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Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland & Maori Cultural Excursion

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Experience Rotorua, voted the most beautiful New Zealand city for four consecutive years, and the heart of geothermal action, lunar landscapes, scenic wonderland, jewel colored lakes, and Maori culture at its best.

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 Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. You will stop at a kiwifruit country orchard, where you will be able to taste various products made with this amazing fruit. You'll then make a stop at a producer of New Zealand's famous export: Manuka honey. You'll learn about what makes this delicious honey so special, and taste it for yourself.

This cultural excursion will then drive through farmland and pine forested areas before taking a detour to view some native fauna while on a short stop to view the adrenaline junkies as they cascade the Kaituna Rapids and falls in their kayaks and rafts. You will continue on to Rotorua passing Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, which are just 2 of the 16 lakes in the region.

There will be a short break for lunch (at your own expense) alongside Lake Rotorua before you drive to the unique thermal wonderland of Whakarewarewa, a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs, bubbling mud, and the famous Pohutu Geyser.

You will be hosted by a Maori guide and experience a people who have come to live in harmony in the midst of this unique environment. Hear how they use the boiling cauldrons and steam in everyday life for cooking and the natural mineral waters for communal bathing.

The local villagers are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes of the place they call home. Learn about their traditions and culture, visit the fully carved meeting house Whare Tupuna (ancestral home), and then experience a traditional Maori welcome, songs, and dances, including the famous Haka. This is the only authentic living Maori village of its kind in New Zealand. Crowds should be expected at this site.

Your sightseeing journey continues through Rotorua to the Government Gardens, the historic Bath House, and Rachel's Pool. The excursion returns to Tauranga using a different route, with the opportunity to stop and admire Hamurana Springs crystal clear blue waters. Upon arrival to the city, you will have the opportunity to see a little of the inner city and its downtown area before crossing the harbor bridge to return to your ship at Mount Maunganui.

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About Shore Excursions Group
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ABOUT US
Shore Excursions Group was created with one goal in mind: to provide exceptional travel experiences to cruise passengers in the ports they visit around the world. To accomplish this, we have compiled an exceptional array of tours delivered by local experts with decades of experience serving travelers and delivering excellent tours. Our owners and management team are comprised of seasoned travel industry executives who leverage their considerable experience to deliver memorie ...
from $144.00 (USD)
Per Person
 
Tour Type
Group
 
Group Size
Small
 
Activity Type(s)
Cultural, Active, Scenic, Cuisine
 
Tour Duration
7.5 Hours
 
Activity Level
Moderate
 
Tour Leaves From
Cruise Ship Pier
 
Food/Beverage Provided
Tastings of kiwifruit and Manuka honey products are included.
 
Special Instructions
We recommend comfortable layered clothing and sensible walking shoes. A hat, a light jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also suggested.
 
Restrictions
Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces with a slight incline. Tour is not wheelchair accessible.
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