Te Puia and Wai-o-Tapu Highlights

5.0 / 5 | 3 Reviews Review This Tour

Price: $175.00

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Summary

Shore Excursion Size

Small

Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Scenic

Shore Excursion Duration 8 Hours

Activity Level

Moderate

Shore Excursion Leaves From

An approximately 2 to 5 minute walk from the cruise ship pier.

Food/Beverage Provided None

Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and casual, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing. We also suggest a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in the summer.

Restrictions Guests must be able to step in and out of the vehicle. Infants ages 3 and younger may attend the tour; however, due to passenger loading laws in New Zealand, all passengers (including infants) must purchase a seat for travel. Infants are not permitted to ride on a parent's lap. Parents must bring their own car seats, and will be charged an additional fee for the infant. This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible. Storage space is not available for push chairs or strollers.

Te Puia and Wai-o-tapu

This full-day experience in Tauranga is conducted in a small group with a professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide. Your guide will escort you on a day of discovery that will take you to the thermal wonderlands of Wai-o-tapu and Te Puia. This is the ultimate geothermal experience!

The first stop is at Rotorua's geothermal and cultural hub - Te Puia. Here you will see geysers, mud pools, and simmering hot pools, and have the opporunity to capture iconic photos that only Te Puia can provide. You will then enjoy an authentic Maori cultural performance of traditional songs and dances, including the famous war dance, the Haka! Learn how the Maori people have adapted to life in this unique landscape using nature to assist in everyday life.

Next, marvel at the diverse landscapes that have been sculpted out of thousands of years of volcanic activity. Make your way to Wai-O-Tapu to see the famous Lady Knox Geyser and the visitors center. Shooting 20-30 meters into the air, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts at precisely 10:15 AM every day. You will also see the famous Champagne Pool, Devils Cave, Artist's Palette, Sulphur Cave and many more geothermal features, as well as New Zealand's largest bubbling mud pool.

Continuing on, enjoy the famous sights of Rotorua city, including Government Gardens, the Bath House, Rachel Spring and the stunning lakefront. Delight in sights of the lush Bay of Plenty countryside, passing forests, lakes, orchards, beaches and more. You will also stop at a kiwifruit orchard so you can see first-hand how these furry icons are grown.

The scenic drive back to Tauranga will take approximately 1 hour. Book this tour and indulge in the ultimate geothermal experience!

5.0 / 5 | 3 ReviewsReview This Tour

Wonderful tour

February 25, 2020

Our guide/driver was wonderful - full of passion and information and he happily shared both. The group size was perfect and the vehicle was comfortable. Very great value.

Reviewer: Roy Suthons

A wonderful day

December 16, 2019

We were met by the tour guide as promised and on time with a comfortable air conditioned van. We arrived at the geyser on time if there is a part that could be omitted- this would be it. The geyser is artificially synthesized. I would have preferred more time at Wai -o-Tapu which was very interesting to see! The Maori Village proved to be more interesting than I had expected and the play was not “tacky” at all but was quite authentic and entertaining. Our guide was most helpful and also kept us all on schedule. I have another suggestion. All buses should be equiped with a “step stool”. This is essential for seniors who are short and may have some mobility issues. Aside from this, the day was wonderful! Thank you.

Reviewer: C Shapiro

Wonderful tour guide, fascinating place

December 03, 2019

Our tour guide was called Russell and he was fab. He was local to the area and knew lots of interesting facts. Both places we visited were spectacular and the Maori village was delightful, as was the concert performed by the Maori villagers. Our guide in the village was very amusing and kept us entertained throughout. Would highly recommend.

Reviewer: Rachel

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