12 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Set out from Auckland to the city of Rotorua on this full-day small-group tour. Head to the living Whakarewarewa Village to learn about traditional Maori culture, traditions, and customs before heading into the city for a self-guided exploration of Rotorua. Choose to unwind at the geothermal pools of the Polynesian Spa, take in the primal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or gaze up at towering trees on the Redwoods Treewalk.
Operated by
Expedigo Limited
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.97
/ 5
39 traveller ratings
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Maori cultural experience
87Fran87, Feb 2026
Enjoyed the tour around the Maori village. The Tour Guide was very informative and explained the history of the thermal pools and how her people used the pools for cooking, bathing etc. We ate corn cooked in one of the pools and it was delicious. Admission was expensive for the length of the tour.
Great experience! :)
Naufa_A, Feb 2026
This tour was great value for your buck. David from Expedigo was a great guide and provided great commentary and stories! We did the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland by ourselves (about an hour) where we saw the champagne pool and the devil's bath). We also did a guided Māori cultural experience tour at the Wakarewarewa village - learnt a lot of the people, history and got to eat corn made in the hot pools! David was also kind enough to do some additional stops (e.g. Waiotapu mudpools). Tour operator also had good conmunication and answered questions prior to the trip & around the time of pick-up. Would recommend :)
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the lovely review! I’m really glad you felt the tour was great value and that you enjoyed your day with David — he’ll be stoked to hear your kind words about his stories and commentary. It sounds like you made the most of it! Waiotapu is such a surreal place, and the Champagne Pool and Devil’s Bath never disappoint. I love that you also got to experience Wakarewarewa and try the corn cooked in the hot pools — such a unique (and tasty!) way to connect with the culture. I’m also pleased the extra mudpool stop and our communication before the trip made everything smooth and easy for you. Thanks again for coming along and for the recommendation — it really means a lot to us!
Amazing Cultural Experience!
Stephanie_S, Feb 2026
Loved this tour! The driver was knowledgeable and friendly! We got to see the culture of New Zealand.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and had the chance to experience the rich culture of New Zealand. Our driver team loves sharing their knowledge and making the journey fun, so it’s wonderful to know that made a difference. We hope your memories of this trip stay with you for a long time.
Rotorua Māori Day
Barbara_W, Feb 2026
We were in a group of 10 from a variety of countries. Our driver/guide Matt told us about different areas of Auckland as we drove through the countryside. We learned some Māori words, prefixes and suffixes. And we learned some Māori history and culture. The guided tour through the Māori village was fascinating, and the performance was entertaining. We then took a short hike through a beautiful redwood forest followed by lunch in the town and the ride back to our hotel.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share this — it sounds like a really special day. We’re so pleased you enjoyed travelling with Matt and learning about Auckland, te reo Māori, and local history along the way. The Māori village visit and performance are always a highlight, so it’s great to hear you found them fascinating. Ending the day with a walk through the redwood forest and a relaxed lunch is a favourite of ours too. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope the memories stay with you long after your trip.
Itinerary
Auckland Central
Begin your tour with a scenic drive from Auckland to Rotorua, a city known for its dramatic geothermal activity and rich Maori heritage. As you journey through lush landscapes, you’ll be treated to stunning views that set the stage for the unique experiences awaiting you in Rotorua.
3 hoursWhakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Upon arrival in Rotorua, you’ll start with a brief tour of the city’s iconic landmarks and rich history. Then, step into the enchanting Whakarewarewa Village, a living Maori village where the warmth of the community rivals the steam rising from the earth.
Guided by locals, you’ll embark on a cultural journey, learning about the fascinating traditions, customs, and daily life of the Maori people. Marvel at the unique geothermal landscape, with bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and steaming vents providing a dramatic backdrop. Each geothermal feature has its own story, deeply rooted in Maori mythology. As you explore, enjoy captivating performances of traditional Maori songs and dances, offering a glimpse into this vibrant culture. Engage with the locals, learn about their ancient customs, and gain insight into their profound connection to the land.
3 hoursAdmission IncludedRotorua
After your enriching cultural experience at Whakarewarewa Village, the afternoon is yours to design. Choose from a range of exciting activities or explore Rotorua at your own pace. You could relax at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa, nestled amidst stunning scenery. Here, you can unwind in natural geothermal pools, soaking in mineral-rich waters that are renowned for their healing properties. Whether you choose the soothing alkaline pools or the rejuvenating acidic springs, you'll leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.
For those seeking adventure, head to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you can explore the vibrant geothermal landscape, featuring the famous Champagne Pool and the Lady Knox Geyser. Or, embark on the Redwoods Treewalk, a serene yet exhilarating walk among the towering redwoods, offering spectacular views and a unique perspective on the forest canopy.
Alternatively, you can choose a drop off in the city centre explore Rotorua city on your own.
3 hoursAuckland Central
As the afternoon draws to a close, regroup for your return journey to Auckland. Reflect on the day’s adventures as you travel back through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's North Island, filled with new memories and experiences of Rotorua's unique culture, natural beauty, and exciting attractions.
3 hours
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.