Things to do in Rotorua District, North Island: The Best Cultural Tours

August 26, 2021 Carley Gatson

Discover the best top things to do in Rotorua District, New Zealand including Tauranga Shore Excursion: Maori Geothermal Village & Kiwi Fruit Orchard Tour, Te Puia Geysers, Kiwi bird, Redwood Forest & Highlights Drive: Rotorua Tour, Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens, Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour, Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland , Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert, Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert , Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland , Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights, Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing.
Restaurants in Rotorua District

1. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Maori Geothermal Village & Kiwi Fruit Orchard Tour

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Visit a genuine Maori village! Unique in the world it is the only place in the world where the people live and utilise geothermal activity for there every day cooking and bathing! Ancestor's of the guide have been guiding here for over 130yrs ----------------------- +THIS EXCURSION IS PRE-BOOKED ONLY SO THERE ARE NO SALES ON +THE DAY WAITING FOR OTHER PASSENGERS! +THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES! +INCLUDES CULTURAL SHOW! You will be picked up directly from the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more flexibly & efficiently and enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka, The Redwoods & Kiwi Fruit Orchard, Along with a Sightseeing tour around Rotorua city!

Inclusions: Offical private Maori guide included for your group at Whakarewarewa geothermal valley!, Driver/Tour escort/host, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by modern air-conditioned vehicle, Food tasting at the Kiwi fruit orchard of different types of kiwi fruit products!

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Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

2. Te Puia Geysers, Kiwi bird, Redwood Forest & Highlights Drive: Rotorua Tour

Rotorua, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore a land where steam rises all around you, geysers erupt high into the air, hot mud bubbles and jumps, and the Maori people share their stories from past generations. Enjoy a spine chilling live Haka performance. Be enchanted at the Redwood Forest. This tour is specially designed for guest who only have a short amount of time, and would like to to visit the best, of what Rotorua has to offer, on a fully guided tour. With hotel pick up's and drop off's for more convenience.

Inclusions: Pickup and drop off in Rotorua, Official Professional driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Luxury minivan, Entrance fees & Guided tour

Exclusions: Lunch is not Included

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

3. Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This two day trip covers the most iconic attractions in New Zealand! Ideal for travelers with limited time or as a pre or post cruise ship trip. Do not miss out on this amazing 2 day fully customized luxury adventure! • Pick Up & Drop off at anywhere in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua or Tauranga. • Luxury Mercedes Vehicle • Professional, friendly & knowledgeable tour guide • Admission & Guided Tour Inside Waitomo Glowworm Cave including a Boat Ride. • Admission to Te Puia Geothermal Valley in Rotorua. • 1 Night Accommodation in Rotorua. • Hobbiton Movie Set Admission & Guided Tour. • Complimentary Drink (Alcoholic or Non) at Green Dragon Inn inside Hobbiton Village. • 90min River Cruise at The Hamilton Gardens.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation., GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By AdiS491

The tour of the set was excellent. The place is a well oiled machine from ticket office to bus ride etc. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the movies and all other aspects . The movie set was awesome and the gardens amazing . Even if you’re not a movie buff the experience and sheer brilliance of PJ et al is totally worth it . Having a drink ( free) at the Green Dragon ???? was fantastic.

4. Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour

17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided Tours through New Zealand’s iconic Maori village. Our village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa.

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Reviewed By stut254

The self-guided walk was pretty good but overall we had a sour taste due to the false advertising. The web page for the self-guided walk states that you'll "find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools, Geysers and native manuka bushlands". It also specifically mentions the Pohutu Geyser and has a photo of it. But it turns out the Pohutu Geyser is not included in that tour. Only the more expensive guided tour. So we left disappointed and annoyed. It was the attraction we wanted to see most of all. We noticed a number of people with the yellow self-guided stickers were coming back from the geyser path. They obviously decided to go anyway. But we're the type of people who stick to the rules, even when the rules are wrong. The rest of the attractions were ok and we enjoyed it enough. If they fix up the website then we would've been much happier, or paid more to see the geyser.

5. Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour. Highlights: • Hobbiton Movie Set • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour doesn't rush you, with time and options to add extra activities if you choose. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry tickets - stated activities only, Bottled Water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Taupo

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

6. Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia fully and participate in the activities there, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

7. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

8. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set and the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water, Entry Tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Lunch, unless specified, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

9. Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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4.9 based on 56 reviews

THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES We will meet you at the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more efficiently to enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Explore the Living Maori Village, where you'll hear from a local descendant about Maori history, customs, and craft traditions. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka. We then take a leisurely drive around the highlights of Rotorua, Walk among the giant tree at the Redwood forest a real favourite stop on this tour. Visit the Tudor style design museum, the government gardens, the lake front and a tour through the kiwi fruit orchards to finish.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Entrance Fees

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Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

10. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing

Zealandier Tours
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4.8 based on 91 reviews

Enter a world of hobbits and hot pools when your cruise ship is in port in Tauranga. This shore excursion to Middle Earth takes you on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which featured in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, and witness the astounding thermal activity of spouting geysers and steaming hot springs. If time allows, play dress ups and pose as Bilbo or Gandalf when you stop for an impromptu photo shoot in a lovely redwoods forest. With a maximum of 19 participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks & bottled wwater, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sheree59

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Zealandier Tours were fantastic from start to finish. We booked this tour directly rather than through the cruise ship, and we had inadvertently got the start time wrong from our cruise ship by 1/2 hour, but Jan the director of the company was there to meet us and then drive us to meet the rest of the group at the first stop point - Mossops Honey. I can not speak highly enough of Jan and the way she looked after us and made us feel comfortable and de-stressed the situation. We stopped at McLaren Falls which was a lovely walk in the NZ bush, the driver took pics of everyone in front of the falls - Thanks Then onto Hobbiton - this is amazing in itself and is not to be missed, even if you do not know anything of the movies, the scenery is a photographers paradise - you could not take a bad photo even if you tried - Hobbiton have their own guides that take you through the movie set and you end up in Green Dragons Pub for a drink. The tour then continued back to the ship. I cannot recommend Zealandier tours enough, they are professional and very informative and organised and willing to accommodate any requests. They also get you back to the ship in plenty of time Thanks Jan for your company and service - outstanding

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