Rotorua

Day Trips

Our most recommended Rotorua Day Trips

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  1. Rotorua: Local Birdwatching Full-day Tour

  Depending on the wishes of the group, you will set off either to see shorebird or forest birds in their natural habitats.  The forest bird watching experience will take place in Whirinaki Forest, among tall 1000-year-old trees. Come face to face with rare and endangered New Zealand birds including the North Island parrot, yellow-crowned parakeet, North Island robin, New Zealand falcon, blue duck, long tailed cuckoo, wood pigeon and more.  If your group chooses the shorebird experience, you will head to different sites spread around the Bay of Plenty. You will see New Zealand dotterels, royal spoonbills, white-fronted terns, various cormorants, and many more.

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  2. Rotorua Forest 3-Hour Zipline Canopy Tour

  Join in a small-group zipline tour that will have you soaring through Rotorua's forest canopy. Switch between the six zipline cables suspended 22-meters above the ground and see the forest from a different perspective!  When you arrive at the base, you'll receive a warm welcome from the front office team. Check-in and meet your down-to-earth highly experienced kiwi guides who will kit you out with all necessary equipment for the day's weather. A quick 10-minute van ride and you'll arrive at the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve.  Your guides will share fascinating New Zealand eco-tour knowledge with your group, which is limited to just 10 people. At the first platform after a safety briefing, you’ll be off, exploring the native forest on 1.2 km network of Rotorua ziplines, swing bridges and treetop platforms. In total there are 6 ziplines totalling more than 650 meters, the highlight for most...

  A must do, excellent experience and so much fun. Way out of my comfort zone but I would do it again. Awesome guides thank you Matt, Paul and Scott.

  Reviewed by Shirley, 10/16/2020
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  3. White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

  Take to the skies to admire the marine volcano of White Island from above. Your friendly and professional crew will keep you thoroughly entertained throughout your experience. You’ll receive a flight and safety briefing before heading out onto the tarmac to your aircraft. Be sure to bring your camera, as everyone gets a window seat. Enjoy fantastic views as your enthusiastic pilot shares local insights. Fly over the township of Whakatane before heading offshore over Moutohora (Whale) Island, an extinct volcano that is now a wildlife refuge. Continue on to White Island, keeping a lookout for a bird's eye views of dolphins and large schools of fish. During several turns around the island, you’ll have the opportunity to see the volcano from all angles and shoot plenty of stunning photos. You’ll get closer each time and the pilot will dip the wing for uninterrupted views. Your pilot will g...

  Beautiful weather and excellent commentary from pilot Jo. Very professional and gave us plenty of time for close up look at Whakarri [White Is] and Whale Island. Best viewing for photos probably from the rear seats. Interior of plane warmed by heater. Very comfortable

  Reviewed by , 8/3/2020
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  4. Auckland: Hobbiton, Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu Day Tour

  The tour starts with pickup from Auckland city, where the adventure begins as you drive through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to Hobbiton. Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of the photo opportunities as you admire the stunning natural landscapes all around of beautiful mountains and farmlands. After the drive, arrive at Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, the entrance to Hobbiton, and marvel at the thousands of sheep that live here. While you’re here, grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or enjoy an ice cream to cool off while your guide collects your tickets to the movie set. Next, hop on board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on your two hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12-acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During y...

  Our guide, Grant, was so full of knowledge!! He not only drove the van, but also was the tour guide. Because we were such a small group, he gave us a lot of individual attention. He was funny, and as hands-on, or hands-off, as we wanted him to be. We had a great time

  Reviewed by Carolyn, 1/7/2020
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  5. From Auckland: Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour with Lunch at Te Puia

  Enjoy the magic of Middle Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set and delight in Maori culture at Te Puia Maori Village in Rotorua on a day tour from Auckland. Travel in comfort with a small group and an experienced local guide in a late-model Mercedes or a similarly configured the vehicle to provide extra leg room and space for your comfort.  After the pick-up from your hotel, journey through gorgeous Waikato scenery to Hobbiton. On arrival, set off on an official 2-hour guided tour through the picturesque twelve-acre site. Learn fascinating details of how a beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth. At the end of your tour, savor a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.  Climb back into the vehicle for the 55-minute drive to Rotorua. Arrive at Te Puia Maori Village where you will have a freshly prepared hangi lunch featuring traditional Maori ...

  Awesome tour for both. Drivers were amazing made the whole tour a seamless experience.

