Volcano Days · NEW ZEALAND VOLCANO TOURS

The 15 Best Volcano Tours in New Zealand

66 tours  ·  from $26 a head

Rotorua's geysers and mud pools, the Tongariro cones, White Island from the air. These 15 cover the geothermal parks, the alpine crossings and the Maori-led visits, with grades, transfers and closure rules.

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure - The guides set the tone
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours, Zip Lines

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

1.Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,563 reviews · from $123Our pick

Join local guides such as Josh, Dylan, Travis, or Vincent for a 2.5-hour zipline journey through Rotorua’s 1,000-year-old native forest. Expect safety training, forest stories, high bridges, multiple ziplines, free digital photos, and wet-weather gear when needed.

“Excellent morning with great new friends and really friendly and fun staff. Great variety of runs through the canopy of a virgin forest. Highly recommend.”

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Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket - Walking the three Wai-O-Tapu trails
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

2.Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,601 reviews · 3 months · from $28Best value

Walk Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland at your own pace, seeing Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Bath, bubbling mud, and native bush. Plan to reach Lady Knox Geyser by 10:15am for the daily eruption, then return to the park’s three trails, café, and visitor facilities.

“the whole experience was very good. saw lady know geyser at 10.15. parking well organised and easy. made our way to Wai o Tapo entrance- again plenty of parking. Food Hall had good selection of refreshments. shop had nice bits but would have loved to purchase posters of main sights to go on our walls at home. self guided around park. it's worth doing all 3 walks as views and Geothermal sights were amazing. took us 3 hours but we took our time. Definitely one to do if you're in New Zealand.”

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Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk - The cliff walk and floating staircase add real variety
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours, Walking Tours, Zip Lines

Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

3.Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,557 reviews · from $166

Spend about three hours with Rotorua Canopy Tours flying across six ziplines, including a 400m tandem line reaching up to 80 km/h. Guides such as Jacob, Reuben, Mitch, and Nina combine careful safety work with forest stories, while free photos, warm gear, and a central Rotorua shuttle add real value.

“It's a very hood zip line experience and a great way to overcome your fear of heights. Our guys Mitch and Dylan were amazing, they give you confidence to do these things.”

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Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna - The first rapids build your confidence
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

4.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83

Take on the Kaituna River with an expert guide, full rafting gear, and no prior experience required. You will handle Grade 5 rapids, pass three waterfalls, and raft over the 7-meter Tutea Falls. The trip includes a free sauna, with guides such as George, Lucas, and Tor praised for clear instruction and lively leadership.

“Me and my partner (who can't swim) decided to to take the plunge (pun intended) and it was something we will never forget! We couldn't wipe the smiles of our faces. The guides were fun, experienced and true rafting professionals. We never once felt uneasy and were felt safe in their hands. A MUST DO!”

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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo - Surfing the Nga Awa Purua rapids
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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

5.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89

Ride with Rapids Jet from Aratiatia Scenic Reserve near Taupo for a fast 35-minute run on the Waikato River. Your guide handles the 550-horsepower boat through the Nga Awa Purua rapids, narrow canyons, spins, and pressure waves, with commentary on local wildlife, films, and history. The boat holds up to 11 people.

“Found Rapids Jet last year and had the most incredible time. This was a return visit and it was even better than before. Well organised and Shannon was a very skilled, knowledgable and funny! Can’t recommend this enough!”

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Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua - The bush walk, Fairy Spring, and glowworms
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Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

6.Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,294 reviews · from $104

Spend an evening at Mitai Māori Village with round-trip Rotorua transport, a welcome in a sacred bush setting, a waka canoe arrival, Māori songs and haka, a short glowworm walk, and a buffet hangi dinner. Choose from eight languages when booking. Expect some steps, uneven ground, and a large group.

“Good shows and very informative. Funny and very family friendly. Food is amazing and dessert amazing”

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Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings - Leaving Taupō Marina aboard Fearless
Cruises & Boat Tours, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Sailing, Taupo Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

7.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Set out from Taupō Marina for 2.5 hours aboard Fearless, a classic sailing yacht, or a catamaran when conditions require it. Hear local stories from guides such as Aaron, Liam, or Danny, view the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carving, swim in clear lake water, and enjoy a complimentary drink.

“We had a wonderful cruise with great captain and crew who gave us their undivided attention because we happened to be the only 2 people booked on our cruise! It was smooth with no wind which meant only one sail was up for a short time, but this didnt spoil the fabulous experience on Lake Taupo. We learnt so much about the lake and also the town”

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Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience - From Rotorua accommodation to the Kahikatea Forest
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

8.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a guided Kaituna River rafting trip from Rotorua. Expect 14 rapids, three waterfalls, and a thrilling run over 7-meter Tutea Falls. Guides such as Aoife, Jack, Kyle, and Ben help first-timers feel prepared, while Māori ideas of kaitiakitanga give the trip a strong local sense of place.

