• Mt Maunganui Main Beach - Pause to appreciate this stunning area, where James Cook made his discovery in 1769.
• Kiwifruit Country - Journey through 25,000 acres of Te Puke kiwi orchards, offering a detailed and engaging narrative on the fruit’s development in the country, a brief overview of the cultivation techniques, and its significance to the local economy. A stop at Kurt’s 12-acre orchard allows for a closer look. Prepare to be impressed!
• Mangorewa River - Travel to Rotorua via a scenic route showcasing excellent examples of native fauna and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as the journey descends from the elevated central plateau.
• Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village - Entry is included to this historic, world-renowned bubbling geothermal village where local Maori still reside. Enjoy a captivating 40-minute cultural performance by the local Māori entertainment troupe, featuring their natural talent for music and dance, including an unforgettable rendition of the Haka. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, songs, and dances for over a century, originally guiding tourists at the Pink and White Terraces before they were buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. With a special agreement with the iwi (tribe), visitors can glimpse the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers, which display hot gushing groundwater heated by geothermal activity. Another highlight is a 30-minute walk through their geothermally active natural wetland zone.
• Lake Okareka Walkway - An elevated spot perfect for taking postcard-like photos with the idyllic Lake Okareka in the foreground, surrounded by stunning lakefront holiday homes and the once active Mt Tarawera (now dormant) in the background.
• Polynesian Spa - Optionally, enjoy a soak in soothing mineral waters or a mud massage unique to Rotorua. This is a wonderful setting, especially recommended as a winter attraction, as most of the 10 or so natural hot mineral pools are at or near body temperature. You can choose to substitute the Whakarewarewa concert and Geothermal walk for this at no additional cost.
• Government Gardens - Stop to admire the beautiful gardens and the iconic, architecturally significant Rotorua Bathhouse. A walk from one side of the gardens to the other, approximately 100 yards, is encouraged for a fuller experience, with pickup on the other side. Early summer is ideal for the full bloom of flowers.
• Lake Rotorua - Enjoy lunch at one of three fine cafes, one offering a splendid view of the lake and the large, intricately carved meeting house (whare nui).
• Tikitapu Nature Walk - Enter a prime example of New Zealand’s native forest, with past clients describing it as beautiful and awe-inspiring. The area is rich with tall podocarps and various fern species, including Jurassic Park tree ferns. Fortunately, there are no poisonous snakes, spiders, or other frightening creatures, allowing for a fearless exploration. A 300-meter hike into this enchanting natural space is available, and it is sure to be a highlight.
• Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) - Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) are two gems nestled in a beautiful native forest. Blue Lake is open to all and is a great spot for a weekend of swimming, boating, and barbecuing, while Green Lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbidden) due to historical conflicts between local tribes. The lookout between these two lakes offers a fantastic panoramic photo opportunity. Be amazed by the beauty of these lakes.
• Mt. Tarawera - Take in the breathtaking view of Mt Tarawera and learn about the history of the 1886 eruption. This is an extraordinary photo stop, offering a great opportunity to capture the lake and mountain that have significantly influenced the region’s history and landscape. Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, burying the most popular attraction at the time, the Pink and White Terraces, along with the local village. The volcano can be seen on the opposite side of the lake. Don’t forget your camera! This stop may be omitted if time constraints arise due to an early cruise ship departure.
• Okere Falls - This is the final stop (time permitting) before the 50-minute journey back to the ship. If fit and able, descend a 60-step walkway to stand just a meter away from a roaring grade 4 river that drains the large Rotorua and Rotoiti lakes out to the ocean, 40 km away. It’s an exhilarating experience and a fantastic photo opportunity.

• Local guide
• Bottled water
• All Fees and Taxes
• Port pickup and drop off

• Lunch

This tour is ideal for those eager to spend a full day exploring our diverse landscape, including Mt Maunganui. Delight in the stunning beaches and luxurious multimillion-dollar homes, followed by a 45-minute drive from the coast, gradually ascending the central plateau. The journey passes through kiwifruit plantations, with a stop at an orchard to witness the vines in full foliage and fruit, and typical New Zealand pastoral farmland, leading to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Rotorua boasts 8 lakes, with a special focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa Maori village, established in the late 1800s. Enjoy a 30-minute concert highlighting the rich Maori culture through song, dance, and storytelling, along with a captivating walk through their geothermally active wetland, where you can get up close to bubbling hot springs and mud pools. Discover the most popular sites of interest, including the Blue and Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (which erupted in 1886) across the stunning lake, and walk through New Zealand’s native bush filled with ferns and tall podocarps, reminiscent of an 1800s pioneer or Maori warrior.

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