Haunting Echoes of the Past and living in harmony with the present from culture rich villages of Rotorua

Tour Duration

13 hours

Tour Summary

Experience an authentic cultural encounter that is rich in history and traditions passed on from generation to generation during this full-day private tour to Rotorua from Auckland, set in a landscape where your senses will come alive. Immerse yourself in our unique Māori culture in the Whakarewarewa village on a guided tour through our real Living Māori Village including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity, to violent and unexpected volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 was New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters. The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is one of New Zealand’s most visited archaeological sites where the stories of Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and share the tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the biggest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, the 30m high Pōhutu geyser.
• Be entertained by an enriching Māori cultural performance by way of a song and dance.
• View the fully carved ancestral meeting house, the great significance in history and traditions of Tuhourangi tribe.
• Discover the vibrancy of Māori culture and their fascinating traditions.
• Walk through boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools.
• Encounter the award-winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition.
• View the extensive collection of excavated objects from the 1800’s.
• Explore the archaeological sites which reveal the devastation.
• Take the beautiful waterfall trail which showcases the stunning Te Wairoa falls.

Journey Inclusions

• Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
• Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland.
• Complimentary refreshments and water onboard.
• Complimentary high-speed internet onboard the minibus.
• A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
• Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation in a minibus.
• Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
• Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.

Tour Inclusions

• Admission to 1-hour guided tour at Whakarewarewa Māori Living Village.
• Admission to Māori Cultural Performance at Whakarewarewa Māori Living Village.
• Hangi Pie Meal at Whakarewarewa Māori Living Village.
• Admission to the self-guided walk at the Buried Village of Te Wairoa.
• Access to Te Wairoa Trail and waterfalls.

Tour Requirements

• Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
• Easy and good fitness level required.
• Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
• This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
• You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.