Rotorua - TePuia Geothermal, Kiwi & Maori Cultural Highlights
Rotorua - TePuia Geothermal, Kiwi & Maori Cultural Highlights
Departing the pier, you will drive through Tauranga to reach Rotorua via a scenic route not often taken by larger touring vehicles.
On your journey through to Rotorua you will pass through an ancient lava flow, an ecological reserve and learn of the volcanic history which created this dramatic landscape. You will also gain an insight into the farming and forestry Industries, so important to this region.
Travel through to Te Puia Maori Arts an Crafts Institute and Thermal Park where you will meet a local Maori guide who will take you on a tour of Te Whakarewarewa Valley. Here you will see geysers, mud pools, and wonderful geothermal activity. Gain and insight into the traditional crafts of weaving and carving still alive and in demand today.
One of the highlights will be experiencing a Maori cultural show in the Meeting House including a welcome onto the grounds and then a performance of the famous war challenge the Haka - which will be sure to give you goose bumps.
We then travel back to Tauranga through Rotorua's central city, Government Gardens and along the waterfront of Lake Rotorua
On our way back we will stop at the impressive Okere Falls - popular with rafters
A visit to Kiwi 360 for an insight into the Billion dollar Kiwifruit industry of the bay and a great place to shop for gifts.
Te Puia provides a fantastic variety of local cuisine for you to purchase lunch on your own.