What to do and see in Rotorua, North Island: The Best Bus Tours

December 8, 2021 Brandee Mangan

Bubbling mineral springs and pools promise maximum relaxation in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Therapeutic hot mud pools, dramatic geysers and a buried village are within easy reach of the city. What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of "Rotovegas"—the area at the top of Fenton Street—stays in Rotovegas. Once you've made the most of the mud, soar nearly 2,000 feet on the Skyline Gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, then zip back down to explore the lake by paddle steamer, fishing charter or WWII amphibious vehicle.
Restaurants in Rotorua

1. Te Puia Geysers, Kiwi bird, Redwood Forest & Highlights Drive: Rotorua Tour

Rotorua, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore a land where steam rises all around you, geysers erupt high into the air, hot mud bubbles and jumps, and the Maori people share their stories from past generations. Enjoy a spine chilling live Haka performance. Be enchanted at the Redwood Forest. This tour is specially designed for guest who only have a short amount of time, and would like to to visit the best, of what Rotorua has to offer, on a fully guided tour. With hotel pick up's and drop off's for more convenience.

Inclusions: Pickup and drop off in Rotorua, Official Professional driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Luxury minivan, Entrance fees & Guided tour

Exclusions: Lunch is not Included

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

2. Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland

H SHARMA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a Tour which is Good for your soul. Visit Nature & Natural Places in New Zealand. Book with us for a Flexible , affordable Private Tour. Take your break wherever you want, No Sharing or Group Tour. Enjoy your Privacy and Family Tour Time :)

Inclusions: Driver / Guide, Private Transportation , Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Drinking Water 1 bottle per person, Snack / Chips, Soft drink

Exclusions: Tour Guide Tips ($10 per person), Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By Isis_Pinto

The beaches are amazing and our guide and driver, Sharma was impeccable, a great guy. Also, he takes the best pics! ????????

3. Mornin Lakes Tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Morning Lakes Tour – 8.30am to 12.30pm daily ($85) By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Lake Morning tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, Okere falls, lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. • Highlights • Small group, relaxed atmosphere. •  Informative, outgoing driver-guide. • Breath-taking scenery. • No queues or entrances fees. • Half day tour.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 845larissae

This was an amazing experience, stephen was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot, the sights he showed us were spectacular which brought home the miracle of nature. The best hot chocolate we have ever tasted and shortbread was a great ending to a magical night

4. Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia fully and participate in the activities there, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

5. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

6. Hells Gate Excite Experience & Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Experience

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. More than just a place of myth and legend, this land has the power to heal and excite anyone who meets it, just as it’s done for centuries. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus, Admission to self-guided experience at Wai-o–Tapu thermal wonderland, Admission to Lady Knox Geyser, Admission to Hell's Gate Excite Experience including geothermal walk & Māori carving, Bathe in world-famous mud baths, soak in the sulphur spas & cool plunge pool, Explore the incredible Lady Knox geyser eruption with heights of 10 to 20 metres, Explore the amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland geothermal walk , Walk through the surreal lunar-like environment to witness the volcanic wonders, Carry on past the Champagne Pool, a bubbling hot spring famed for its brilliant orange rim, Admire the Primrose Terraces, a set of glistening steps, Find a spot with the perfect mix of hot and cold temperatures for you, Witness the frightening display of geothermal chemistry, the Devil’s Bath, Experience the magical qualities of the nutrient rich mud pool at Hell’s Gate, Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the sulphur spa and cool plunge pool

Exclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

Reviewed By Scenic64172834037

A really great family experience. Challenging everyone. Trepidation at the start but big smiles and full confidence by the end. The guides (Chris and Tanner) were great - fun, and knew people’s limits, how to encourage etc.

7. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 190 reviews

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars. An unique experience for all your senses. Highlights • Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing. • New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness. • Small group, relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Nothing

Reviewed By triniboyinNZ

Stephen gave us a very knowledgeable, exclusive and friendly tour of major highlights around Rotorua. We were really appreciative of the information and the hot chocolate :-) It had amazing scenery , views of the lakes and great walks.

8. Wai-O-Tapu & Waimangu Full Day Tour

Thermal Land Shuttle
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Visitors get to explore spectacular nature at New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area, which has been thousands of years in the making. Visitors will be picked up from Rotorua and transported to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. En-route the driver guide will share insights in the region and wonderland. Guests will get to experience the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. The driver-guide will accompany visitors through VIP ticketing and then visitors will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) past the unique volcanic features which include the Champagne Pool, hot springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground and huge volcanic craters. Then off to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, guests will be accompanied through VIP ticketing and then will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) and enjoy views of mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater, the unique valley and home of the Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

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Reviewed By Janenmarvs

We needed a shuttle to take us and bikes to do te ara ahi bike track. Keith went above just getting us from a to b, he showed us many of the geothermal sites on our way there. We got lost and even called Keith who put us back on track. He is such an asset to the company and just put 110% in to ensuring we had so much knowledge of the local area! Giving us things to look out for during out bike ride

9. Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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4.9 based on 56 reviews

THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES We will meet you at the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more efficiently to enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Explore the Living Maori Village, where you'll hear from a local descendant about Maori history, customs, and craft traditions. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka. We then take a leisurely drive around the highlights of Rotorua, Walk among the giant tree at the Redwood forest a real favourite stop on this tour. Visit the Tudor style design museum, the government gardens, the lake front and a tour through the kiwi fruit orchards to finish.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Entrance Fees

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Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

10. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing

Zealandier Tours
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4.8 based on 91 reviews

Enter a world of hobbits and hot pools when your cruise ship is in port in Tauranga. This shore excursion to Middle Earth takes you on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which featured in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, and witness the astounding thermal activity of spouting geysers and steaming hot springs. If time allows, play dress ups and pose as Bilbo or Gandalf when you stop for an impromptu photo shoot in a lovely redwoods forest. With a maximum of 19 participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks & bottled wwater, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sheree59

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Zealandier Tours were fantastic from start to finish. We booked this tour directly rather than through the cruise ship, and we had inadvertently got the start time wrong from our cruise ship by 1/2 hour, but Jan the director of the company was there to meet us and then drive us to meet the rest of the group at the first stop point - Mossops Honey. I can not speak highly enough of Jan and the way she looked after us and made us feel comfortable and de-stressed the situation. We stopped at McLaren Falls which was a lovely walk in the NZ bush, the driver took pics of everyone in front of the falls - Thanks Then onto Hobbiton - this is amazing in itself and is not to be missed, even if you do not know anything of the movies, the scenery is a photographers paradise - you could not take a bad photo even if you tried - Hobbiton have their own guides that take you through the movie set and you end up in Green Dragons Pub for a drink. The tour then continued back to the ship. I cannot recommend Zealandier tours enough, they are professional and very informative and organised and willing to accommodate any requests. They also get you back to the ship in plenty of time Thanks Jan for your company and service - outstanding

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