Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tours and Activities

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Combine three of New Zealand’s most popular attractions on this 2-day tour from Auckland. Step into Middle Earth on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings,' explore the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, and cruise through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This great-value tour includes hotel pickup, some meals, and overnight accommodation in Rotorua.

Visit some of the best spots in the upper North Island, in this tour from Auckland. From the glittering Waitomo caves and magical Hobbiton to the spray of Huka Falls, benefiting from an experienced guide, convenient transportation, and inclusive entrance tickets. This tour gets you to great locations swiftly.

Get an early start from Auckland to access some of the best sites in the central North Island. Absorb the dark glitter of the Waitomo Caves, the pint-size houses of the set of The Hobbit at 'Hobbiton', and the bubbling geothermal activity of Rotorua and Taupo. Overnight accommodation is sorted for you and the drive goes much quicker with the on board commentary.

Take a day tour from Auckland to nature’s two famous attractions, the surreal experience of Wai-O-Tapu and the amazing sight and sounds of Huka falls.

Experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above! Named “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" by TripAdvisor, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Thousands of years in the making, this stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 30 and 75 minutes. The range of geothermal activity is extensive and includes huge volcanic craters formed by collapsing ground, steaming vents, sinter terrace formations, coloured hot and cold water springs among which is the world famous Champagne Pool.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, sulphur springs, and geothermal craters.

Experience the North Island's top destinations in one day on a full-day tour to Wai-O-Tapu and Rotorua from Auckland. Have time to walk at your own pace around Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, then take in the sights of Rotorua on a coach tour with stops along the way. Includes entrance fees, bottled water and snacks, live commentary from the driver-guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Venture around the North Island in your very own luxury vehicle on this 8-day private tour from Auckland. You’ll visit Coromandel, Whitianga, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park and Wellington, with sightseeing tours, nature walks, natural hot springs and beach strolls sprinkled into your itinerary, plus plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Learn about New Zealand wildlife and Maori culture from a knowledgeable private guide who takes you to hot spots as well as hidden gems. Enjoy seven nights’ accommodation in your choice of 3- to 5-star hotels including breakfast.

Visitors get to explore spectacular nature at New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area, which has been thousands of years in the making. Visitors will be picked up from Rotorua and transported to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. En-route the driver guide will share insights in the region and wonderland. Guests will get to experience the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. The driver-guide will accompany visitors through VIP ticketing and then visitors will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) past the unique volcanic features which include the Champagne Pool, hot springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground and huge volcanic craters. Then off to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, guests will be accompanied through VIP ticketing and then will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) and enjoy views of mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater, the unique valley and home of the Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World.

Explore the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and see Pohutu Geyser blow its top at Whakarewarewa during this full-day private Tauranga shore excursion to the Rotorua region. Witness colorful thermal springs, hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools as your guide details the area’s geothermal activity, then discover traditional customs at New Zealand's only living Maori village. Port pickup and drop-off by private vehicle included.

Heading out from central Auckland and taking the State Highway you will soon find yourself getting away from the hustle and bustle of the big little city as you start to hit the lush green countryside. Come and see the history and beauty of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am every day. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Hell's Gate Tikitere Experience Combine a guided or self-guided exploration of our geothermal reserve with a private mud and semi-private sulphur spa experience. Begin your visit by walking through the reserve, where you’ll see erupting waters, active mud volcanoes and land coral. Afterwards, enjoy a private mud bath and sulphur spa, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. This is our premium and personalised experience where we showcase the very best Rotorua Thermal Wonderland has to offer.

Our tours are personalised to suit your interests and time available, choose from 1 day to 21 days ! You can self-drive or have your own chauffeur-guide. Please contact us with your requirements.

Take a 1-day tour from Auckland and visit two of New Zealand’s most famous sites, the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Hobbiton Movie Set. Discover the multi-colored geothermal landscape of Waiotapu and experience the Lady Knox Geyser. Then head to The Shire for a 2-hour guided tour through Tolkien’s mythical land and visit sights such as the Green Dragon Inn, the Hobbit Holes, and Middle-earth on the 12-acre movie set.

Geothermal Highlights Tour If you have been to Rotorua before, or have seen geysers in Yellowstone or Iceland and want something slightly different, then this is a tour worth considering. Wai-o-Tapu (meaning Sacred Waters) is very different to all the other geothermal fields in New Zealand. Dissolved minerals have created spectacularly coloured pools and long silica terraces. Whakarewrewa Maori Geothermal Village This little village is unique in the World. The ancestors of the families that still live here, moved to this area after the 1886 eruption of nearby Mount Tarawera. Their houses are located in an amazing geothermal field of boiling bubbling pools which they use for cooking, heating and bathing.

Experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Discover an area which has been sculptured by geothermal activity over thousands of years, and see unique volcanic features, geysers and more!

Two of New Zealand's most spectacular Geothermal Parks. Small Groups, Max 8 people. Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland ... A self-guided tour following demarcated tracks through a stunning variety of volcanic phenomena. You’ll see fantastic naturally colored hot and cold pools, the world-famous Champagne Pool, massive craters and New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool; Wai-O-Tapu was formed over thousands of years of continuous volcanic activity. Te Puia Geysers ... Heartland of Rotorua's geothermal activity & Maori culture. See and experience 'Pohutu' geyser the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere in action rumbling away as it erupts boiling water and steam up to 100 feet. An awesome sight. See & smell boiling mud pools, hot water pools, steam vents, a steaming volcanic landscape.

One of the country’s most unique natural wonders are the famous glow-worm caves. Discover all that Waitomo has to offer with this super scenic Cave experience, where you’ll discover f the most breathtaking, magical caves in Waitomo and in New Zealand. Experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Discover an area which has been sculptured by geothermal activity over thousands of years, and see unique volcanic features, geysers and more!

Experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. More than just a place of myth and legend, this land has the power to heal and excite anyone who meets it, just as it’s done for centuries. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.

Experience the Thermal Getaway Experience by visiting Rotorua in this unique 1 night 2 days tour covering Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Mud Pool, Skyline Gondola & Luge Experience, Hell's Gate Excite Experience including Geothermal Walk, Geothermal Mud Baths and Sulphur Spas

This is just an example of a luxury highlights tour of NZ. The itinerary can be customized to suit your time frame and budget. However it is targeted mainly at the luxury 5* market.

The best way for a first time visitor to experience New Zealand’s must-see destinations. Unwind in one of New Zealand’s most scenic highways, our Golden Triangle Experience has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. New Zealand’s Golden Triangle Experience comprises the three most visited cities in the country's Waitomo, Rotorua and Matamata (Hobbiton), which are all connected to each other by good road links. Within a small radius, you can experience three cities of varying landscapes and get a taste of three very different and distinct sides of the country. Experience the Waitomo Triple Caves - Glowworm, Ruakuri & Aranui Caves before proceeding to Rotorua to experience Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, indulge in a fun afternoon at Skyline Rotorua by sliding through a luge ride. Finish your Golden Triangle Experience by visiting our Middle-Earth, The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour!

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Experience the spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic park. Marvel at a boiling mud pool and watch a geyser erupt in spectacular fashion at one of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal wonderlands. Witness at the multi-coloured pools and other dramatic features as you wander along the tracks combining an opportunity to Sit back and Ride, Quack, Laugh, Splash, and discover Rotorua with amphibious Duck Tours, a once in a lifetime unique adventure!