The 5 Best Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Auckland

1.Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 681 reviews · from $253Our pick

Travel from Auckland with a guide such as Ben, Matt, Simon, or Jeoff to Waitomo’s glowworm caves and Rotorua’s Te Puia geothermal park. Expect cave formations, an underground boat ride, Māori culture, Pōhutu Geyser, kiwi encounters, snacks, and a long but scenic day on the road.

“Thank you Cheeky Matt!!! The day was phenomenal. The drive is filled with beautiful scenery, got to try some delicious meat pies, saw some glow worms (definitely a must see). Went to the Te Puia Center that was filled with so much to see and learn about. The guide that took us in Te Puia was very knowledgable and truly made the whole experience. Hearing him speak in his native tongue teaching us of the land was very much informative. If you have the time you should definitely do this tour. Our driver Matt was a delight and was very knowledgeable about NZ as well as other things to do…”

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2.Auckland: Hobbiton, Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 458 reviews · 9 - 13 hours · from $256

Travel from Auckland through the Waikato countryside to Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Wai-O-Tapu. Expect a long but well-paced day in a comfortable minibus, with guides such as Alfredo, Aled, Grant, and John adding local stories, snacks, water, and useful tips.

“The Hobbinton, Rotoura and Wai-O-Tapu day tour was an absolute joy to discover what New Zealand nature is able to do. Grant, the guide tour, was very informative and kind, making sure the whole experience was pleasant for us, including stories, anecdotes and historical figures of NZ, making the journey smoothly and engaging. A definitely must tour guide to book. Guillermo, from Spain”

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3.Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu – Small Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 450 reviews · from $266Top rated

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for a small-group trip to Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu. Guides such as Simon, Mike, John, and Alessandro add local stories along the road. Expect a full day, two major attractions, countryside views, snacks, water, and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

“I didn't know we as 3 adults would like the Hobiton experience as much as we did. The countryside through the entire trip was beautiful. Our hike around Rotorua made it a day to remeber.”

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4.Rotorua Highlights Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 373 reviews · from $214Best value

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua in a small group of up to 15 people, with hotel pickup, snacks, and a guide such as Grant, John, Simon, or Hanoz. Choose up to two activities, including Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Polynesian Spa, Redwoods, or Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

“Hanoz was an outstanding tourist guide. He was polite, funny and made sure everyone had a great time. He explained us a lot about different sides along the road. He is a plus for your company.”

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5.From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 281 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $286

Travel with FlexiToursNZ in a small vehicle of no more than 12 people, visiting Hobbiton’s film set and Waitomo’s glowworm cave. You’ll enjoy a guided set walk, Green Dragon drink, buffet lunch, and a silent boat ride beneath the glowworms, with guides such as Pete, Peter, Chris, or Herms depending on the day.

“A brilliant day out. Even for somebody who is not particularly a Lord of the Rings fan, Hobbiton is a magical place. The buffet lunch was exceptionally good, with lots of variety. Also enjoyed the visit to the glow worm caves. The guides in both places were excellent. Thoroughly recommend this trip.”

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