Top Rotorua Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Discover Rotorua on a 1.5-hour duck tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle — able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour past Government Gardens, the Blue Baths and more before splashing down into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. Enjoy family fun along the way with a provided duck caller, and listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks.

Happy Ewe Cycle Tours is a leisurely 3 hour cycling adventure with no hills and about 45 minutes of cycling time. It is safe to expect a little bit of everything with us, as we use science, nature, culture and history to give an educational and interactive experience highlighting the geothermal wonders within the central city. You will remember this journey as you shoot mud pools with thermometer guns, test the pH levels of hot springs and laugh at the how our guides make science exciting for you. Ranked as the best city cycling activity in New Zealand on TripAdvisor and one of the best activities in the country, this is perfect for couples, families or travellers of any age looking to discover the best of Rotorua.

Experience two of New Zealand's top attractions in one day. Travel on a small-group tour from Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where an official guide explains the natural features. Then explore the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes. See some of the most spectacular ones on this half day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes which have shaped this land of fire and water.

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.

Soar above the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Mt. Tarawera on seaplane flight from Rotorua. The expert pilot-guide navigates over the Steaming Cliffs and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then returns via the Blue and Green Lakes and the bubbling geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Experience the thrill of a water take-off and landing on Rotorua Lake, with a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu — the world’s youngest geothermal system — and marvel at the scenery you find. Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands. Along the way, gain insight into the geothermal activity from your guide sheet and watch for the native plant and animal life for which Waimangu is famous. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus to return you to the start at the end of your hike.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike ‘haka.’ Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Rotorua that can be customized to your interests. Choose a walking tour of the glowworm caves, enjoy independent time in Waitomo, or splash through the caverns on an adventurous rafting or caving tour. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore hobbit holes and sip a hobbit-themed brew at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day tour includes pickup at selected locations in Rotorua, with drop-off in Rotorua or Auckland.

Get an authentic introduction to Maori culture with an evening at the Mitai Maori Village of Rotorua. See warriors in traditional dress paddle in an ancient canoe, and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. You'll watch 'haka' and poi dances and view glowworms in their natural habitat. This 3-hour experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional 'hangi' feast with your admission ticket.

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua.

Harken back to the bygone era of steamboats and luxury travel with a 1-hour breakfast or lunch cruise aboard the only paddlewheel boat on Lake Rotorua. This authentic replica of a Mississippi River paddle boat takes you to notable sights such as Sulfur Bay, Kawaha Point and Mokoia Island while you enjoy a buffet meal. A glass of wine, beer or juice is included with lunch. 

With spectacular natural beauty and rich traditional culture, New Zealand’s North Island features on many travellers’ must-visit lists. On this flexible tour, delve into the volcanic Waimangu Valley with your guide, and choose from a diverse range of adventures including Huka Falls, geothermal Wai-O-Tapu, or the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village. With round-trip travel from central Rotorua included, see the best of New Zealand’s Rotorua region in one day.

Mt Tarawera – Fly / Drive Combo This unique experience allows visitors to travel to Mt Tarawera with Volcanic Air, taking in the scenic wonders of the area from the air, before landing on Mt Tarawera for your guided crater walk experience. This flight includes the stunning scenery of Lakes Okareka, Tarawera and Rotomahana, as well as being able to see on clear days to White Island and Mt Ruapehu landing you on Mt Tarawera, Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. You will be fully guided on a walking experience which encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater. This activity includes transportation to and from accommodation.

Deluxe small group tour Combo from Rotorua Experience two of New Zealand's most popular & unique visitor attractions Hobbiton Movie Set & The Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. You'll gently glide through the impressive underground caverns in silent darkness amid the beauty of twinkling glowworms overhead. From here we head to The Hobbiton Movie Set where you will enjoy an official fully guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which was created in impressive detail for the filming of the hobbit films! And where Bilbo Baggins and Frodo live! ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Enjoy a complimentary drink in the Green Dragon at the end of your tour. This is a small group tour with your personal driver guide for the day! This allows for a more intimate and personal experience!

Discover Rotorua’s geothermal sites and Maori traditions on a full-day tour to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia, where you’ll see geysers, mud pools, kiwi birds, and Maori crafts. Combining the two destinations adds a fascinating cultural twist to exploring Rotorua's simmering volcanic landscape, and free time at lunch means you’ll have the flexibility to bring a picnic or choose a restaurant that suits you.

Experience the vibrant New Zealand bush on this unique, thrilling zipline adventure. Get right up into the otherwise-inaccessible canopy of the Bay of Plenty forest, where native birds like tui, robins and plump kereru make their homes, and zip through the native trees to the forest floor. This small-group adventure is a great way to experience New Zealand’s native forests without working up a sweat or waiting in line forever.

Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this 4-hour hike from Rotorua. Travel by off-road 4x4 vehicle into the North Island wilderness with a guide. Follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt Tarawera up to the crater’s edge, and learn all about the mighty volcano’s 1886 eruption. From your vantage point near the crater, admire panoramic views over the geothermal valley of Waimangu. This exciting hiking tour is suited to adventurers of all ages.

Kahukiwi Experiences Phase One is a 3-hour, fully-guided, Māori cultural tour into the heart of Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao.  Guided by a vibrant, passionate guide, guests explore the stunning environment by luxury 4WD, stopping regularly to soak up the views, hear the stories and gain a deeper insight into the cultural and historical significance of this part of Rotorua. Feel the warm, welcoming embrace of Māori culture and discover the true essence of Aotearoa (New Zealand). • Intimate Māori experience in Rotorua • Pick-up and drop off in a luxurious Range Rover Discovery vehicle (from Rotorua accommodation) • Light refreshments • Fun and educational • Perfect for all ages (6+) – Children under 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult • Suitable for all levels of physical ability

Combine the top sights of Rotorua and Te Puia in a single comprehensive day tour from Auckland. Traveling with a guide and following a carefully curated itinerary means you won't miss any of the important sights. Visit the Maori cultural landmarks and geothermal spots of Te Puia, as well as the city sights in Rotorua, accompanied by insightful guided commentary. Round-trip transportation from Auckland means you can focus on the scenery and the experience instead of driving and directions.

Deluxe small group tour from Rotorua with your personal driver guide for the day! Discover and experience, Rotorua's most popular & unique visitor attraction Te Puia with highlights stops along the way. Walk through a landscape, where steam rises all around you, the water boils and geysers erupt high into the air. The mud pools bubble and jump and the earth is heated from geothermal activity under foot. Be in awe as you catch a rare sighting of the Kiwi bird in its nocturnal enclosure. This is the homeland of the Maori people! Listen and learn the history and stories on a fully guided tour, then take your seat to experience and expressive, meaningful cultural show with songs and dance including the world famous Haka. Explore Rotorua's top highlights including The Redwood Forest, Lake Rotorua, the Government Garden, Blue Baths, Rachels spring, Klamath rose gardens, the Museum and Kairua park. A perfect tour for everyone, which offers so much to see and do in just one day.

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.

Even on the cloudiest night, the New Zealand glowworm lights up the darkness in a lucky few spots across the country. This short evening bush-walk departing from Rotorua involves a short drive, a walk through picturesque native bush and the chance to see these increasingly rare creatures. Tack this tour onto the end of a thrilling day in Rotorua instead of hiring a car for an almost two-hour drive west to visit the exceedingly popular Waitomo Caves. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Aotearoa’s unique glowworm habitats.