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Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Valley, & Hot River

10 Reviews 4.70 out of 5 stars Based on 10 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 90% of reviewers
90% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Tauranga, New Zealand
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from $151.35 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
6 to 8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm (we will confirm with you prior).

Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand, extending over 18-sq. km.

TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Guide
  • Lunch
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

2 Salisbury Avenue
Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

This will be a very colorful day to remember so have your cameras charged and ready…As we depart Tauranga, our journey through to Wai-o-tapu will take approx 1.5 hrs, so sit back and enjoy the ride, snacks and soft drinks (all inclusive) as you take in the beautiful Aotearoa scenery. Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, is named as "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" Thousands of years in the making. Unique features include the world famous Champagne Pool naturally coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am to heights of up to 20meters. The Visitor Centre has a wide range of souvenirs and a cafe where you can purchase food, drinks etc.On our leisurely drive back to your ship, you will have time to peruse the many photos from your day full of glorious colour.We will have you back at your ship at the Port of Tauranga 2 hrs prior to your sailing time.​
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Known to locals simply as ‘The Redwoods’, the 55,000ha Whakarewarewa Forest is a playground for mountain bikers, walkers, hikers and horse riders set amongst magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest and exotic trees.The Redwood Memorial Grove was planted in 1901, dedicated to the memory of the men of the New Zealand Forest Service who dies in the two World Wars. These iconic trees tower above you at approximately 67 metres (219 feet) tall providing incredible photo opportunities. This easy short walk also features a boardwalk over an old thermal pond, home to unique aquatic plant life.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sulphur Point

TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Located at the southern end of Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Bay is a perfect example of Rotorua's famous geothermal environment.The constantly changing landscape around the bay has everything visitors to Rotorua could wish for. Silica flats, rocky terraces, and sulphur ledges sit alongside active boiling mud pools and steam vents. Even the water is interesting, its milky colour the result of sulphur particles that are suspended in the water.The bay's closeness to feeding grounds and the warmth generated by the geothermal activity, means the area attracts many native birds. Fans of bird watching can spot around 60 different species here including the banded dotterel, the scaup, and three types of gull in this protected wildlife reserve.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Government Gardens

TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Beautiful and spacious gardens near the centre of Rotorua. The Government Gardens offer a bowling club, petanque, croquet and a golf course.Within the gardens, you'll also come across various points of interest that include the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, a number of geothermal features and the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole. The beautifully maintained gardens are a short walk to Lake Rotorua, the town centre and the wildlife refuge of Sulphur Bay.The land is one of legend and historical importance to the local Maori people, with a number of significant battles having taken place. The original Maori owners gifted the 50 acres of land in the late nineteenth century for 'the benefit of the people of the world'.The Government Gardens is also home to the Rotorua Museum , Polynesian Spa and the Blue Baths. The restored Blue Baths offer the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the warm waters and relax in an architecturally stunning building.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Comfortable footwear is recommended
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Valley, & Hot River?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5546412P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.70
10 reviews

Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
9
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Valley, & Hot River?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks.
  • Bottled water.
  • Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Valley, & Hot River is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Valley, & Hot River will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Guide
  • Lunch

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Comfortable footwear is recommended
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name