After pickup from your Auckland hotel, set out on the drive to Rotorua, traveling by air-conditioned minivan and enjoy scenic views of the Waikato countryside.
On arrival, the first stop of the day is Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can watch demonstrations of Maori handicrafts and gain an insight into Maori culture and traditions. Continue to the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to discover Rotorua’s otherworldly geothermal landscapes, including bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and the Pohutu Geyser.
After lunch at a local restaurant, take a guided tour of Rotorua, stopping to admire views of Rotorua Lake and the Government Gardens. Then, either enjoy free time to explore the city independently or upgrade to include a visit to the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, a relaxing soak in the Polynesian Spa thermal springs, or a Maori concert.
Depending on the tour option chosen, either end your tour in Rotorua or return to Auckland, where you are dropped back at your hotel.