Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland
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Port
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$230
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Take your experience to the next level with a tour of Rotorua’s geothermal pools, local Maori culture and buildings of architectural significance.
Leave Tauranga for a 90-minute panoramic drive inland through kiwifruit country.
Arriving in Rotorua, you will visit Te Puia, where young Maori apprentices are taught the ancient arts of carving and weaving.
From here, you will begin a walking tour through Rotorua's largest geothermal reserve, Te Whakarewarewa. The spectacular geothermal activity in this area has made Rotorua one of New Zealand's greatest attractions. A guided stroll takes you past boiling mud pools, hot pools and geysers – an incredible display of nature's raw fury and an awesome experience.
You will enjoy a traditional Te Puia Māori cultural performance featuring a spine-tingling wero—a challenge by a Māori warrior to ensure that visitors come in peace—followed by a pōwhiri, or welcome ritual. Then, visit the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, where you will be introduced to skills such as carving, weaving and the creation of flax skirts and patterned bodices. Pause to see a replica Māori village; after lunch, you will have time to browse a gift shop for traditional handcrafts.
Next, your coach takes you into the city for a photo stop at the Rotorua Bath House, which is adjacent to the Blue Baths and Government Gardens. This is your chance to view a magnificent Tudor-styled building, built in the early 1900s by the government to entice overseas travelers to visit New Zealand.
Finally, re-board the coach for the drive back to Tauranga.
Please note:
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. Wear comfortable walking shoes.