Rotorua Tours

We offer a curated selection of Rotorua day tours from Auckland, featuring highlights like Te Puia and Polynesian Spa, Wai-O-Tapu and Redwoods Treewalk, or full the ultimate forest bathing retreat – Secret Spot Hot Tubs and Redwoods Treewalk.

Already in Rotorua? Explore immersive local experiences such as Redwoods Adventure Combo, Ōkere Forest Zipline and the Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour – all led by experienced local guides who bring each place to life.

The drive from Auckland to Rotorua takes approximately 2.5 hours each way (226 kilometres or 140 miles). If you’re joining a guided small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua bookable via Retreats Abroad, the journey may take a little longer to allow for scenic stops in the Waikato region and the charming township of Tirau.

Absolutely! At Retreats Abroad, we offer convenient day tours from Auckland to Rotorua – perfect for travellers short on time but eager to experience the region’s geothermal wonders, Māori culture, natural beauty and wellness experiences. These tours offer:

• Comfortable return transport from Auckland
• Scenic stops in the Waikato countryside and Tirau
• Entry to top attractions like Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Polynesian Spa, Redwoods Treewalk or Secret Spot Hot Tubs

This is the ideal option to explore Rotorua in a day, without the stress of driving or planning.

At Retreats Abroad, our fully guided day tours from Auckland to Rotorua are designed for comfort and flexibility – but packing the right essentials will help you get the most out of your experience.

Whether you’re soaking in geothermal hot pools, exploring cultural sites like Te Puia, or walking through the Redwoods Treewalk, here’s what we recommend you bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes – for geothermal paths, forest boardwalks and scenic stops
• Weather-appropriate layers – Rotorua’s climate can shift throughout the day
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella – showers are possible year-round
• Reusable water bottle – to stay hydrated throughout the journey
• Sun protection – sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, especially in summer
• Phone or camera – for capturing geysers, Māori cultural experiences and Redwood views

If your tour includes spa or hot tub stops (e.g. Polynesian Spa or Secret Spot Hot Tubs):

• Swimwear
• Towel

At Secret Spot Hot Tubs, towels and swimwear can be hired at reception for NZ$5 each if you don’t have your own.

At Polynesian Spa, towels and lockers are included with entry to the Deluxe Lake Spa Pool – featured in our Te Puia and Polynesian day tour from Auckland so no need to bring your own towel for that area.

Other useful items:

• Small daypack or backpack – to keep your hands free and organised
• Light snacks – we include snacks and food stops, but snacks are great between activities
• Power bank – especially if you plan to take lots of photos

Expert Tip: Rotorua has a sulphur-rich geothermal environment – avoid wearing delicate jewellery or clothing that may react to the natural minerals.

Yes! Retreats Abroad offers expertly crafted combined day tours from Auckland that let you explore Rotorua alongside either Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves – each including top local highlights.

• Hobbiton + Rotorua Tour From Auckland: Visit the enchanting Hobbiton movie set for a magical Middle-earth experience, before heading to Rotorua’s spectacular Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park. There is also the option to book a day tour from Auckland including Hobbiton + Living Māori Village in Rotorua.
• Rotorua + Waitomo Caves Tour: Journey to Waitomo to explore the famous glowworm caves, then experience Rotorua’s rich Māori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia. 

Both fully-guided small group tours are designed for a seamless, full-day adventure packed with unforgettable sights and experiences, ideal for travellers wanting to see the best of New Zealand’s North Island in one day.

You can easily book carefully curated Rotorua tours online through the Retreats Abroad website, choosing from a variety of small group day tours departing Auckland, as well as thoughtfully designed Rotorua experiences for travellers already in the region.

While Retreats Abroad offers set tour packages, you can inquire about booking a private tour by contacting us directly at hello@retreatabroad.com.

Our Rotorua tours from Auckland offer convenient pick-up from a range of central Auckland hotels. If your accommodation isn’t listed, you can simply select the closest option and meet us there.

If you haven’t confirmed your accommodation yet, we recommend choosing SkyCity Hotel as your temporary pick-up point – this can be updated later once your plans are final.

Please note: We do not offer pick-up from Auckland Airport. The closest available option is The Sebel Auckland Manukau.

Here’s the full list of our current pick-up locations:

• Adina Apartment Hotel
• Copthorne Hotel Auckland
• Cordis Hotel Auckland
• Crowne Plaza Auckland
• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Karaka
• Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
• Grand Millennium Hotel
• Hilton Hotel Auckland
• Ibis Budget Auckland Central
• JW Marriott Auckland
• Kiwi International Hotel
• M Social Hotel
• Mercure Auckland Queen Street
• Movenpick Hotel Auckland
• Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments
• Park Hyatt Auckland
• Pullman Hotel Auckland
• Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland
• Rydges Hotel Auckland
• SkyCity Hotel
• SO/ Auckland
• Sofitel Hotel Auckland
• Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park
• The Grand by SkyCity
• The Sebel Auckland Manukau (closest to Auckland Airport)
• VR Auckland City

Still unsure? Get in touch at hello@retreatsabroad.com and we’ll help you find the most convenient option.