“They provide a fantastic experience at a very reasonable price. You can buy pictures at the end for a low cost as well. Loved it!”

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Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner - Getting there from Rotorua
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

9.Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,193 reviews · 3h 30m · from $167

Spend 210 minutes at Te Pā Tū, 12km south of Rotorua, with a welcoming ceremony, Māori songs, haka, poi and stick activities, forest canapés, and a four-course seasonal feast. English-speaking guides lead the evening, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Truly an exellent Maori cultural feast! the village experience, the singing, the food, the haka!!....everything was top notch. You could feel the love and welcoming vibe throughout the entire night. Thank you for sharing your culture with us. It was truly worth every dollar spent!”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - Walking through Rotorua’s most active thermal area
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, Guided, Massage & Relaxation, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours, Walking Tours

Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

10.Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,140 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

At Hell’s Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you walk a geothermal route with a map or guide, then enjoy a 20-minute mud bath, sulphur spa, cool plunge pool, and Māori carving. Guides such as Liam, Tee, Zia, and Ngati add cultural stories and humor.

“The tour was amazing. The guide was amazing, so was the activities and the entire experience.”

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Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise - The 12-kilometer route along Mercury Bay
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Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

11.Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 816 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

From Whitianga Wharf, you’ll spend two hours close to Mercury Bay’s volcanic coast, visiting Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay, sea caves, beaches, and rock formations. Guides such as Sam and Justin add clear stories, local history, and wildlife tips from a comfortable covered boat.

“Sam was our captain of the boat and our tour guide. Both jobs she did extremely welll with a lot of knowledge , she was polite and had a good sense of humor.”

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From Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch - Arriving at Hobbiton and getting your bearings
Geothermal Parks & Geysers, Geothermal Parks and Geysers in Rotorua, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Rotorua Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours

From Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch

12.From Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 765 reviews · 6h 30m · from $182

Travel from Rotorua across the Mamaku Ranges to Hobbiton with an entertaining English-speaking driver and a guided walk through the 12-acre Shire. See Hobbit holes, the Mill, bridge, Party Tree, and Green Dragon Inn, then enjoy a festive buffet lunch.

“This was a magical experience that was made even better by the really friendly guides and drivers. The coach driver Hannah was very entertaining and had great energy. Thank you :)”

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Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience - The 30-minute ride, from launch to Huka Falls
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Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

13.Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Hold on for a 30-minute Hukafalls Jet ride along the Waikato River, reaching 80 km/h and finishing at the base of Huka Falls. Your local driver handles the spins and commentary, with guides such as Scott, Ricki, Chopper, and Tee praised for their skill and humor. Expect spray, speed, and a very close look at the falls.

“fantastic ride . Ricky our driver was brilliant got us really close to the falls . Also the 360s were great fun”

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Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures - A safety briefing that earns its place
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Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

14.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a guided Kaituna River rafting trip from Rotorua. After a safety briefing and full gear fitting, paddle through 14 rapids and over 7-metre Tutea Falls with guides such as Jack, Ben, Hudson, or Reiya. Pickup from central Rotorua hotels is offered, and photos are available after the run.

“We had such a wonderful experience! The staff picked us up from our hostel and took us back. We came, we rafted, we conquered! The staff makes you feel like part of the group and I appreciate the hospitality! Big shout out to our guides for making the experience great, Deborah, reiya, yonexsi, and manaaki were awesome! Highly recommend this excursion.”

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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo - A quiet ride aboard a small electric yacht
Cruises & Boat Tours, New Zealand Volcano Tours, Sailing, Taupo Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews

Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

15.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33

Sail from Taupō with Chris or Pete aboard a small eco-friendly electric yacht, then reach the 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings by water. The 2.5-hour cruise includes lake stories, volcano views, a complimentary drink, and time for a swim in warm weather.

“This trip is a super relaxing and cost effective way to see the beautiful rock carvings on Lake Taupo. Chris is a very engaging captain and host, hugely knowledgeable and passionate (about sailing as much as the lake and Māori culture). If it’s sunny in Taupo, this is a must do.”

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New in New Zealand Volcano Tours

★ 4.4Akaroa: Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour-Lava LoopFrom $10417 reviews
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★ 5.0Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano LandingFrom $41740 reviews
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★ 4.5Rotorua Geothermal Living Maori Village Tour Whakarewarewa 6.5hours TourFrom $166145 reviews
★ 5.0Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Departs TaurangaFrom $166123 reviews
★ 5.0Rotorua: Nocturnal Glow-Worm Adventure Tour with a GuideFrom $74271 reviews
★ 4.8Rotorua: Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the AgrodomeFrom $38270 reviews
★ 4.56.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion – TaurangaFrom $135283 reviews
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