Geothermal Journey

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua, stopping at the iconic Waitomo Glow Worm Caves along the way. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Glowworm Caves, where you’ll glide by boat through a magical grotto illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. This tour showcases some of the North Island’s most iconic destinations, including Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage. Your unforgettable journey concludes in Rotorua.

Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this package. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk before indulging in their geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.

Experience it all on the ultimate volcanic and geothermal Rotorua tour. Discover vibrant hot springs, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, majestic volcanoes, and lush native forests on this fully guided half-day adventure. Journey through scenic forestry and farmland to Wai-O-Tapu, home to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and a series of dazzling hot springs. Witness the dramatic eruption of the Lady Knox geyser before heading to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Here, your guide will share the fascinating story of the Mt Tarawera eruption that shaped this spectacular geothermal wonderland.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of Rotorua’s stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. The return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to the lakefront pier.

Te Puia welcomes you to explore the magic hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Become face-to-face with the majestic Pōhutu Geyser, the largest naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Feel the thrill as it erupts, sending plumes of steam into the sky. Then, step into the Kiwi Conservation Centre, for a close-up encounter with this rare native species, a symbol of our nation’s unique wildlife. Part of your ticket is donated to support the conservation of the Kiwi in this sanctuary. As you continue through the Te Puia Valley, look upon the dynamic landscape of bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents and feel the power that the land holds. Throughout this, everywhere you look you will see beautifully crafted Māori-made artwork and sculptures, each piece a story carved in wood and stone, adding a layer of cultural depth to the natural beauty. Step into the New Zealand Māori-made artwork and sculptures, each piece a story carved in wood and stone, adding a layer of cultural depth to the natural beauty. The guides are direct descendants of the original tour guides, and you can feel their excitement to show their culture and land.

Taupo’s untouched ancient forests and swamplands, impressive geothermal wonderlands, and breath-taking volcanoes are crisscrossed with excellent walking and hiking tracks of all lengths and levels of difficulty. From pleasant lakefront and riverside strolls like the Great Lake Walkway and Huka Falls trails, through to the Tongariro River Trail and Lake Rotopounamu native bush walks ringing with birdsong. Huka Falls Lookout Walk Huka Falls is just a five minute drive north of Taupō, off SH1 on Huka Falls Road. From the Huka Falls carpark, it’s just a 10 minute walk to cross the bridge over the falls and turn left. There are several lookout points on this easy access walk to take advantage of the views of the spectacular Huka Falls. The incredible volume of water tumbling over the falls is due to the Waikato River being forced through a channel of hard rock only 15m wide and 10m deep. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls. Spa Park to Huka Falls Walk This walking track allows you to walk rather than drive to the Huka Falls from Taupō. Taking 1hour 30 minutes this 3km track is a pleasant walk for all ages, starting from Spa Park and winding along the banks of the Waikato River. From the car park walk five minutes down to the river’s edge where you’ll cross the Otumuheke Stream, a naturally hot stream which flows into the Waikato. The well-defined track then continues along the riverbank and offers lovely views along the way. Return via the same track or arrange transport from Huka Falls carpark. Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk These are the famous rapids used in the filming of the barrel escape scene in Peter Jackson’s movie, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The Aratiatia Dam and Rapids are located on Aratiatia Road, off SH5 10 km north of Taupō. Taking just 10 minutes, the 620m track leads to the two lookout points begins 50 metres from the bridge on the true right of the river. Before the water was diverted to the power station in 1964, the Aratiatia Rapids were the largest in Australasia - the Waikato River dropping 28 metres in just one kilometre. Today their full potential can still be seen during the scheduled daily releases - 10 am; 12 noon; 2 pm (and also 4 pm 1 October - 31 March). Each release lasts 15 minutes. Kawakawa Bay Tracks The K2K and Orakau tracks both take you into the picturesque Kawakawa Bay; walk the trails separately, or link them together for a longer day out. Kinloch to Kawakawa (K2K) Time (one way): 2 hr walk, 9 km The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track winds down into Kawakawa Bay. Here there is a shelter, toilet and plenty of opportunities for a swim or lakeside picnic. Return via the same track, or link with the Orakau trail. Orakau Time (one way): 3 hr walk, 10 km From the carpark on Whangamata Road, the trail follows the Orakau Stream and wetland through regenerating native bush down to the beach at Kawakawa Bay. The trail is generally downhill and offers views across Lake Taupō. Return via the same track, or continue on to Kinloch via the K2K.

Journey into the mysterious world of the Wairakei Terraces, described by early explorers as a natural phenomenon unlikely to be found anywhere else.You’ll wander past the Terraces along the geothermal and Maori cultural walkway where you will discover intricate carvings that depict the history of New Zealand Maori and in particular the local tribe Ngati Tuwharetoa. Observe the geyser as it expels boiling water heated at the Earth’s core, this silica rich water flows away into the startling blue pools and cascades over the terraces contributing to their spectacular form. After your walk you’ll have time to relax in the therapeutic waters of the Wairakei Thermal Pools and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Today you will travel along the geothermal highway between Rotorua and Taupō. The town of Taupō sits on New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls, the Huka Jet can get you much closer to the falls with a thrilling jet boat ride. Craters of the Moon is a nearby geothermal reserve with well formed walking tracks around its many boiling pools and steaming vents.

The coach journey from Taupō to Auckland takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich agricultural land. New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River, guides you through the art and craft stores of Tirau and the township of Cambridge. Auckland City is New Zealand’s largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breath-taking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the world’s great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Soaring high above Auckland you’ll discover Orbit, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offering diners sensational views - and food to match. Situated at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a delicious kiwi-inspired a la carte menu that features the best local and seasonal produce. As New Zealand’s only rotating restaurant offering 360-degree views, it’s an unforgettable experience that never ceases to delight.