a two-day escape from Auckland. From Rotorua’s famous geysers and the glowing Waitomo Caves to the re-creation of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, you’ll discover scenic beauty and natural wonders, ancient Maori traditions and movie-making magic on this fascinating two-day tour.

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.

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)
 

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.

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.

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.