Immerse yourself in Maori culture on a private shore excursion in Rotorua/Tauranga. Visit geothermal sites, experience a Maori village, and enjoy a concert and geyser show.
Immerse yourself in Maori culture on a private shore excursion in Rotorua/Tauranga. Visit geothermal sites, experience a Maori village, and enjoy a concert and geyser show.
- Mt Maunganui Main Beach - Enjoy the stunning views over the iconic Mount main beach, a favorite summer spot for New Zealand locals, and explore the rich history of The Bay of Plenty.
- Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Take a break here for a comfort stop and capture beautiful photos of your friends, family, or group against the backdrop of…
- Mt Maunganui Main Beach - Enjoy the stunning views over the iconic Mount main beach, a favorite summer spot for New Zealand locals, and explore the rich history of The Bay of Plenty.
- Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Take a break here for a comfort stop and capture beautiful photos of your friends, family, or group against the backdrop of the expansive Pacific coastline.
- Te Puke - Visit one of the original Kiwi orchards in the Kiwifruit capital of the world. Be amazed by the abundance of fruit on the vines and the meticulous care involved in their cultivation, which is vital to the local economy.
- Mangorewa River - Travel to Rotorua via a scenic route showcasing the region’s native fauna and offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you descend from the elevated central plateau.
- Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village - Entry is included to this historic, world-renowned geothermal village where local Maori reside. Enjoy a captivating 40-minute cultural performance featuring music, dance, and a memorable rendition of the Haka. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village has a proud tradition of sharing their stories, songs, and dances for over a century. With a special agreement with the iwi, you can view the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers, which provide a natural, though unpredictable, display of hot gushing groundwater.
- Lake Rotorua - Choose from one of three reputable cafes in downtown Rotorua, each offering a pleasant atmosphere and delicious food, to relax and enjoy lunch.
- Government Gardens - Take a leisurely drive through the beautiful Government Gardens and past the Tudor-style Rotorua Museum. A perfect spot for photos.
- Rotorua Museum - Explore the stunning gardens and museum.
- Lake Okareka Walkway - Capture postcard-worthy photos from this elevated spot, with the picturesque Lake Okareka in the foreground and its charming lakefront holiday homes, along with the dormant Mt Tarawera in the background.
- Polynesian Spa - Relax in the soothing mineral waters or enjoy a mud massage unique to Rotorua. This is a wonderful setting, especially recommended as a winter attraction, with most of the nine alfresco natural hot mineral pools at or near body temperature. You can opt to spend 90 minutes here instead of the Whakarewarewa experience included in this itinerary.
- Tikitapu Nature Walk - Enter a prime example of New Zealand’s native forest, where past clients have described the experience as beautiful and awe-inspiring. The forest is rich with tall podocarps and various fern species, including Jurassic Park tree ferns, and is free from poisonous snakes, spiders, or other dangerous creatures, allowing you to explore without fear.
- Mt. Tarawera - Marvel at the breathtaking view of Mt Tarawera and learn about the significant 1886 eruption. A fantastic photo opportunity. If time is limited, the view from Summit Road, Lake Okareka, offers a great perspective of the mountain and Lake Tarawera. Mt Tarawera’s eruption in 1886 buried the Pink and White Terraces and the local village. The volcano can be seen on the opposite side of the lake. Don’t forget your camera!
- Lake Tikitapu - Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) are two stunning gems nestled in a beautiful native forest. Blue Lake is open to everyone and is a great spot for swimming, boating, and barbecuing, while Green Lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbidden) due to historical tribal conflicts. Capture a panoramic photo from the lookout between these two lakes and be amazed by their beauty.
- Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest - If time permits, visit this serene, yet often popular, grove of majestic exotic trees over 100 years old, thriving in the Bay of Plenty’s favorable climate and fertile soils.
- Okere Falls - Our final stop before the 50-minute journey back to your ship. For those who are fit and able, descend 60 steps to an exhilarating natural area where you can get up close to the powerful rapids of the Kaituna River, which drains the large lakes of Rotorua and Rotoiti.

- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Polynesian concert and geothermal wetland walk
- Port pickup
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Polynesian concert and geothermal wetland walk
- Port pickup
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Gratuities
On this customized Private Tour, participants will enjoy an engaging and informative experience with a knowledgeable local guide. The tour highlights the iconic Mt Maunganui, beautiful sandy beaches, and luxurious homes. The journey continues with a gradual ascent to the central volcanic plateau, reaching Rotorua, with a stop at a Kiwi farm to witness…
On this customized Private Tour, participants will enjoy an engaging and informative experience with a knowledgeable local guide. The tour highlights the iconic Mt Maunganui, beautiful sandy beaches, and luxurious homes. The journey continues with a gradual ascent to the central volcanic plateau, reaching Rotorua, with a stop at a Kiwi farm to witness the cultivation of this economically significant plant.
In Rotorua, the tour includes a visit to the renowned Whakarewarewa Maori village, featuring a captivating 30-minute performance of Maori song and dance by local tribe members. Guests will also explore a mystical geothermally active wetland, bubbling hot mud pools, and hot springs, or take a guided walk to view the Pohutu geyser.
The tour proceeds to the nearby holiday lakes of Okareka and Tikitapu/Blue, with the possibility of visiting Tarawera if time permits. These locations offer stunning photo opportunities, and participants can enjoy a short, easy trek into a grove of New Zealand’s native forest, providing a tranquil, serene, and unique experience.
Additional options include visiting the Redwoods Forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere Falls, time permitting.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time.
- This is a private tour with a minimum of 2 people required to book
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.