Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour with Optional Extra Activities from Auckland

Are you planning a visit to Auckland and looking for an exciting day trip? Look no further than the Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour, a full-day excursion that takes you to the fascinating lakeside resort town of Rotorua. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions that tourists have when visiting Auckland, and explain why the Rotorua Highlights tour is an experience you do not want to miss.

What is the Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour?

The Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour is a full-day guided tour that takes you from Auckland to the town of Rotorua, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture, and this tour gives you the chance to explore both, as well as customize your itinerary with a choice of optional extra activities.

What can I expect to see and do on the tour?

The tour starts with a scenic drive to Rotorua, during which you will enjoy stunning views of the Waikato region and the historic town of Cambridge. Upon arrival in Rotorua, your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the town, where you will see highlights such as the Government Gardens, the Rotorua Museum, and the stunning Lake Rotorua.

After the sightseeing tour, you will have free time to explore the town independently or participate in up to two optional extra activities, such as the Te Puia Maori Village, Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, the Polynesian Spa, or the Agrodome Sheep Show. Each of these activities offers a unique perspective on Rotorua’s culture and natural wonders, and your guide will help you choose the options that best suit your interests.

Why should I choose the Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour?

The Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Rotorua in a short amount of time. With its small group size, you can expect a personalized and flexible itinerary that allows you to see and do exactly what you want. The tour also includes round-trip transportation from Auckland, eliminating the need to navigate unfamiliar roads and parking lots.

How do I book the Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour?

Booking the tour is easy – simply visit this link and follow the instructions to reserve your spot. The tour runs daily, and all fees and entrance tickets are included in the price.

Additional Information

When booking this tour, it is important to note that it is a full-day excursion, and participants should plan to be away from their accommodations for approximately 12 hours. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for the walking portions of the tour, and sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended. Lunch is not included in the tour price, but there are plenty of options available in Rotorua to suit all tastes and budgets.

In conclusion, if you are visiting Auckland and looking for an exciting day trip, the Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour is the perfect choice. With its personalized itinerary, optional extra activities, and stunning scenery, this tour offers a memorable experience that you will not forget. Book your tour today and get ready to discover the best of Rotorua!

Insider’s Guide to Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua is a city located on New Zealand’s North Island, about three hours southeast of Auckland. It is home to a vibrant Maori culture and offers visitors a unique insight into the country’s history, natural beauty, and adventure-filled activities. Below is a comprehensive guide to help travelers exploring Rotorua for the first time.

Local Attractions

1. Te Puia – This geothermal reserve is located within walking distance of the city center and is home to the famous Pohutu Geyser, as well as mud pools, hot springs, and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – This geothermal park boasts a range of colorful pools and bubbling mud pits, including the Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.

3. Redwoods Treewalk – This unique experience involves walking among the sequoia trees on a series of suspension bridges, culminating in an illuminated night walk.

4. Skyline Rotorua – Take a 10-minute scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongotaha for panoramic views of the city. Once there, visitors can enjoy an array of activities, such as ziplining, luge rides, and mountain biking.

Dining Spots

1. Atticus Finch – This gastropub located in the city center offers a variety of cocktails, local craft beers, and a menu filled with New Zealand’s finest produce prepared in their open kitchen.

2. Terrace Kitchen – Set in a historic home, Terrace Kitchen offers a cozy atmosphere and serves up an array of globally inspired dishes. Be sure to try their amazing dessert sharing platter.

3. Eat Street – Rotorua’s unique outdoor dining area, lined with cafes, restaurants, and food trucks, set against the backdrop of Lake Rotorua.

Cultural Experiences

1. Tamaki Maori Village – This cultural experience nestled deep in a native forest is situated 15 minutes from Rotorua’s city center. Visitors will receive a traditional welcome ceremony, see cultural performances, and enjoy an authentic hangi feast.

2. Waka Tour – Visitors can participate in a guided paddle of Lake Rotorua on a traditional Maori war canoe, learning about local legends, history, and customs along the way.

Local History

1. Rotorua Museum – Housed in a stunningly restored historic bathhouse, this museum is rich in local Maori history, as well as showcasing Rotorua’s early European development.

2. Buried Village of Te Wairoa – This outdoor museum provides a unique experience, walking visitors through the story of Mt Tarawera’s catastrophic eruption in 1886 and its impacts on local villages.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Kerosene Creek – This natural hot spring located an hour outside the city offers visitors the chance to soak in a warm, idyllic setting surrounded by native bush.

2. Okere Falls Track – This scenic bushwalk provides breathtaking views of a raging waterfall and the Okere River below.

3. Mount Tarawera – Adventurous visitors will want to take a guided hike or helicopter tour to the top of this active volcano, to peer inside the cone’s vast crater and survey the surrounding landscape.

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for any traveler to New Zealand’s North Island. Its unique blend of natural beauty, rich Maori culture, and adventurous activities make it one of the most vibrant and exciting places to explore in the country.