Taupo in a Day from Rotorua: Choose Waiotapu or Orakei Korako, Eleven Seats

Seven hours out of Rotorua, and the first decision is yours: Waiotapu or Orakei Korako. The day fits one thermal park, not both, and the operator says so rather than leaving it to be discovered on the road. Waiotapu is the coloured one, among the most active parks in the region. Orakei Korako, the Hidden Valley, is the larger thermal valley, with small geysers scattered through it, mud pools and water at the boil. Admission to whichever you choose is included in the price. After that, Huka Falls, seen from the lookout rather than walked to along the tracks, and about an hour around Lake Taupo, which is where lunch happens. Lunch is at your own expense. The group tops out at eleven passengers and the pick-up is from centrally located accommodation in Rotorua. Two conditions worth reading before booking. Children under two cannot join the shared group, though the whole thing can be booked privately instead. And the departure needs a minimum of two people, or the price equivalent, to run at all. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.