On this day trip to Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia, we'll discover three gems of New Zealand. We'll visit one of the country's most famous geothermal areas. It will be unforgettable!
Day Trip Details
At the indicated time, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Auckland and begin our journey south through the natural surroundings of the Waikato region.
As we leave the city behind, we'll reveal the secrets and curiosities of one of the largest agricultural areas in the country and the world! During the journey, we'll see landscapes dominated by rivers, mountains and animals such as cows, horses and sheep. We'll also stop for coffee and refreshments.
Continuing on, we'll pass through Tirau, a small New Zealand town also known as the Corrugated Iron Capital of the World. We'll see lots of fun sculptures and buildings constructed with this material during the tour. Which one will be your favourite? It won't be easy to choose!
Following our visit to Tirau, we'll make our way to the city of Rotorua, where we'll take a panoramic tour to see its main attractions, such as Lake Rotorua, the Government Gardens, the Rotorua Museum, the Whangapipiro Rachel Spring pool and the Blue Baths.
Afterwards, we'll head to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve. We'll tour this spectacular geothermal area, admiring Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, the mud pools, and the craters. Disclaimer: you might need to hold your nose a bit, as Wai-O-Tapu has a distinct smell that takes some getting used to. After this tour, you'll have free time to eat on your own at a local restaurant.
Feeling refuelled, we'll take you to Te Puia, where you'll have the opportunity to explore Māori culture in depth on a 1.5-hour guided tour. We'll stroll through the geothermal valley, visit the kiwi conservation centre, admire the craftsmanship at the carving and weaving schools, and witness the impressive eruption of the Pōhutu geyser, which can reach up to 30 m (98 ft) in height.
Finally, we'll make our way back to Auckland and say our goodbyes at your hotel after 11 hours of activity.
Changes in the itinerary
The itinerary described in the previous section is not definite. Depending on the tastes and preferences of the people in the group, we'll adapt the tour accordingly.