  Reviewed by Michelle, Australia, 4/30/2021
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  6. Rotorua: Ultimate Zipline Forest Canopy Tour

  Take on the Ultimate Canopy Tour for a 3.5-hour zip line experience in Rotorua. Self-drive to a central meeting point or enjoy complimentary pick-up. Check-in and meet your authentic kiwi guides, before you are strapped into your ziplining harness. Climb aboard a scenic shuttle transfer to the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, just 10-minutes away. Step into a lost world and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Journey in small intimate groups, deep into 500-hectares of ancient forest. The experience includes a network of zip lines, suspended swingbridges, spiral staircases, treetop platforms and forest trails. Take on thrilling iconic features including a suspended cliff walkway and 18-meter abseil. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking country. Hear the inimitable bi...

  A great morning out, I like heights so not too much bother there for me, but definitely still enough for a thrill on most of the lines.

  Reviewed by Tracy, 12/30/2020
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  7. From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton and Cave Rafting Day Trip

  Get picked up from your accommodation or an agreed-upon meeting point in Auckland or Rotorua and set off for Hobbiton. Upon arrival, you'll have some time to get something to eat or explore the Shires Rest souvenir shop before joining a two-hour walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, which includes a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.  Transfer to the movie set on one of the tour operator's buses and hear about how this set was used for all filming of both "The Lord of the Rings" and the "The Hobbit" movies. After the tour, take 15 minutes to relax in the Green Dragon Inn before traveling to Waitomo Caves. Between the two stops, you'll have time to enjoy your picnic lunch. At Waitomo Caves, join a group of up to 12 people on the Black Labyrinth tour, which includes cave tubing and caving in the river that runs through the bottom of the Ruakuri Cave. After arriving at the cav...

  Hobbiton was much larger than expected and the tour did not disappoint! Tubing through the gloworms at Waitomo was a great way to see them. The cave river is definitely cold but worth it. Nothing too scary or difficult! The pick up in Royorua and drop off in Auckland was perfect for us! Anne our driver was very knowledgeable about the area even with the detours for roadworks.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, United States, 12/4/2019
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  8. Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour & Activity Add-Ons

  The tour starts with pickup from Auckland city, where the adventure begins as you drive through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to Rotorua. Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of the photo opportunities as you admire the stunning natural landscapes all around of beautiful mountains and farmlands. As you drive, pass through the pass through the unique town of Tirau, the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world, and the stunning Fitzgerald Glade. Upon arrival in Rotorua, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s most famous and historical sites including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs and Polynesian Spa. From here enjoy the option to add on up to two of Rotorua's most popular activities and attractions (additional cost). Please add on the activities or attractions you woul...

  One of the best travel experiences I had. Simon, the tour guide, was fantastic, knew everything about the different spots visited and was very friendly.

  Reviewed by CRISTIAN M, 3/6/2020
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  9. From Auckland: Hobbiton, Rotorua & Waitomo Caves Day Trip

  Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and Waitomo Caves in one day on a fully-guided tour from Auckland. See three of North Island’s iconic sites in one attraction-filled day. Be ready and waiting at your hotel in time for your specified pickup time. Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton through Waikato. On arrival, you’ll be guided through the picturesque twelve-acre site and given fascinating details of how the movie set was created. The official tour concludes with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Climb back into the vehicle for the approximately 55-minute drive to Rotorua where you will spend around 1.5-hours.  Arrive at Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where you’ll have lunch. Te Puia is home to the Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, the Kiwi bird, and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone ...

  The driver cum guide , Ron, was punctual to pick up at my hotel. Had an enjoyable tour with clear explanation

  Reviewed by Abdul, Malaysia, 1/28/2020
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  10. Rotorua: Mount Tarawera Volcanic Crater Half-Day Guided Walk

  Start your 4-hour adventure with pickup from your hotel, where you'll meet your friendly local guide and fellow passengers. Journey out of Rotorua toward the base of Mt Tarawera. Throughout the day, your guide will share the history of Mount Tarawera's eruption as well as local myths and legends.  On arrival at the mountain base, begin the ascent to the crater's edge in an off-road 4x4 vehicle up through native bushland. After a quick stop at the solar-powered mountain base, continue up to the beginning of the track. Your guide will share Maori prayer, Karakia, before you start your hike up to the summit. Admire stunning scenic vistas and 360-degree panoramic views as you enjoy the hike up. At the summit, you can leap down into the heart of the volcanic crater for a fun and short run.

  Our tour was fantastic, from the moment we stepped onto the bus. From the awe-inspiring vista, to the knowledgable, passionate guardians of the land, we will treasure the memories forever.

  Reviewed by Kylie, 4/17/2021