Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 132 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland worth booking?
Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $233 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 132 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (132)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $233 per person
Discover the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation on this full-day tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Explore the geothermal wonders of Wai O Tapu, before unwinding in the tranquil forest setting of Secret Spot Hot Tu
What you get
About this experience
Discover the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation on this full-day tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Explore the geothermal wonders of Wai O Tapu, before unwinding in the tranquil forest setting of Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, local stories, and plenty of Kiwi charm as you travel through the lush Waikato countryside. This is the ultimate day of contrasts, where the earth bubbles beneath your feet and serenity soothes your soul. Explore one of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal parks. Walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the striking Champagne Pool for an unforgettable experience. Relax in your own private cedar hot tub surrounded by native forest at Secret Spot (minimum age 5 years) Not all guests on your tour will be participating in the same activities, ensuring a tailored and personalized experience for everyone!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Booster seat
- Water & Snacks available
- Wai O Tapu Geothermal Wonderland & Secret Spot Hot Tubs
- Small Group and Fully Guided Bus Tour from Auckland & return
- Complimentary hotel pickup & drop off (select locations only)
Not included
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Pass by without stopping
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way. During our adventure in the Waikato we will also stop for a quick coffee break at a special location.
Pass by without stopping
Tirau
Continuing our journey to Rotorua we pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. This town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Pass by without stopping
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore one of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal parks. Walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the striking Champagne Pool for an unforgettable experience.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
We make our way to Secret Spot so you can enjoy lunch , before relaxing into your afternoon activity.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
After lunch, You'll be treated to an intimate and tranquil oasis nestled in a forest setting. Here, you'll experience the ultimate relaxation in private, cedar hot tubs with a stunning view of nature. Enjoy the serenity as you soak in mineral-rich water, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. With each tub thoughtfully designed for privacy, you’ll have the chance to relax and rejuvenate in peace, surrounded by native forest and the soothing sounds of nature.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Rotorua
To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths.
10 minutes here
Auckland
Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes
- 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.
- You will be travelling with other guests who may be participating in a different afternoon activity
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 132 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
132 verified traveler reviews for Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very interesting
It is very lord of rings like. Smoky bubbly earth with its own unique smell. Comfy transportation and friendly guide and driver. Stops are appropriately timed.
via Viator
Fun Roadtrip Day with Hottubs!
Really fun day with John! It was a small group and we were able to fit in a lot and do the secret spot hot tubs which were so cute. Easy pickup and drop off, lots of stops and interesting facts, the day flew by! Thanks again cheeky kiwi :)
Response from the operator: Kia ora! So glad to hear you had such a fun day with John! Small groups really make it easier to fit in all the stops and enjoy the Secret Spot hot tubs. Sounds like the combination of interesting facts, smooth travel, and those little hidden gems made the day fly by. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Our driver Simon is a super star, friendly, kind, knowledgeable and respectful. It was a great tour and we learned a lot of the Mouri culture and how New Zealand is a different country with so much diversity and culture.
Response from the operator: Kia ora, “Super star” is pretty hard to top, and we’ll happily take that. Simon has a great way of sharing stories and knowledge in a respectful, down-to-earth way, so it’s lovely to hear that came through for you. Rotorua is such a strong place to learn about Māori culture, and it’s great to know the day gave you a deeper appreciation of just how diverse Aotearoa really is. Thanks for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Helpful and informative with a local’s perspective
Thanks Cheeky Kiwi and our guide, Ben, for the informative and fun experience. I especially enjoyed Ben’s commentary and positive energy which he kept going for the whole day tour!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that Ben’s knowledge, energy, and local insights made the day so enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to host you, and we’d love to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
via Tripadvisor
Cheekykiwi John
Exceeded all expectations, from on time pickup to convenient drop off. John got the group of 13 engaged and entertained with ice breakers, cultural info and games for the long drive to and from Rotorua. The activities were as promised and John wet above and beyond to add a stop to see glowworms. Definitely select cheeky Kiwi and ask for John as your driver.
Response from the operator: Kia ora Bette, Thanks for your amazing review! It’s fantastic to hear that John made the Rotorua trip so engaging and fun, from the icebreakers to the cultural insights, and even going the extra mile with the glowworm stop. Sounds like it was a truly memorable day for your group! We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $233 to $385
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland cost?
+
Prices start at $233 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland take?
+
Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 132 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland?
+
Around 46 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
+
On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland.
Pick your date
