Rotorua Thermal Wonderland Tour

Geothermal Wonderland & Maori Culture at its best.

Climb aboard and lets depart  the Port of Tauranga for the Rotorua region; we travel around the Mount Maunganui inner harbour then along the main surf beach  and pristine waterfront of  New Zealands number one seaside resort .

We continue past the suburbs and dairy farm land  before coming to the  Kiwifruit capital of New Zealand.

Our route continues past kiwifruit and avocado orchards, then pine forested areas, which are all large income earners for this region.  Passing Lakes Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, which are just 2 of the 16 lakes in the region,  we continue on to Rotorua. 

Your first  stop is at The  Whakarewarewa Redwood forest – with over 5600 hectares of forest for you to enjoy.  The forest is most well known for  the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment. This is one of our opportunities to show you our Silver fern and  share some of our various local products.

We provide you a  short lunch opportunity  (not inclusive) before transporting you to experience your days highlight of visiting the unique Geothermal Wonderland which Rotorua has to offer. You will take  a tour of  the Whakarewarewa Thermal region and Maori village. A living village situated in a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools. This is the location of the famous Pohutu Geyser. You will be hosted by a wonderful local Maori guide and experience a people who have come to live in harmony midst this unique environment of geothermal wonders.

See first-hand  how the geothermal activity  is used in everyday life with hot springs and steam vents used for cooking (natural cooktops and ovens) and the natural mineral waters used for communal bathing. Mingle with the villagers who are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes within the Whakarewarewa Village, the place they call home. Learn about the traditions and culture which has been passed down and upheld for generations. Visit the fully carved meeting house Whare Tupuna (ancestral home), after which you will experience a traditional Maori welcome, traditional songs, dances and demonstrations of fighting skills including the famous Haka. This is a concert not to miss.

Sadly, its time to depart the friendly local community village and continue your days’ journey through Rotorua City to sight see the formal Government Gardens, the famous Rotorua Bath House, and Rachel’s Spring which boils constantly at 212 Deg F.

As we continue our homeward journey back to your ship – we  detour to view some native New Zealand fauna making a short stop to view  the adrenaline junkies as they cascade the Kaituna Rapids &  falls in their kayaks and rafts.  Maybe catch up with the local trout fisherman and see how their day has been.

Next stop is at the kiwifruit orchard to learn and experience all about these  wonderful superfoods, which  are full of vitamins and  minerals.  Superfoods are often defined by the number of nutrients they contain or how many benefits they can bring to our bodies and minds. But if you ask any honest adult, they’ll probably tell you it’s not all about health, but also about flavor: you need both to make a food truly super.

We then return to Mount Maunganui to  rejoin your ship at port of Tauranga well prior to sailing time.

NB: Your tour guide reserves the right to amend the order of the tour if necessary, to fit with your cruise ships sailing time.