Overview
The tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 am. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colorful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am.
Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park.
Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser.
Next, we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
In-vehicle air conditioning
All fees and/or taxes
Bottled water
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please wait outside the front of the Rotorua museum (currently closed).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
1 hour
Journey to Wai O Tapu, one of the world's most surreal destinations. You will spend approximately 45-60min in the park before departing to the Lady Knox geyser.
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Lady Knox Geyser
15 min
Our journey will guide you to the Lady Knox geyser who only erupts once a day at 10.15 am. Come along and found out the story behind her punctuality.
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Waimangu Volcanic Valley
1 hour 30 min
We journey to the Jurassic Waimangu valley, the youngest geothermal eco-system in the world.
Here we will witness first hand the power and beauty of mother nature and the aftermath of the 1886 volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera.
We spend approximately 90min here, including a 30min lunch break at the scenic Waimangu cafe. -
Te Puia
1 hour 30 min
Finally, journey with our local guide to Te Puia and learn more about Maori culture.
Te Puia is New Zealand's Maori arts and crafts institute. Here we will introduce you to the process of Maori carving, weaving, and casting.
At the heart of Te Puia lives New Zealand's largest geyser, Pohutu. Unlike Lady Knox in the morning program, Pohutu can erupt up to 20 times a day, approximately every 90min and reaching heights of 100ft (35 meters)
Te Puia is also home to 3 kiwis who have been breed and raised in conservation.
Hopefully, at the conclusion of the day you will see not 1 but 2 geysers as well as enough kiwi birds to quench your Kiwi needs.
We stay here from approximately 60-90min
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Pacific/Auckland).
Additional Information
- Medium level of fitness required
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)
Can I cancel Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia) for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8–9 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
Please wait outside the front of the Rotorua museum (currently closed). Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included?
- Bottled water
- Lunch
Which places does it visit?
It visits Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Lady Knox Geyser, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Te Puia.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Elite Adventures Rotorua Tours
