Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga.
Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Māori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago.
Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes.
Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes.
Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not included.) before visiting the Redwoods Forrest where we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Grotto, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use suspended pathways, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed.
The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted, to suit the ship times.
The meeting point for passengers off the cruise ships is on the grass by the flag poll just outside the port pedestrian exit gate on Salisbury Avenue. If you are not travelling on a cruise ship then this is still the meeting point unless you have made an alternative arrangement with us.
This area of Rotorua is literally a hot bed of geothermal activity, with steaming lakes and bubbling mud pools. A visit to the foot bathing area lets you enjoy the warm waters that naturally occur throughout the region. Take a walk through the park to see the steaming lakes and the location of the last eruption here on 2001.
We make a stop here on the edge of Lake Rotorua to see the effect the geothermal activity has on the lake, right in the heart of Rotorua. A popular spot for many of the native birds that also enjoy the warm waters created by the outflows from the nearby geysers and hot water springs.
We make a stop in the Government Gardens, location of the Rotorua Bathhouse and Museum, the Blue Baths and the naturally occurring Rachel's Spring, source of the geothermal water for the Polynesian Spa. Chance for some great photos and to walk through the extensive flower displays.
Take a walk on suspended walkways high up in the amazing Redwood Forest in Rotorua, easily accessed by a spiral ramp. Look down onto the forest floor and get a great view of these majestic trees and the Tree Ferns below you. We include a short, guided tour through a Glow Worm Grotto, a purpose-built facility where you will see thousands of glow worms up close.
We will show you the sights of Rotorua as we travel around the city visiting as many destinations as possible.
As we depart (or return) to the port of Tauranga you will travel through the city, one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities and home to the country's largest port.
Departing the Port of Tauranga where you cruise ship is berthed, we will drive through one of New Zealand's most popular and most expensive beach side suburbs - Mount Maunganui, driving along the sea front of Marine Parade past multi-million-dollar homes.
We travel through the world capital of Kiwi Fruit, otherwise known as the town of TePuke and the Bay of Plenty region, which accounts for 85% of New Zealand's Kiwifruit production. Time permitting, we will visit a kiwifruit orchard where you will see the vines growing and be able to taste and buy kiwifruit products.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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