6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga

4.6
(269 reviews)

6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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 Maori 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 incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest.

Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed.

The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

What's Included

Redwoods Treewalk & Glow Worm caves guided tour admission
Small-group transport in air-conditioned minivan/coach
Port pickup and drop-off (cruise-friendly timing)
Traditional Hangi-inspired snack (meat or vegetable pie)
Guided geothermal foot bath experience (towels provided)
Professional local guide with live commentary
Admission to commercial geothermal parks (not included)
Lunch, drinks, souvenirs, personal expenses
Infant/baby seats (must be supplied by traveler if required)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    We make a stop in the Government Gardens, location of the Rotorua Bathhouse and Museum, the famous 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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Take a walk high up in the amazing Redwood Forest in Rotorua, easily accessed by the spiral ramp. Look down onto the forest floor and get a great view not only of these majestic tress but also of the Tree Ferns laid out below you. New for 2025 we now include a guided tour through a Glow Worm cave, a short walk inside the purpose built facility takes you into a cave where you will see thousands of glow worms. You will also be able to see right up close what these strange creatures look like.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 5

    We will show you the sights of Rotorua city as part of the tour.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    As we depart (or return) to the port of Tauranga you will travel through the city, one of New Zealand's fastest growing city and home to the country's largest port.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    As we depart the Port of Tauranga where you cruise ship is berthed, we will dry through one of New Zealand's most popular and also most expensive beach side suburbs of Mount Maunganui, driving along the sea front of Marine Parade past multi-million dollar home.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    We will be travelling through the world capitol of Kiwi Fruit, otherwise know as the town of Te Puke and its surrounding area. The region produces 85% of the countries Kiwifruit crop. You will see the extensive orchard and their impressive windbreaks on the way to or from Rotorua, out main destination today.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Family friendly tour
  • Tour departure time may change due to early and/or late ship arrivals and departures
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. We suggest layers with hats and sunscreen
Supplied by Cruise Tours Tauranga

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Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Worry-Free Shore Excursion
Top Product
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.6 Based on 269 269 reviews
5 stars
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