Rotorua: Whirinaki Forest Guided Tour with Spa Entry

Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Rainforest and Wai Ariki Spa Day Tour in Rotorua

This guided cultural tour suits nature lovers and those interested in Maori traditions, starting and ending at Wai Ariki Spa in Rotorua.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane rainforest with expert local guides
• Learn about the forest’s history and significance to the Ngati Manawa tribe
• Discover medicinal plants on the Rongoa trail and their traditional uses
• Enjoy a packed picnic lunch and hot Kawakawa tea within the forest
• Relax at Wai Ariki Spa with geothermal pools, steam room, and mud treatments

Tour Description

You begin the day with pickup from Wai Ariki Spa in Rotorua and travel to Murupara, receiving a guided introduction to Ngati Manawa Tribal lands. Enter Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane rainforest with a traditional mihi whakatau and karakia welcome.

The cultural walking tour highlights the ngahere (forest) trees, including Rakau Rangatira (chiefly trees), and follows the Rongoa trail showcasing native medicinal plants. You will hear stories explaining the forest’s spiritual and practical importance to Maori, while observing native and endangered birds in their natural habitat.

Experience Forest Bathing, a meditative practice connecting with the forest’s healing energy using traditional wind instruments, karakia, and chants. The tour includes learning Maori whakatauki (proverbs) as part of cultural immersion.

Afterward, enjoy a packed picnic lunch accompanied by hot Kawakawa tea before returning toward Rotorua. Stop at Te Ana a Tokowaru to view Maori rock carvings estimated to be over 400 years old.

Conclude your day with the Restorative Spa Journey at Wai Ariki Spa, featuring a geothermal waterfall, hot pools, steam room, and geothermal mud treatments for physical and cultural healing.

What’s Included

• Guided commentary en route
• Welcome onto Ngati Manawa Tribal lands
• Cultural guided walk through the rainforest
• Rongoa medicinal plant trail
• Educational insight into Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane’s history
• Forest Bathing experience
• Packed picnic lunch
• Hot Kawakawa tea
• Restorative Spa Journey at Wai Ariki Spa

Exclusions

• Personal expenses

Important Information

• The tour involves walking in a forest environment; wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
• Swimwear is recommended for the spa experience, which includes geothermal muds and waters.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Book in advance to secure your place. Morning departures are best for experiencing native birds and comfortable temperatures in the forest.