Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour including Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland
5
Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour including Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland
By Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
- Entry Tickets
- Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua
- Water available & snacks provided
- Entry/Admission - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
What's not included- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- SkyCity Auckland, Corner Victoria and, Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New ZealandPICKUP TIME: 6:25 AM. Kindly Please select our meeting point if your accommodation is not yet confirmed, we can change this later!
Pickup details- - Pick-ups are available only from the hotels listed. If your location isn’t listed, please select the nearest option. - Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the tour time. Be ready and waiting outside by this time to avoid missing your pick-up. -Not all locations are serviced daily—pick-up points are pre-determined for each tour. If your pick-up location changes, please notify us in advance. - Guides may arrive up to 10 minutes late due to multiple stops but cannot wait for late passengers. We recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early. PICKUP TIMES: Park Hyatt 6:10 AM Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park 6:10 AM Sofitel Viaduct Harbour 6:10 AM Hilton Hotel 6:15 AM M Social 6:15 AM Movenpick Hotel 6:15 AM Adina Apartment Hotel 6:15 AM Copthorne Auckland City 6:15 AM Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments 6:15 AM Pullman Auckland 6:15 AM SO/Auckland 6:15 AM JW Marriott Auckland City 6:20 AM Heritage Auckland 6:20 AM Ibis Budget Auckland Central 6:20 AM Crowne Plaza 6:25 AM Rydges Hotel 6:20 AM AM The Grand By SkyCity 6:25 AM SkyCity Hotel 6:25 AM Four Points by Sheraton 6:25 AM Grand Millennium Auckland 6:30 AM Kiwi International Hotel 6:30 AM Mercure Queen St 6:30 AM VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street 6:30 AM Cordis Auckland 6:35 AM Sebel Manukau 6:45 AM
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56760P10- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours notice).
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties - A moderate amount of walking is involved.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56760P10
From
AU$278.32
per adult
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Itinerary
- Pass byAuckland CentralWaikato Region
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Venture102794902240 contributionsWould recommendOur driver Ali was the best! He was so nice, knowledge and funny! We had a lot of fun cracking jokes about NZ/Australia rivalry. Hobbiton is a mast see even for someone who is not a big LOTR fun. Rotorua and hot/mud pools good experience but a bit stinky 😉Written 9 December 2024
- soeunk8250 contributionsAmazing time touring Wai O Tapu & Te PuiaWe had a wonderful time with our guide, Grant. He was very kind and tried to make the entire process as engaging as possible. He also tried to get to know each member of the group on a personal level which was greatly appreciated! The tour was also run very smoothly, and Grant told us the exact timing that we would be picked up and transported to the next touring location, as well as seamless transfers for other tours within the group as well. Pickup and drop off was super easy/seamless, and tour views were amazing!! If you are looking for a day trip with everything set and planned for you, I would highly recommend booking with this group! An amazing and memorable trip for my family and I!Written 9 December 2024
- Discover098788727620 contributionsSimon is the best!Simon was amazing! He was very welcoming and connected with all of us in the van! He also greeted all tourists by hand a and did the same when he dropped us off. He even got off the van each time someone was picked up or dropped off just to personally say hello or good bye.Written 9 December 2024
- MattyBerrry0 contributionsAmazing Bay of Islands!!!This was hands down the best tour I've done in New Zealand. It fits in so much without feeling rushed. Bay of Islands is such an amazing place to visit and the forest on the west coast was amazing. We got to see dolphins and whales on the cruise which was so cool. I can't recommend this tour enough.Written 9 December 2024
- Liz S0 contributionsFun day in RotoruaWe had a great day in Rotorua. Our guide, Matt, made it even nicer, great guide. Everything ran smoothly and you can’t go wrong booking with Cheeky Kiwi.Written 9 December 2024
