• Sulphur Point - Situated at the southern tip of Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Bay exemplifies Rotorua’s renowned geothermal landscape.

The ever-evolving scenery around the bay offers everything a visitor to Rotorua could desire. Silica flats, rocky terraces, and sulphur ledges are accompanied by active boiling mud pools and steam vents. The water itself is fascinating, with its milky hue caused by suspended sulphur particles.

The bay’s proximity to feeding grounds and the warmth from geothermal activity attract numerous native birds. Birdwatching enthusiasts can observe around 60 different species here, including the banded dotterel, the scaup, and three types of gulls in this protected wildlife reserve.

• Government Gardens - These beautiful and expansive gardens are located near the heart of Rotorua. The Government Gardens feature a bowling club, petanque, croquet, and a golf course.

Within the gardens, visitors will find various points of interest, including the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, several geothermal features, and the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole. The meticulously maintained gardens are a short walk from Lake Rotorua, the town center, and the wildlife refuge of Sulphur Bay.

The land holds legendary and historical significance for the local Maori people, with several important battles having occurred there. The original Maori owners generously gifted the 50 acres of land in the late nineteenth century for ‘the benefit of the people of the world.’

The Government Gardens also house the Rotorua Museum, Polynesian Spa, and the Blue Baths. The restored Blue Baths offer the chance to enjoy a swim in warm waters and relax in an architecturally stunning building.

• Kuirau Park - Walking tracks lead to numerous areas of vibrant geothermal activity. As long as visitors remain on the safe side of the fences, they are generally quite secure.

New eruptions can occur occasionally, so it’s wise to be cautious. In 2001, mud and rocks the size of footballs were suddenly launched 10 meters into the air as a new steam vent made its presence known. Two years later, similar eruptions delighted visitors.

In early Maori times, the small lake in the park was much cooler and known as Taokahu. Legend tells of a beautiful young woman named Kuiarau who was bathing in the waters when a taniwha (legendary creature) dragged her to his lair beneath the lake. The gods were angered and made the lake boil to destroy the taniwha forever. Since then, the bubbling lake and steaming land have been named after the lost woman, though the spelling has changed slightly.

• Mt. Tarawera - Lake Tarawera, meaning “burnt spear,” is one of New Zealand’s largest lakes. It was home to many small Māori villages until the Tarawera eruption in 1886. Visitors can see paintings on the lakefront that depict the story of the ‘waka wairua’ (Phantom canoe), which appeared on the lake as a foreboding sign of death a few days before the eruption.

In the 1800s, word spread of the eighth Natural Wonder of the World at Tarawera - the spectacular Pink and White Terraces.

The local tribes Tūhourangi and Ngāti Rangitihi, along with non-Māori developers, greatly benefited from this tourism boom. Their success continued until one fateful night on 10 June 1886.

Devastation struck in the dead of night, as predicted by the tohunga/priest Tūhoto Ariki. New Zealand’s deadliest volcanic eruption occurred around 10:00 pm, claiming 120 lives, burying six settlements, and causing the Terraces to vanish overnight.

• Lake Tarawera - TUHOURANGI TE IWI (The tribe) of Lake Tarawera presents their cherished Māori rock art.

These Māori rock paintings were submerged by Lake Tarawera due to the mountain’s eruption in 1886. When the lake receded in 1904, the paintings were partially revealed. Their age is unknown, but they were created in kokorai (red ochre) on the glassy rhyolite surface, and like other rock carvings in the area, the canoe motif is predominant. They were excavated in 1962 by the then National Historical Places Trust.

This site is protected under the Historic Places Act and is recognized as being under the guardianship of the local Māori tribe, Tuhourangi.

• Blue Lake Track - Lake Tikitapu is steeped in Māori history. The name Tikitapu refers to a sacred greenstone, or pounamu, necklace believed to have been worn by a high-ranking chief’s daughter.

It is said that the daughter lost the necklace while bathing in the crystal-clear waters. Legend tells of the Taniwha monster, named Kataore, who lived in Lake Tikitapu. Kataore’s initially lovable nature changed as he grew, becoming a mischievous taniwha who preyed on lone travelers.

Kataore’s actions became uncontrollable, and he soon faced the wrath of neighboring tribes. Kataore made a grave mistake by swallowing the chief’s daughter as she was on her way to marry a young chief, Reretoi.

Upon hearing of this tragedy, Reretoi gathered 140 brave warriors to seek vengeance. Reretoi and his men managed to lure Kataore out of his cave, ensnare his neck, and attack and slay him with tewhatewha and kotiate. Kataore’s body was stripped of its flesh.

• Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest - Known locally as ‘The Redwoods,’ the 55,000-hectare Whakarewarewa Forest is a haven for mountain bikers, walkers, hikers, and horse riders, set among magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest, and exotic trees.

The Redwood Memorial Grove was planted in 1901, dedicated to the memory of the men of the New Zealand Forest Service who died in the two World Wars. These iconic trees tower approximately 67 meters (219 feet) tall, offering incredible photo opportunities. This easy short walk also features a boardwalk over an old thermal pond, home to unique aquatic plant life.

• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Towels for foot spa

Standard tour hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If your cruise ship arrives after 10:00 am, the tour will depart approximately 60 minutes after docking. Confirmation will be provided beforehand.

Upon arrival at the Port of Tauranga, prepare for a day filled with sightseeing, storytelling, and cultural connections.

Heading to Rotorua (approximately 1.5 hours), enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and bottled water while relaxing and admiring the stunning scenic views.

The tour begins with a visit to the Government Gardens, where you can see the Whangapipiro Rachel Pool, renowned for its therapeutic waters.

Encounter the majestic Californian Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest, spanning over 55,000 hectares.

Stroll through Kuirau Park to explore the hissing, roaring, and bubbling geothermal activity. Feel free to remove your shoes and enjoy a warm foot spa in one of the foot pools (towels are provided).

The next stop is Lake Tarawera, meaning “burnt spear,” one of New Zealand’s largest lakes.

If time allows, there may be a stop at Te Puia for souvenir shopping.

• Comfortable footwear is recommended

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