Te Puia and Redwood Park day trip from Auckland: Private luxury transportation

Two hours at Te Puia's geothermal wonderland, then Redwood Park's native forest in a single day from Auckland.

An 11-hour private day trip from Auckland to Rotorua, departing at 7am and returning by 6pm, with transport, a 30-minute stop at Lake Rotorua, and time at both Te Puia Geothermal Wonderland (with a recommended 2-hour guided tour) and Redwood Park. Entry tickets to the attractions are booked separately. The driver handles all navigation while you move between sites at a set pace.

The experience

You leave Auckland at 7am in an air-conditioned vehicle and arrive in Rotorua by 10am. The first stop is a 30-minute walk along Lake Rotorua to take in the views before heading to Te Puia. The geothermal site opens at 11am, and the operator recommends booking the TE RA + HAKA combo ticket for a 2-hour guided tour of the thermal pools, geysers and cultural performance. After lunch (on your own), you drive to Redwood Park for roughly 40 minutes among the native forest before the return journey begins at 3pm, arriving back in Auckland by 6pm.

The vehicle is fully insured and the driver is licensed and experienced. A highway stop for refreshments breaks up the drive, and the itinerary has built-in flexibility if you need it. Entry fees to Te Puia and Redwood Park are separate from the transport cost and must be arranged in advance. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• professional licensed driver.
• hotel or accommodation pickup in Auckland.
• highway refreshment stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Shine Shuttle

Is this one for you?This is a private vehicle tour, so the driver and route are yours alone: ideal if you want to move at your own pace between sites without waiting for a group. The fixed 11-hour schedule means both Te Puia and Redwood Park fit into one day from Auckland, but entry times and lunch are up to you to arrange.

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Top questions

What is Te Puia Geothermal Wonderland?

Te Puia is a geothermal site in Rotorua featuring active hot springs, geysers and traditional Māori cultural performances. The recommended 2-hour guided tour covers the thermal attractions and includes a haka performance.

How much time do I spend at each location?

You have 30 minutes at Lake Rotorua, 2 hours for the Te Puia guided tour (if you book the combo ticket), and approximately 40 minutes at Redwood Park. The rest of the 11-hour day is spent driving and on a refreshment stop.

Are entry tickets to Te Puia and Redwood Park included?

No, entry fees are not included in the transport cost. You book and pay for Te Puia and Redwood Park tickets separately before the trip.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup?

Pickup is at 7am from Auckland, so you should be ready before then. The return arrives in Auckland by 6pm.