- brettcD6191CX0 contributionsAmazing, fun, informative, safe!Not only was this an incredible experience but our tour guide Grant was amazing! He was super knowledgeable and gave us fun facts all along the way. The ride was smooth and safe. We even stopped for ice cream on the way home. Hobbiton is a must do tour for anyone traveling to Auckland. Highly recommend this tour company!Written 9 December 2024
- Jaigai0 contributionsExceent tour programmeThe tour guide was excellent and guided us well to see important sites. He communicated ver well and was updating us constantly throughout on important background of places. Thanks.Written 8 December 2024
- craig8500 contributionsCheekyKiwi Delivers!Our tour guide, Joseph, was professional and on time and took excellent care of all of us the entire day. He made the comfort of each of our group his top priority and had an excellent attitude. He had several surprises for us. We enjoyed the day, immensely! He was an excellent driver and was so knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects and had a great sense of humor, keeping us entertained on our long drive to and from our destinations. And the destinations were fabulous! The vehicle was new and extremely comfortable. Highly recommend!Written 8 December 2024
- 594sahibh0 contributionsGreat ExperienceAlejandro was a great tour guide and I had a great time. The hobbit site was great and roturoa was a sight to see. Would definitely recommend!Written 8 December 2024
- Chung1130 contributionsStress-free Visit to Hobbiton from AucklandMy husband and I wanted to visit Hobbiton but were super nervous to drive on the opposite side of the road for such a long distance in unfamiliar territory. We were so happy to have found the Hobbiton tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on TripAdvisor. For just a little more than what tickets would have costed us, we were able to go stress-free. Our experienced driver/tour operator (Grant) picked us up at one of their pick-up locations (of our choosing), got us to Hobbiton safely while sharing stories and New Zealand historical information. Grant was engaging, very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He even gave us pointers to make sure we had the best tour once we transferred to the Hobbiton Tour buses. We are so glad that we found Cheeky Kiwi Travel!!!Written 8 December 2024
- Lokhilesh T0 contributionsReview for Hobbiton visitGrant from Cheeky Kiwi was a splendid guide. He gave us a warm welcome to Auckland and during the tour he helped us understand more about the local customs and culture through stories and local legends and tales. Amazing service overall…Written 8 December 2024
- moalinddal0 contributionsIncredible experienceHad an amazing experience and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone travelling around Auckland. Bus was new, clean and driver was so friendly and had good local knowledge.Written 8 December 2024
- Road497987596890 contributionsEnjoyable and memorable experience!I loved my tour guide, Grant! He has great energy and humor, and he is kindhearted and patient. It was apparent that he truly loves his job. He's also extremely knowledgeable about pretty much everything about New Zealand (beyond our tourist destinations), and I learned so much about New Zealand in general! If you have Grant as your tour guide, it will definitely be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience!Written 8 December 2024
- Abbey R0 contributionsGreat views and photo opportunitiesSuch a cool experience and worth every penny! All the views were incredible and our guide was so nice. I wish we had more time at Cathedral Cove, we only had 45 min at the actual beach but we did stop to see a waterfall on the way back that was so cool! Would definitely recommend if visiting the area! I was picked up at my hotel at 6:45am and got back around 5pm.Written 8 December 2024
- Q7690MBgabrielj0 contributionsA real tour guide driverBoth places are amazing and magical, totally worth it for fans. The tour guide Joseph was also amazing and really try his best to describe locations and make some fun so the group can relax. Recommend, ask for this driver.Written 7 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
50
Very good
3
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Maricel R
1 contribution
I appreciated our guide John because he drove safely and was nice to everyone whether he received a tip from them or not. I also appreciated the Te Puia part because the geyser erupted at the right time and our guide there was super funny. Wai-o-Tapu was photogenic and you can actually walk very close to sulfur infused water.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora - thanks for your review of your trip to Rotorua.
Safety is a priority for us, so awesome to hear that John drove safely and looked after your whole group.
Glad you got some great photos of the geothermal lakes, and the Pohutu geyser put on a show. I hope you also got to see a Kiwi bird and enjoyed the wonderful cultural centre at Te Puia.
