Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Join a small-group morning tour from Rotorua to explore two top geothermal parks: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Get picked up around 8-8:30 AM. See New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, then enjoy a 1-hour guided walk through Wai-O-Tapu's colorful hot springs.
Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10:15 AM.
Afterward, your guide will explain the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption in Waimangu Volcanic Valley during another 1-hour guided walk through its active hot springs. Have lunch at Waimangu Cafe around 12 PM (30min) before being dropped off by 1pm.
Please note: Lunch is not include in price
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Prepare for a captivating journey to Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the world's most surreal and active geothermal parks, located just 20 minutes from Rotorua CBD. You will be guided through Wai O Tapu for approximately 45-60 minutes to explore its vibrant and unique landscape before we depart for the majestic Lady Knox Geyser.
Lady Knox Geyser
Our journey continues to the Lady Knox Geyser, a true marvel that erupts just once a day, precisely at 10:15 AM. Join us to uncover the fascinating story behind her remarkable punctuality!
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Food and drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
Pickup included
Reviews
347 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do not miss this!
K B,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day! Phil, our tour guide, was so good, very knowledgeable and interesting commentary. The scenery is just stunning. Really enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend 😁
Great tour
Ian L,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Phil was a great driver/guide. We had three distinct activities. Each was great. Phil’s knowledge was huge and he shared it freeway.
Terrific tour! We...
Michele K,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Terrific tour! We learned a lot and laughed a lot with Clint, who gave us so much info about this country and this unique part of the world. Highly recommend!
Great tour!!
Laurie F,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great informative tour. Our guide, Cliint, was very knowledgeable about the history, maori language and culture, geology and botany of the area. This is definitely a worthwhile tour.
Take an umbrella in case...
Caroline M,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take an umbrella in case of rain. Was a fantastic morning, beautiful park and great guide. Sturdy sandals/ shoes would be helpful. Absolutely stunning geothermal park
First day in Rotorua
Treacletoffees,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic experience even in the rain. The guide was superb went at a steady pace and enough explanation for everyone to be included. Was a wonderful morning in Rotorua for us so thank you!
Great tour
Ian R,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good tour. Very friendly guide and very knowledgeable. Got to see a lot and enjoyed the walks along the route
All things thermal with local guide
Jim B,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I did this as a half day trip. On-time hotel pickup. Short drive to the boiling mud pits. Then, to Waimangu Volcanic valley for an hour’s walk. A real variety of thermal wonders. It’s mostly downhill and then meet the on-site bus for a return to our bus. Good discussion of nature with a local guide long connected to the area. Bring a hat. Quick in and out to see the geyser erupt at 10:15 .
Beautiful place, great experience
Grace L,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great time today at Waimangu and Wai O Tapu, the geothermal park is beautiful. Our guide Clint is wonderful, very informative and caring. The whole tour went smoothly with a lot of fun.
Very cool if you think geothermal springs are interesting
Michael H,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I got a chance to do this tour while in Rotorua. You get taken to the major geothermal sites around Rotorua. Our tour guide Clive was great. Very knowledgeable about the sites and provided great general info about New Zealand. Plus since he knows the employees at each site he got us in very quickly everywhere including the Knox geyser which gets very crowded. My kids didn’t care for the sulphur smell but it’s fascinating seeing the geothermal springs up close.
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Operated by Elite Adventures