Magical Wanderer Experience
Description
The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is a very common North Island route planned into New Zealand Itineraries for visitors exploring by road. The travel time for directly driving from Auckland to Rotorua takes about 3 hours. While driving from Auckland to Rotorua takes a few hours, the trip will fly by with these awesome stop-offs - plus the drive from Auckland to Rotorua is also filled with amazing scenery!
A short drive approximately 20 minutes south of Rotorua, will bring you to the park, which is considered to be one of New Zealand's most diverse geothermal attractions. Discover an area which has been sculptured by geothermal activity over thousands of years, and see unique volcanic features, geysers and more!
Named “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" by TripAdvisor, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Thousands of years in the making, this stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 30 and 75 minutes. The range of geothermal activity is extensive and includes huge volcanic craters formed by collapsing ground, steaming vents, sinter terrace formations, coloured hot and cold water springs among which is the world famous Champagne Pool.
Presented daily at 10.15am is the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser and ever active is the nearby “Mud Pool” where bubbling mud is always evident. Finish off your experience with a trip to the Mud Pool. A visit to Wai-O-Tapu isn't complete without it! The Mud Pool is located at the site of a large mud volcano that was destroyed by erosion in the 1920's. You'll discover why Rotorua is nicknamed "Sulphur City" here... the pungent smell is due to dense sulphur deposits from the region's hot bubbling mud pools.
You might want to hold your nose! Throughout your visit, you can relax in the large onsite cafe for lunch (at your expense) or enjoy a spot of shopping in the retail centre.
After an exhausted day of the unique walks, we head back to Auckland to raise your feet up and relax.
A short drive approximately 20 minutes south of Rotorua, will bring you to the park, which is considered to be one of New Zealand's most diverse geothermal attractions. Discover an area which has been sculptured by geothermal activity over thousands of years, and see unique volcanic features, geysers and more!
Named “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" by TripAdvisor, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Thousands of years in the making, this stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 30 and 75 minutes. The range of geothermal activity is extensive and includes huge volcanic craters formed by collapsing ground, steaming vents, sinter terrace formations, coloured hot and cold water springs among which is the world famous Champagne Pool.
Presented daily at 10.15am is the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser and ever active is the nearby “Mud Pool” where bubbling mud is always evident. Finish off your experience with a trip to the Mud Pool. A visit to Wai-O-Tapu isn't complete without it! The Mud Pool is located at the site of a large mud volcano that was destroyed by erosion in the 1920's. You'll discover why Rotorua is nicknamed "Sulphur City" here... the pungent smell is due to dense sulphur deposits from the region's hot bubbling mud pools.
You might want to hold your nose! Throughout your visit, you can relax in the large onsite cafe for lunch (at your expense) or enjoy a spot of shopping in the retail centre.
After an exhausted day of the unique walks, we head back to Auckland to raise your feet up and relax.
Included
- Guided return transfers from Auckland
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Entry to self-guided experience at Wai-o–Tapu thermal wonderland
- Entrance to Lady Knox Geyser
- Enjoy a scenic drive through lush countryside with opportunity for photo stops
- Explore the incredible Lady Knox geyser eruption with heights of 10 to 20 metres
- Explore the amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland geothermal walk including the truly fascinating champagne pool
- Discover surreal beauty and dramatic geothermal landscapes
Excluded
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch