• Mt Maunganui Main Beach - Pause to appreciate this stunning area, where it’s shared that James Cook discovered it in 1769.
• Kiwifruit Country - As you drive through 25,000 acres of Te Puke kiwi orchards, enjoy a detailed and engaging narrative on the development of this fruit in the country, including a brief overview of the cultivation techniques and its significance to the local economy. A stop at Kurt’s 12-acre orchard offers a closer look. It’s sure to impress.
• Mangorewa River - Travel to Rotorua via a scenic route showcasing excellent examples of the region’s native fauna and offering great 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 bubbling geothermal village where local Maori still reside. Be captivated by a 40-minute cultural performance featuring the local Māori entertainment troupe, showcasing their natural talent for music and dance, including a memorable version of the Haka, a war dance that leaves a lasting impression. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, songs, and dances for over a century, being the iwi (pronounced “eewee” tribe) that originally guided tourists at the Pink and White Terraces before they were buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. With a special agreement with the iwi (tribe), you can glimpse the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers, which naturally display hot gushing groundwater heated by the geothermal activity beneath. Another highlight is a 30-minute walk through their geothermally active natural wetland zone.
• Lake Rotorua - Choose from one of three fine cafes for lunch, one of which offers a splendid view of the lake and the large intricately carved meeting house (whare nui).
• Polynesian Spa - Optionally, enjoy a soak in these 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 opt to substitute the Whakarewarewa concert and Geothermal walk for this at no additional cost.
• Government Gardens - Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful gardens and the iconic Rotorua Museum.
• Lake Okareka Walkway - An elevated spot perfect for postcard-like photos with the idyllic Lake Okareka in the foreground, its stunning lakefront holiday homes, and the once lively and active Mt Tarawera (currently dormant) in the background.
• Tikitapu Nature Walk - Enter a prime example of New Zealand’s native forest, where past clients have described it as beautiful and awe-inspiring. The area is abundant with tall podocarps and dozens of different fern varieties, including Jurassic Park tree ferns (Actor Sam Neil is from NZ). Enjoy the benefit of no poisonous snakes, spiders, or other scary creatures, allowing you to walk through without fear. You also have the opportunity to take a 300-meter hike into this enchanting natural space. By all accounts, this stop will be loved.
• 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 everyone and is a great destination for a weekend of swimming, boating, barbecuing, etc., while the Green Lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbidden) due to historical conflicts between local tribes. Capture a stunning panoramic photo at the lookout between these two lakes and be amazed by their beauty.
• Buried Village of Te Wairoa - Pass by this historic site on the way to the Tarawera lookout, which is visited if time permits.
• 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. Pause at an excellent photo opportunity lookout to view this lake and mountain, which have significantly influenced the region’s history and landscape, offering a wonderful sight, one of the best on the tour. Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, burying the most popular tourist attraction at the time, the Pink and White Terraces, as well as the local village. The volcano can be seen on the opposite side of the lake. Don’t forget your camera! The visit to this lookout may be omitted if time is limited due to the early departure of your cruise ship.
• Okere Falls - This is the final stop (hopefully, time will allow) before the 50-minute journey back to the ship. If you are fit and able, descend a 60-step walkway, where at the bottom, you will be invigorated as you stand just a meter away from a roaring grade 4 river that drains the large Rotorua and Rotoiti lakes out to the ocean some 40 km away. It’s an enthralling and excellent photo opportunity site.

• Local guide
• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes included
• Port pickup and drop-off

• Lunch

Our most popular tour offers an ideal full-day experience for those eager to explore this diverse landscape. Highlights include Mt Maunganui, New Zealand’s Kiwi and farming regions, the Rotorua 8 lakes, with a special focus on the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa village. Enjoy a captivating concert showcasing the rich Maori culture through song, dance, and storytelling.

As you journey to Rotorua, admire stunning beaches and luxurious multimillion-dollar homes. The 45-minute drive from the coast takes you gradually up the central plateau, passing through lush Kiwifruit plantations (with a planned stop to view the vines in full foliage and fruit) and typical New Zealand pastoral farmland, leading to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Discover the most popular attractions, including the Blue & Green lakes, and enjoy views of Mt Tarawera (which erupted in 1886) across a breathtaking lake. Stroll through New Zealand’s native bush, rich with ferns and towering podocarps, reminiscent of an 1800s pioneer or Maori warrior. Visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park and catch a glimpse of the geysers, including the famous Pohutu.

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