Tour Details

Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland & Maori Cultural Excursion

Departing the pier, you will travel around the Mount Maunganui inner harbor, then along the main surf beach and pristine waterfront of New Zealand's number one seaside resort. Continue past the suburbs and dairy farmland before coming to the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand.

Next, we pass through orchards of avocados and kiwis, and pine forest regions, all of which are significant sources of revenue for this area. As we pass Lakes Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, two of the 16 stunning lakes in this area, we continue on to Rotorua.

Your first stop is at The Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, spanning over 5,600 hectares of natural beauty. The forest is best known for its impressive stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, alongside other species and the crisp forest air, create an invigorating and unique environment. During this stop, you'll also get a chance to admire the iconic Silver fern and share various local products.

After a short, lunch break (not included), we transport you to the Geothermal Wonderland that Rotorua is famous for. You’ll embark on a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Region and Māori Village, a living community amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. This is where you’ll witness the world-renowned Pohutu Geyser. A local Māori guide will accompany you, sharing how their people have harmoniously lived with this remarkable geothermal environment for generations.

Learn first hand how the geothermal activity is used in everyday life by using natural mineral waters for communal bathing and cooking with steam vents and hot springs. Meet the villagers who call Whakarewarewa Village their home and are always happy to teach you about their hobbies and knowledge. Learn about the culture and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. After visiting the ancestral home, Whare Tupuna, a fully carved meeting house, you'll be treated to a traditional Maori welcome, traditional songs, dances, and fighting skills, including the well-known Haka. A concert you shouldn't miss.

As we depart the welcoming community and continue the journey through Rotorua City to see the formal Government Gardens, the well-known Rotorua Bath House and Museum, and Rachel's Spring, which continuously boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

As we begin the homeward journey back to your ship, we’ll make a scenic detour to encounter some of New Zealand’s native fauna. We’ll take a short stop to watch the adrenaline seekers as they tackle the Kaituna Rapids and Falls in their kayaks and rafts. You might even get the chance to chat with local trout fishermen and hear about their catch of the day.

We then return back to Mount Maunganui at the end of an incredible day of travel and exploration to meet your ship at the port of Tauranga prior to it's time to sail.