If you want to see the main sights of Rotorua this tour offers a lower cost option. Join our tour at the Port Gates just 1 minute walk from the gangway. A dedicated tour guide will look after you, making sure you see the main sights at Te Puia, the number one destination in Rotorua. Seats are reserved for the Maori cultural performance on the authentic Marae, see the iconic Kiwi bird, wood carving and flax weaving demonstrations, plus geysers, mud pools and much more.
Tour Itinerary
The tour departs from the main Port Gates at 10 am, this is just a one minute walk from the ship. After a short drive through the beach suburb of Mount Maunganui we head over the Harbour Bridge to the main city of Tauranga. After a short stop at the Tauranga I-site for additional passengers we then head to Rotorua.
Passing first through Te Puke, the home of the New Zealand Kiwifruit, we stop at Kiwi360, showcase of the Kiwifruit industry, to see how the fruit is grown and taste some products from this iconic plant, souvenirs available. Our route then continues through farmland, native bush and forested areas, past Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua before arriving at Rotorua.
Our route lets you see some of the main sights of this historic city, the birthplace of New Zealand tourism and a popular destination for international visitors since the 1850's.
We take a short break at the Rotorua Bath House in the beautiful Government Gardens, time for lunch at the cafe if you want or just enjoy a walk around the gardens to see Rachel's Pool and the Blue Baths.
After the lunch break we then take a short drive to Te Puia, the home of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the location of the famous Pohutu geyser. Visit the carving school and see craftsman fashion traditional wood carvings, then move on to watch Maori women demonstrate flax weaving. A short walk takes us through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to view the mud pools, the famous Pohutu geyser and hot pools that make Te Puia unique. See New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose built Kiwi-house. Explore the recreated traditional Maori fortified village.
Seats are reserved for us to see a Maori Cultural Performance; this is given on the Marae, in one of the few fully carved meeting houses in New Zealand, a place of special spiritual significance to Maori. Here you will see the traditional songs, dances and demonstrations of fighting skills [including the Haka] performed.
We then depart Rotorua for the return to Tauranga to rejoin the ship.
Highlights:
- Kiwifruit Orchard
- Mud pools & Geysers
- Wood Carving & Flax Weaving
- Kiwi Bird House
- Maori Cultural Performance
- Government Gardens
- Rotorua Bath House
- Blue Baths & Rachel's Pool
Tour Inclusions:
Tour Departures:
- Frequency: Departures coincide with cruise ship arrivals.
- Departure Point: This tour departs from the Port Gates at 10am just a few minutes walk from the gangway.
- Departure Time: If the ship arrives after 10:00am then the tour will begin 30 minutes after arrival, or as soon as passengers can depart. Should the ship leave earlier than 60 minutes after the tour is due to end we may shorten the tour.
- Duration: 6 1/2 hours approximately
- Return Details: Tour ends at 16:30pm
- Closed: This tour only operates on days cruise ships arrive into Tauranga.
Important Information:
- This tour requires some walking on well made paths, gentle inclines and some steps.
- No meals are included in this tour but time for lunch at a local cafe is allowed.
- Child rates for 4-12 years.
- This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel.
- Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated.
- Complete operator information, including opening times and local contact telephone numbers are included on your e-voucher.
Tourism Industry Affiliations:
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