Geothermal wonders, ancient Māori culture, towering redwoods, and the North Island's most iconic day trips — all from the volcanic heart of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rotorua is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Sitting in the caldera of a massive ancient volcano, this lakeside city is defined by the geothermal forces that constantly reshape its landscape — steaming streets, bubbling parks, and the unmistakable scent of sulfur in the air.
But Rotorua is far more than geysers. It's the cultural heartland of the Te Arawa iwi, home to some of the country's most immersive Māori experiences. It's a base for towering redwood forests, adventure activities, and bucket-list day trips to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Whether you're here for a day or a week, Cooee Tours connects you with the best Rotorua has to offer — small groups, expert local guides, and experiences that go far deeper than the surface.
From volcanic landscapes to ancient forests and living culture, Rotorua offers an extraordinary range of experiences within easy reach.
Erupting geysers, bubbling mud, and vivid mineral pools — visit Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, or Waimangu to witness the raw volcanic forces shaping Rotorua's landscape. Boardwalks make these otherworldly zones accessible for all ages.
Explore geothermal tours →Experience the living heritage of Te Arawa — powerful haka performances, traditional hāngi feasts cooked in the earth, master carving and weaving at Te Puia, and the extraordinary Whakarewarewa village where residents still live alongside active geothermal features.
Cultural experiences →Walk among giants in the Whakarewarewa Forest — towering California redwoods planted over a century ago now reaching 70+ metres. The elevated Redwoods Treewalk and nighttime lantern experience are unforgettable highlights.
Nature experiences →Rotorua sits within a cluster of 18 lakes, many filling ancient volcanic craters. Cruise across Lake Rotorua, visit the stunning Blue and Green Lakes with their contrasting colours, or kayak on crystal-clear Lake Tarawera beneath the towering mountain.
Rotorua is New Zealand's adventure capital: luge rides down the mountain, white-water rafting through volcanic gorges, zorbing across hillsides, and mountain biking trails through native bush. The Skyline Gondola provides panoramic views over the lakes and city.
Soak in naturally heated mineral waters at the Polynesian Spa on the lake's edge, or discover hidden free hot springs at Kerosene Creek and Hot Water Beach (Lake Tarawera). Geothermally heated pools have been used for relaxation here for centuries.
Rotorua's central North Island location makes it the perfect base for iconic side trips — each one deserving a spot on your bucket list.
~2 hours from Rotorua
Glide by boat through an underground cathedral illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms — Arachnocampa luminosa, found only in New Zealand. The cave's limestone formations and living constellations create one of the country's most magical experiences.
View Waitomo tours →~1 hour from Rotorua
Step into Middle-earth at the original Hobbiton film set in Matamata. Wander past 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree on the rolling Waikato farmland that Peter Jackson chose for Tolkien's Shire. A must for any fan.
View Hobbiton tours →~1 hour from Rotorua
Visit New Zealand's most-visited natural attraction: Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and explodes in a turquoise torrent. Continue to the shores of Lake Taupō, the largest lake in Australasia, for stunning volcanic views.
View Taupō day trips →While geothermal wonders headline Rotorua, the surrounding landscape offers a wealth of outdoor experiences — from tranquil lake cruises to adrenaline-charged activities in ancient forests.
Walk 12 metres above the forest floor on suspended bridges between century-old redwood trees. At night, the Nightlights experience transforms the canopy with lanterns and sound installations.
Ride the gondola for 360° views over Lake Rotorua and the volcanic plateau, then race down three luge tracks — family-friendly fun with serious scenery.
Kayak or cruise on crystal-clear water beneath Mount Tarawera, the volcano whose 1886 eruption reshaped the region. Hot springs bubble at the lake's edge — accessible only by water.
Rotorua is New Zealand's mountain biking capital. The Whakarewarewa Forest trail network offers over 100km of purpose-built tracks for beginners through to experts, winding through redwoods and native bush.
