Our Tours & Packages

Our bus departs at 8:30 am from the Rotorua i-SITE. You’ll journey out of Rotorua to meet your Māori guide in the forestry town of Murupara, before continuing deep into the Rainforest for your guided cultural and nature tour.

After a warm traditional Māori welcome and blessing, your journey begins — venturing into the ancient Jurassic podocarp rainforest with our knowledgeable and entertaining Māori guide, who brings the forest’s stories to life.

Discover the rākau rangatira (chiefly trees), native birds and wildlife, traditional Māori medicinal practices, and the stories of how our people have cared for and protected this ancient forest through time.

Upon finishing guided forest walk, unwind with a picnic-style seasonal lunch and hot Kawakawa tea. Time to connect — ask questions, share stories, sing or simply relax and enjoy the company of your guides.

On the journey back to Rotorua, you will stop for a short walk to see the oldest Māori Rock Carvings in New Zealand - Te Ana-a-Tokowaru, 

carbon-dated 400 years before the great Migration.

Our complimentary shuttle will return you to the Rotorua i-SITE at approximately 3:30 pm, marking the end of your unforgettable Whirinaki Forest Footsteps adventure.

Our bus departs at 8:15 am from the Wai Ariki Spa Rotorua. You’ll journey out of Rotorua to meet your Māori guide in the forestry town of Murupara, before continuing deep into the Rainforest for your guided cultural and nature tour.

After a warm traditional Māori welcome and blessing, your journey begins — venturing into the ancient Jurassic podocarp rainforest with our knowledgeable and entertaining Māori guide, who brings the forest’s stories to life.

Discover the rākau rangatira (chiefly trees), native birds and wildlife, traditional Māori medicinal practices, and the stories of how our people have cared for and protected this ancient forest through time.

Upon finishing guided forest walk, unwind with a picnic-style seasonal lunch and hot Kawakawa tea. Time to connect — ask questions, share stories, sing or simply relax and enjoy the company of your guides.

On the journey back to Rotorua, you will stop for a short walk to see the oldest Māori Rock Carvings in New Zealand - Te Ana-a-Tokowaru, 

carbon-dated 400 years before the great Migration.

Our shuttle will return you to Wai Ariki Spa, where the team will warmly welcome you into their brand-new, state-of-the-art facility to begin your Restorative Spa Journey.

Immerse yourself in two hours of healing and renewal with the Restorative Journey — a transformative wellness experience that harnesses the natural power of geothermal heat, mineral water, mud, and steam.

After your traditional holistic spa experience at Wai Ariki Hot Spring & Spa, your full-day "Mauri Oho" journey comes to a close — leaving you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and deeply refreshed.