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.

Your first stop will be a kiwi fruit orchard, where you'll learn about our kiwi fruit industry and sample a variety of products.

Our route continues through farmland and pine-forested areas, both of which contribute significantly to the region's overall income. We make a brief detour to view native New Zealand fauna and make a brief stop to watch adrenaline junkies paddle their kayaks and rafts through the Kaituna Rapids and falls. We move on to Rotorua after passing Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua , two of the region's 16 lakes.

Before transporting you to the highlight of your day visiting Rotorua's unique Geothermal Wonderland we offer you a brief lunch break that is not included. You will go on a tour of a Maori village and the Whakarewarewa Thermal region. A living village in a landscape of hot thermal springs, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal activity that is erupting. The well-known Pohutu Geyser can be found here. Hosted by a wonderful Maori guide from the area, and experience a people who have come to live in peace in this one-of-a-kind environment full of geothermal wonders.

Learn first hand how the geothermal activity is used in everyday life by using natural mineral waters for communal bathing and cooking with steam vents and hot springs. Meet the people who call Whakarewarewa Village their home and are always happy to teach you about their hobbies and knowledge. Learn about the culture and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. After visiting the ancestral home, Whare Tupuna, a fully carved meeting house, you'll be treated to a traditional Maori welcome, traditional songs, dances, and fighting skills, including the well-known Haka. A concert you shouldn't miss.

As we depart the welcoming community and continue the journey through Rotorua City to see theformal Government Gardens, the well-known Rotorua Bath House and Museum, and Rachel's Spring, which continuously boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

We then return back to Mount Maunganui at the end of an incredible day of travel and exploration to meet your ship at the port of Tauranga prior to it's time to sail.

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