6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga
- 6h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Redwoods Treewalk & Glow Worm caves guided tour admission
- Small-group transport in air-conditioned minivan/coach
- Port pickup and drop-off (cruise-friendly timing)
- Traditional Hangi-inspired snack (meat or vegetable pie)
- Guided geothermal foot bath experience (towels provided)
- Professional local guide with live commentary
What's not
- Admission to commercial geothermal parks (not included)
- Lunch, drinks, souvenirs, personal expenses
- Infant/baby seats (must be supplied by traveler if required)
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.6
- 5238
- 452
- 316
- 26
- 19
Ratings come from 321 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Great tour
One of the best tours we did in New Zealand. Excellent guide, varied itinerary, small group. Thoroughly recommend this tour
5Great tour of Rotorua and Tauranga
This was a fantastic tour that was well worth the money. We loved all the stops. Who knew there was red kiwi fruit?
5Very enjoyable New Zealand excursion.
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 .
5Rotorua and Redwood Forest
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!
5Excellent choice
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.
5What a great day!
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.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The meeting point for passengers off the cruise ships is on the grass by the flag poll just outside the port pedestrian exit gate on Salisbury Avenue. If you are not travelling on a cruise ship then this is still the meeting point unless you have made an alternative arrangement with us.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 20 travellers
- Operated by
- Cruise Tours Tauranga
- 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.
How it compares in Tauranga
- Its from-price is 14% below the median of the 34 day trips we list in Tauranga.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 3 of 34.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Tauranga
Tauranga is a harbour city on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, with kiwifruit orchards and the volcanic cone of Mauao at Mount Maunganui.
Tauranga lies on a large sheltered harbour on the Bay of Plenty, on the north-east coast of New Zealand's North Island, with a major port across the water. The Strand, the downtown waterfront, has cafés and parks, and The Elms, a mission station founded in 1838, is a preserved colonial house and garden.
Top-ranked sights in Tauranga: Waimarino Adventure Park.
Special offers in Tauranga
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
