6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga
Description
Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This area of Rotorua is literally a hot bed of geothermal activity, with steaming lakes and bubbling mud pools. A visit to the foot bathing area lets you enjoy the warm waters that naturally occur throughout the region. Take a walk through the park to see the steaming lakes and the location of the last eruption here on 2001.
We make a stop here on the edge of Lake Rotorua to see the effect the geothermal activity has on the lake, right in the heart of Rotorua. A popular spot for many of the native birds that also enjoy the warm waters created by the outflows from the nearby geysers and hot water springs.
We make a stop in the Government Gardens, location of the Rotorua Bathhouse and Museum, the famous Blue Baths and the naturally occurring Rachel's Spring, source of the geothermal water for the Polynesian Spa. Chance for some great photos and to walk through the extensive flower displays.
Take a walk high up in the amazing Redwood Forest in Rotorua, easily accessed by the spiral ramp. Look down onto the forest floor and get a great view not only of these majestic tress but also of the Tree Ferns laid out below you. New for 2025 we now include a guided tour through a Glow Worm cave, a short walk inside the purpose built facility takes you into a cave where you will see thousands of glow worms. You will also be able to see right up close what these strange creatures look like.
We will show you the sights of Rotorua city as part of the tour.
As we depart (or return) to the port of Tauranga you will travel through the city, one of New Zealand's fastest growing city and home to the country's largest port.
As we depart the Port of Tauranga where you cruise ship is berthed, we will dry through one of New Zealand's most popular and also most expensive beach side suburbs of Mount Maunganui, driving along the sea front of Marine Parade past multi-million dollar home.
We will be travelling through the world capitol of Kiwi Fruit, otherwise know as the town of Te Puke and its surrounding area. The region produces 85% of the countries Kiwifruit crop. You will see the extensive orchard and their impressive windbreaks on the way to or from Rotorua, out main destination today.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Family friendly tour
- Tour departure time may change due to early and/or late ship arrivals and departures
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. We suggest layers with hats and sunscreen
- You must provide your own infant/baby seat if required.
- The Tree Walk involves walking up a ramp to approx 20 metres above ground and then walking along up 28 swing rope bridges between the trees. It is safe and secure but good mobility is needed as there are steps in some areas.
Reviews(321)
One of the best tours we did in New Zealand. Excellent guide, varied itinerary, small group. Thoroughly recommend this tour
This was a fantastic tour that was well worth the money. We loved all the stops. Who knew there was red kiwi fruit?
Thanks for the very great review, RED Kiwi fruit is a new thing and usually only available within NZ, but shipments are starting for overseas. Regards Ian
This is a packed day, really getting to see and do a lot of places and activities in New Zealand. It was a small group of eight and Allistair, our guide, was great with his knowledge of the area and sites visited .
Thanks for your review, pleased that we met all your expectations and that you enjoyed the tour, regards Ian
Our guide Brian was so knowledgeable and friendly. Nothing was a problem with him. The tour was awesome and covered a lot of ground. Recommend it highly!
Thanks for the kind comments and we are pleased you enjoyed the tour. Regards Ian
Nice trip to this volcanic city. Was nicely varied. Shearing sheep was also fun to see
Thanks for the review, pleased you had a good time. Regards Ian
Excellent experience very inclusive. We saw a lot of things. Simon, the guide was amazing. Really enjoyed all the stops specially, the kiwi farm and the redwoods.
Thanks for your kind comments and positive 5 star review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the tour with us. Regards Ian
This tour provides you with a variety of locations to visit. Our guide was called Simon and his knowledge of the area was immense and he imparted it with great ease and it was obvious he loves sharing this knowledge with his clients. I enjoyed every aspect of the tour, especially the high ropes walkway through the redwood forest. The silver fern explanation was great. Thanks again Simon.
Thanks for your kind comments and positive 5 star review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the tour with us. Regards Ian
Simon was the best! So much knowledge of the city and history the perfect driver and MC for the day. Drove us around to all the spots gave us short details about the location and enough time for pictures and walking around. Did a bonus stop to see native kiwis and try their ice cream since we had extra time at of the tour great adventure and tour.
Thanks for your kind comments and positive 5 star review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the tour with us. Regards Ian
This was a great excursion to see sights in the area. I'm sure our guide Richie made this even better, he was full of interesting information about the area and gave us enough time to enjoy the various stops. Loved the tree walk, glowworms, the stops at the thermal pools and lake and of course the kiwi farm.
Thanks for your review and pleased to hear you enjoyed the tour with Cruise Tours Tauranga. Regards Ian
A great trip with Richie our guide. The redwood walk was great and the glow worm cave although a bit of a novelty was interesting and well explained by our guide. The tour included a lovely commentary about the local area with an insight into NZ life. A great day out.
Thanks for your review and pleased to hear you enjoyed the tour with Cruise Tours Tauranga. Regards Ian