Here's how a typical full-day Rotorua experience unfolds with Cooee Tours — flexible, unhurried, and packed with highlights.
We collect you from your Rotorua accommodation and set off with a scenic introduction to the region — passing Lake Rotorua and through the geothermal outskirts where steam rises from suburban gardens.
Explore Te Puia's geothermal valley — witness Pohutu Geyser erupting, walk alongside bubbling mud pools, and visit the kiwi conservation house. Your guide shares the geology and Māori significance of each feature.
Watch master carvers and weavers at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, followed by a powerful cultural performance with haka, waiata, and poi — an authentic encounter with Te Arawa heritage.
Enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Rotorua (own expense or hāngi lunch option). Time to relax, take photos, and soak in the lakefront atmosphere.
Choose your afternoon: the vivid mineral pools and Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu, or a walk among the towering redwoods — two very different but equally stunning experiences.
Return to Rotorua with an optional stop at the Polynesian Spa for a soak in naturally heated mineral pools overlooking the lake — the perfect end to a day spent exploring volcanic wonders.
We don't just take you to the sights — we connect you with the stories, science, and people that make Rotorua extraordinary.
Maximum 16 guests per tour for personal attention, flexible pacing, and a more intimate experience at every stop.
Guides who live in the region share insider knowledge, Māori cultural context, and geological science you won't find in a guidebook.
Full-day, half-day, and multi-day options. Combine Rotorua with Waitomo, Hobbiton, or Taupō for a customised North Island experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off included. Comfortable transport, all entry fees handled, and no logistics to worry about.
Common questions from visitors planning their Rotorua experience. Can't find what you need? Get in touch — we're happy to help with planning.
Two to three days lets you cover the main geothermal parks, a Māori cultural experience, and a day trip to either Waitomo or Hobbiton. With four or more days you can add the Redwoods, lakes, adventure activities, and a Taupō excursion. Even a single full day with Cooee Tours covers an impressive amount.
Absolutely. Waitomo is roughly 2 hours' drive from Rotorua. Our guided day tours depart in the morning, spend 2–3 hours at the caves, and return by late afternoon. We also offer combo tours that pair Waitomo with a Hobbiton visit on the same day.
One of the best family destinations in New Zealand. Kids are captivated by bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. The Skyline luge, Rainbow Springs kiwi encounter, and Redwoods Treewalk are all big hits with younger visitors. Well-maintained boardwalks are pushchair-friendly on main routes.
Rotorua's distinctive sulfur scent comes from hydrogen sulfide gas — a by-product of geothermal activity. It's strongest near active features and in the parks. Most visitors adjust within 15–20 minutes and barely notice it afterward. The wider town has a milder aroma. Locals affectionately call it "Sulphur City."
Geothermal parks are actually more dramatic in rain or cool weather — steam effects are significantly more impressive. All parks have boardwalked paths that remain walkable. We provide rain covers on our vehicles and tours run in all weather. Waitomo Caves are underground and unaffected by conditions above.
All our Rotorua tours include hotel pickup/drop-off, comfortable transport, an expert local guide, and all park entry fees. Lunch is at your own expense unless a hāngi meal option is selected. Camera, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure are all you need to bring.
"Our Rotorua day was the highlight of two weeks in NZ. Te Puia was incredible, the Māori performance brought me to tears, and our guide's knowledge of the geology and culture was outstanding."
Brisbane, Australia
"We did the Rotorua + Waitomo combo and it was worth every minute. The glowworm caves were pure magic, and Wai-O-Tapu's colours are something you have to see in person to believe. Small group made all the difference."
Vancouver, Canada
"Travelled with our three kids and every single one of them loved it. The mud pools were a huge hit and the luge at Skyline had them screaming with joy. Cooee handled all the logistics perfectly."
Auckland, New Zealand
From erupting geysers to glowworm caves, Rotorua delivers experiences you'll never forget. Let Cooee Tours handle the details while you soak it all in.