Rotorua Wildlife Tours

Thousands of Years in the Making a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an 18-sq. km active geothermal park at the northern perimeter of the Reporoa Caldera (a collapsed volcanic crater) formed 230,000 years ago within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The ‘wow’ factor is much in evidence at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the place we love to share with visitors from all corners of the globe. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland ‘one of the most surreal places on earth’ so naturally it’s high on the list of Rotorua’s must-see attractions. A place to marvel at nature’s artistic splendour, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is also committed to providing a safe visitor experience.

Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle Earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill, and many other structures from the movies. You will also be able to venture beyond the door into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior on Bagshot Row. Then enjoy a tasty lunch at The Party Marquee before making your way back to Rotorua.

Rotorua Canopy Tours is unlike any other zipline experience and it’s more than just epic ziplines! At the heart of it all, it’s about people. We create unforgettable, world-class adventures that connect you to nature, to others, and to something bigger. Perfect for families, couples, and groups of all ages to share together. Voted New Zealand’s Best Experience 2025 & 2024 by TripAdvisor travelers Multi-award-winning and among the world’s top nature experiences Set in a rare 1,000yr old native forest, home to ancient trees and rare wildlife Includes 6 thrilling ziplines (up to 60km/h) and suspended swing bridges over the canopy Stay up in tree-top platforms for most of the experience Free digital photos, return transport, and wet weather gear included Close encounters with rare native birds Every booking supports an active forest restoration project We are a passionate, caring team that cares about our culture and wellbeing

Discover Rotorua on a unique 90-105 minute sightseeing adventure on-board a WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water! Our tours leave at regular intervals from a central city location and explore Rotorua's most stunning scenery. We have 18 lakes in the Rotorua region all set within lush native New Zealand bush. Our tours are fully guided as well with our tour guides covering everything from Maori migration, geothermal history, history of Rotorua and much more.

***ALL OUR TOURS START & END TO FIT THE CRUISE SHIPS' ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES*** Rotorua is the 2nd most visited city in New Zealand by all tourists. As you only have a small window of opportunity to visit we have created an itinerary to showcase some of what we think makes this place so special. The two main interests which make people visit is Maori Culture & Geothermal Activity. This tour showcases the area where your ship is docked (Mount Maunganui) before we depart for the city of Rotorua. Enroute we showcase all which creates the namesake of the Bay of Plenty. Arriving at Rotorua's only Living Maori Village of its kind - Whakarewarewa - you will receive a traditional welcome and invited by a local to join them on a guided tour of this unique place. A village which lives on top of an active geothermal valley and has learnt to harness the powers of mother nature to aid their daily living needs for 100's of year. See geysers, steaming fumaroles , bubbling hot pools and much more.

Redwoods Altitude is designed to showcase even more of the spectacular Redwoods Forest. From 25 metres up, you will be guided on an exhilarating journey along 25 Indiana Jones style jungle bridges! Using a continuous safety system, our professional guides will lead you around the 650 metre loop, ensuring your safety and comfort. Join us as we share local knowledge and stories about the Redwood Forest history, native flora and fauna and Māori legends. Please allow 2-hours for the entire Altitude experience. Plus, entry to our new Redwoods Altitude eco-cave.

Hop into the saddle and experience the best of New Zealand’s great outdoors on this 1 hour horse trekking adventure from Rotorua. Choose the start time to suit your schedule, then follow a guide on horseback into the countryside around Mt. Ngongotaha. Explore green paddocks and working farmland, and enjoy fine views over Lake Rotorua in the distance. This tour includes all safety gear plus wet weather gear if raining. Riders must be 12 years old minimum. There is a maximum weight limit of 100kgs for the rider. Enclosed shoes are required for ride.

Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance. This exhilarating combo extends on from our Te Rā experience by adding a captivating cultural performance in our beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka. The Te Rā guided experience features a 90-minute tour through our geothermal valley, where you’ll visit the Pōhutu Geyser, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Along the way, our knowledgeable kaiārahi (guides) will share their Māori traditions, heritage, and ancestral stories, offering unique insights into our rich culture.

Enjoy a spectacular tour with our experienced guides and learn about the history of our Spirit Mountain, Mount Ngongotaha.  Our guides are passionate about the environment, Rotorua and Maori history, culture & legends associated with the mountain.  Your tour takes you over 100 year old forestry trails through the spectacular New Zealand native bush.  The tour takes approximately 1 hour with the highlight being able to reach the highest lookout in Rotorua with spectacular views over Lake Rotorua.

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the best way to appreciate the scenery of the Rotorua lakes district and learn more about the history of the land, the people, and the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. This unique 120 minute fully guided adventure takes place on land and water on-board in a genuine WWII Amphibious Duck. Visit 4 of Rotorua's stunning lakes and travel on 3 with the highlight being the stunning Lake Tarawera at the base of the mighty Mt Tarawera. Comfortable seating for all and great for families, couples and single travelers wanting to learn about our rich history and view natural landscapes. We pride ourselves on having tour guides that are highly knowledgeable and engaging. Our tours are done in a small group environment.

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Auckland to Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia in Rotorua, where natural wonders and cultural experiences await. Witness the surreal landscape of Wai-O-Tapu's geothermal area, shaped by volcanic forces over millennia, featuring colorful hot springs and the famous Lady Knox Geyser. Then, immerse yourself in the rich Māori heritage at Te Puia, where you can explore geothermal marvels, witness powerful geysers, and enjoy traditional cultural performances. Ideal for adventure seekers and families looking for both natural wonders and cultural discovery, this tour promises a day of exploration and inspiration.

What finer way to see Glowworms than in a Big Kanu. Paddle together through the calm waters of Lake Rotoiti along the shore line.

The ultimate Redwoods experience - Altitude + Nightlights Fast Pass + daytime Treewalk + Glowworms (Treewalk and Glowworm entries can be used within 3 days of your Altitude tour).

Arriving in Rotorua later in the day? No problem! Discover the region's stunning lakes and experience the incredible Te Puia Maori cultural attraction on this half-day, small-group afternoon tour. We'll pick you up from your Rotorua accommodation between 1:00 PM and 1:15 PM. At Te Puia, you'll enjoy a guided tour through its highlights, including the renowned woodcarving school, the art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, a traditional weaving display, and the Kiwi House. Witness the magnificent Pōhutu Geyser erupting in person! Spend your afternoon soaking in Rotorua's scenic beauty with a relaxing 60-minute drive around its most picturesque spots. You'll return to your city accommodation around 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM.

Start your Rotorua adventure with an unforgettable visit to a Māori village, where you'll be fully immersed in the vibrant culture and awe-inspiring geothermal wonders. Engage with the local community, experience traditional performances, and explore the unique landscape of bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. After this enriching cultural experience, the afternoon is yours to tailor to your interests. Choose from a variety of exciting activities, such as relaxing in natural geothermal spas, exploring the colorful geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu (additional 30km from Rotorua), or taking a serene walk through the majestic Redwoods Forest. Whatever your preference, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and personalized adventure. Please note that due to time constraints, only one additional activity can be selected for the afternoon.