Auckland: Wai-O-Tapu and Te Pa Tu Māori Village Evening Tour
Embark on a luxury small group tour from Auckland to explore the enchanting Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal wonderland filled with bubbling hot springs, vibrant pools, and steaming geysers. This surreal landscape sets the stage for an extraordinary day, followed by an evening immersed in Māori culture at Te Pa Tu. Savor a traditional dinner feast and experience powerful Māori cultural performances that bring New Zealand’s heritage to life. Discover the magic of nature and culture in one unforgettable adventure. Set off on a small group tour from Auckland, traveling through the picturesque landscapes of the Waikato region en route to Rotorua's renowned geothermal wonderland, where vibrant Māori culture flourishes. Along the journey, take in stunning scenery, capture unforgettable photos, admire majestic mountains, and spot charming farm animals along the way. Our first destination is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colorful and diverse geothermal areas. Thousands of years in the making, this stunning landscape is nestled within a natural bush setting through which self-guided walks take between 45 and 90 minutes. A walk through this surreal, lunar-like environment provides the chance to witness some of the volcanic wonders and a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world-famous Champagne Pool, naturally colored hot and cold springs, devil’s bath, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters, and sinter terrace formations. Step into Te Pā Tū Village and be transported to a world rich in Māori tradition and culture. Begin your evening with a warm welcome from spirited hosts as you journey into an ancient tawa forest, where warriors emerge to perform the powhiri, an ancient ceremony of safe passage. Experience the heart of Māori life as you explore the village, witness the earth being lifted from a hangi pit to reveal a feast prepared on hot stones, and enter the ancestral meeting house for mesmerizing song, dance, and the spine-tingling haka. Amid towering trees and blazing bonfires, celebrate Māori heritage with a four-course Māori-fusion feast crafted by award-winning chefs. As night falls, enjoy dessert and a nightcap by lantern light in a secluded forest alcove before returning to Auckland under the stars.