Have an awesome stay in New Zealand
Nga mihi
Written 19 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Escape51285027384
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Solo
The trip was very well organised from pickup to drop off on time as planned. The transport was comfortable with snacks and water available.
The guide Honuz was very friendly giving us history of local attractions on the road. He took very well managed breaks which made the long drive pass smoothly and everyone had the chance to eat and be energised.
The guide Honuz was very friendly giving us history of local attractions on the road. He took very well managed breaks which made the long drive pass smoothly and everyone had the chance to eat and be energised.
Written 27 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience on the Rotorua Highlights tour with Hanoz. His thoughtful planning, engaging stories, and perfectly timed breaks really help make the long journey as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
It’s great to know you appreciated the comfort of the ride and those little touches like snacks and water to keep everyone refreshed.
We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure—perhaps somewhere equally stunning but with fewer geothermal aromas! 😉
Ngā mihi,
The Cheeky Kiwi Team 🚌🥝
Written 2 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alice C
Hong Kong, China4 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
The trip arrangement with tour guide is normal, there are two entrances at Grand Millennium Auckland, and the tour company did not aware this, thus the pick up was delayed. Besides, we have 16 parties for the tour and the tour company only arranged a small car with maximum capacity to 17 persons. Under such circumstances, it is too crowded and the travel time for the tour with round trip was 6 hours. And as we are the last pick up point, we need to sit in the last row and supposed that it is not a reserved and fixed seats. And other participants did not want to swap a seat and exchange a seat for us when return. It is unpair and the guys are impolite. My suggestion that the tour company should arrange the seats with the participants so that they can change the seats alternatively.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrishEM
Seattle, WA9 contributions
Superb tour from reservation right through to drop off. I wasn’t too sure about taking a tour and particularly such a long one. Our guide, Hanoz, was fabulous. He coordinated us all with the skills of a highly accomplished project manager, ensuring we all had our activities selected, explained to each of us how long our activity would be etc. Herded us skillfully from drop-offs to pick-ups across town and at various times from each of our activity locations seamlessly! He did a great job of engaging us all on the bus, explained many interesting facts about where we would be visiting. Plenty of stops to and from to ensure everyone’s comfort. He was good natured and humorous for what must have been a very long day for him.
The various activities were all superb. Everyone was delighted with what they’d chosen and it was marvelous to be able to fit in such an array of activities in one day.
Fantastic job by Hanoz and Cheeky Kiwi.
The various activities were all superb. Everyone was delighted with what they’d chosen and it was marvelous to be able to fit in such an array of activities in one day.
Fantastic job by Hanoz and Cheeky Kiwi.
Written 27 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora! Thank you for the glowing review of your Rotorua Highlights and Wai-O-Tapu Small Group Tour! It’s wonderful to hear Hanoz impressed you with his seamless coordination and engaging spirit—keeping things running smoothly and everyone entertained is no small feat, especially on a full day packed with activities!
We’re so pleased you enjoyed the range of stops and the chance to experience Rotorua’s iconic attractions with a group of fellow travellers. It’s what we love to do, and it’s awesome to know we helped make your day memorable. Nga mihi, Cheeky Kiwi 🥝🚍
Written 29 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frances S
Manila, Philippines6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu was spectacular but the experience was made more fun and memorable by our friendly and knowledgeable guide, Michael! I had a great walk with him at Wai-O-Tapu as he shared interesting facts and took really good photos. The drive to and from Auckland seemed quick as he shared a lot of information and engaged us in conversations. Thus, I ended up booking another tour with them for my Queenstown trip! Thank you very much Michael and Cheeky Kiwi for making my first ever tour in NZL fun!
Written 2 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora - thanks for the 110/100 rating. Sounds like you had a great time.
Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu are spectacular and such a great combination for the Rotorua Highlights tour. So glad that Michael made the entire journey interesting and engaging which made the tour memorable.
I am sure our team will take great care of you on your tour in Queenstown.
Nga mihi
Written 5 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ces B
3 contributions
July 2024 • Family
John was a great guide! He prepared fun activities for the group that made the long drive worth it. Rotorua is a beautiful city and our family enjoyed Te Puia with the Maori cultural highlights and show plus the short hike through Wai O Tapu. I would recommend this for families looking to do a short drive out of the city.
Written 20 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, thanks for taking the time to review your Cheeky Kiwi tour.
We’re delighted to hear that John made the long drive enjoyable with fun activities for the group. Rotorua is indeed a beautiful city, and it’s great to know your family enjoyed the Maori cultural highlights at Te Puia and the beautiful colourful lakes at Wai-O-Tapu.
Thanks for recommending our tour for families – we’d love to have you join us on another Cheeky Kiwi adventure!
Nga mihi
Written 21 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Xu M
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
The trip to Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia was fantastic, we had an amazing tour experience.
Rotorua is breathtaking, as always, a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand. Our tour guide was very informative, attentive, and had a good sense of humour. We had a good conversation with him along the way, and the group learned a great deal about the history and culture of New Zealand, so the drive to the destination was never boring.
Overall, the tour was very enjoyable, kudos to the team at Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Would highly recommend anyone to try out this trip, you won't be disappointed.
Rotorua is breathtaking, as always, a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand. Our tour guide was very informative, attentive, and had a good sense of humour. We had a good conversation with him along the way, and the group learned a great deal about the history and culture of New Zealand, so the drive to the destination was never boring.
Overall, the tour was very enjoyable, kudos to the team at Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Would highly recommend anyone to try out this trip, you won't be disappointed.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora - thanks for traveling with Cheeky Kiwi.
So glad you had an amazing experience in the wonderful Rotorua. You certainly chose a great combination with Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu that gives you such a variety of experience on your journey.
Thanks for the feedback on our tour guide as well. It sounds like they did an exceptional job.
Until next time.
Nga mihi
Written 22 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer55910964485
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
This was the third tour we’ve taken while in New Zealand, first from Cheeky Kiwi and it was the best one so far.
We had John as our driver and he was amazing, entertaining and considerate of everyone on the tour.
safe driving, good knowledge of NZ and its history and current comings.
I really appreciated the personalization he added into our tour and conversations.
He even made a group chat with everyone on WhatsApp to send info and pictures he took throughout the day.
Hands down the best tour guide company you could go with and thanks again John for everything :))
We had John as our driver and he was amazing, entertaining and considerate of everyone on the tour.
safe driving, good knowledge of NZ and its history and current comings.
I really appreciated the personalization he added into our tour and conversations.
He even made a group chat with everyone on WhatsApp to send info and pictures he took throughout the day.
Hands down the best tour guide company you could go with and thanks again John for everything :))
Written 28 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guide07392894296
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Solo
I just wanted to give a shoutout to my awesome tour guide, John! He made the trip to Rotorua unforgettable with his great knowledge and fun stories. The views were stunning, and the extra stops he added along the way to Wai-o-Tapu were a nice surprise. We even made it in time for the lady knox geyser show (not in the itinerary), which was perfect! Plus, those quick photo breaks were a blast. At the end of the day, John was super thoughtful and dropped us off wee bit away from our pick up location to keep us dry from the rain. Overall, this tour was definitely a highlight of my New Zealand trip—thanks, John!
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora – thank you for your fantastic review! It’s wonderful to hear that John made your trip to Rotorua so memorable with his knowledge, fun stories, and those extra thoughtful stops. Sounds like you had a perfect day, especially with the bonus of catching the Lady Knox geyser show!
We’re glad John could add those special touches like the photo breaks and even keeping you dry at the end of the day—he always goes the extra mile!
Nga mihi – we hope to see you back for more Kiwi adventures soon!
Written 26 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan
2 contributions
June 2023 • Friends
We had a great time on this trip! Rotorua is a beautiful town with lots of cafe and restaurants. The geothermal pools there and in Wai-O-Tapu were also stunning. Our tour guide Grant was absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable about the area and New Zealand in general.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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