7 Self-Guided Tours Worth Travelling For

1.Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · from $35Our pick

Take the on-demand ferry from Orakei Korako Geothermal Park to a 2.5-kilometre boardwalk through steaming pools, geysers, silica terraces, and Ruatapu Cave. You set the pace without a guide, but clear signs explain the sights. Allow about two hours, wear sturdy shoes, and expect steps.

“A gem on the road less travelled. We went to other geothermal offerings, but this was the best. Up close and immersive experience at your own pace.”

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2.Hellisheiði Geothermal Exhibition: Entry and Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 88 reviews · 1 day · from $21

At Hellisheiði Geothermal Exhibition, about 20 minutes from Reykjavík, you explore an operating geothermal power plant at your own pace. Use the English or Icelandic audio guide, study the production process, visit the Carbfix room, and pause at indoor viewing platforms. Bring headphones and a charged phone.

“This was an interesting and educational activity for anyone in the area interested in the subject matter. I enjoyed it and learned from it. Many people would feel the same, but not necessarily everyone. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush, no time pressure, and there are many exhibits and some videos to see.”

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3.Whaka Geothermal Trails Self-Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 44 reviews · from $25

At Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village, you follow marked trails through native forest and a geothermal area filled with steaming lakes, thermal pools, ferns, edible plants, and possible geyser views. The walk takes 30 to 60 minutes, suits low fitness levels, and leaves most of your day free.

“Really lovely walk with great information all the way around we weren’t disappointed. Saw the geyser at the end”

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4.Whakarewarewa: Self-Guided Geothermal Trails

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 1 day · from $23

Start at the admissions office near Geyser Café, exchange your voucher, and follow a self-guided route through Whakarewarewa. Read about the village’s guiding legacy, pass beneath the memorial archway, and reach steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, native manuka, ferns, and viewpoints over the village and geysers. Allow about one hour.

“Lots of information boards and go at your own pace”

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5.Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Follow a self-guided Hot Springs National Park route covering more than 10 miles, from bathhouses and thermal fountains to mountain overlooks and trails. The Action Tour Guide app plays stories automatically as you drive or walk. Allow 2 to 3 hours, download the tour on strong Wi-Fi, and bring earbuds for walking sections.

“For someone that does not have any idea on where to start, this is a great way to do it. Step by step this guide was very informative, I purchased it only because I had a credit covering most of the cost but now that I tried it, I would definitely try it in other vacation spots.”

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6.Banff Cave & Hot Springs Audio Walking Tour (Not a Ticket)

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 6 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $9Best value

Use the Action Tour Guide app to walk from Banff’s Cave and Basin National Historic Site along the Bow River marsh route. The GPS-triggered narration covers First Nations connections, the Castle Mountain Internment Camp, Sulphur Mountain’s Cosmic Ray Station, and local scenery. Admission is separate, and the tour works offline with lifetime access.

“The self guided walking tour was very helpful because there were not very many staff members or maps available on the walking tour.”

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7.Hot Springs National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.)

This private Shaka Guide audio tour leads you through Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row in about four to five hours. GPS-triggered narration, offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, history, music, and practical tips play from your phone as you drive. One $12.79 tour covers a group of up to 15 people.

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