Tauranga Shore Excursion: Wai-o-Tapu with Forest Walk/Forest Spa

5.0 (4 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation Skip the line

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Pass by kiwifruit orchards and lakes as we drive you to the nearby town of Rotorua. Learn about the real New Zealand as we explore the hinterland in a small group.

Visit The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland-New Zealand's best geothermal experience! Be guided through this dramatic and unique park and witness the Lady Knox Geyser. Buy your lunch at the cafe here- "hangi" pasties recommended!

Next we visit a secret spot where you will witness the best boiling mud pools in NZ.

Next you choose between 2 locations:

1. The awe-inspiring Redwood Forest; Experience the cool and calm created by this unique ecosystem, either on the ground, or by upgrading to the Canopy Treetop Walk: Traversing the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest

2. For those who want something a bit more luxurious, there is also the option to take time out in a private forest hot tub (extra charge), complete with drinks on tap!

Enjoy tasting kiwifruit, NZ sweets, brownie and cool drinks along the way.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 11 people
People per booking: 1–11
Guide: English
Operated by: A Day in the Bay

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–15 years) · Adults (16–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Fully guided tour
Included: Entrance fees: Redwoods Forest Park or Secret Spot Foot tubs included. Option to upgrade to Treetop Walk or Private Hot Tubs will be paid on the day.
Included: Entrance fees: Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Lady Knox Geyser Entry including guided tour, and secret spot hot mud pools visit
Included: Snacks: Bottled water, cold juice and the famous NZ Lemon and Paeroa drink provided. Kiwifruit tasting, NZ traditional sweets, Brownie and Muesli Bars provided throughout the day.

Not included

Not included: Lunch and hot drinks can be purchased at Wai-o-Tapu
Not included: Entrance fees: The upgraded options in the forest/ at the spas will be paid on the day if you wish to upgrade

Itinerary

Lake Rotoiti

10 min Admission included

On our way to Rotorua, we stop briefly at the pretty lake Rotoiti and it's excellent cafe. Coffee addicts can get a coffee fix at this well known spot for exceptional coffee. The rest of us can enjoy the lake outlook for a few minutes.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

3 hours

Next we head to the very best of New Zealand's geothermal parks- The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland! Witness the amazing Lady Knox Geyser shooting 10M in the air, enjoy a guided tour of the first portion of the park, then take your time to walk through as much or as little of this stunning park as you like. Purchase your lunch in the excellent cafe (Hangi Pasties recommended).
Rotorua

15 min

Next, we take you to see some little-known but spectacular bubbling mud pools. Most tour companies skip over this, but these are the most spectacular mud pools in New Zealand. Why would you miss them?
Redwoods Treewalk

1 h 15 min Admission included

Next you choose:

1. Enjoy a relaxed ground walk through the famous Redwoods Forest. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the calm and cool atmosphere in this special place.

2. Upgrade to experience the exciting Redwoods Treetop Walk (Highly recommended, payable on the day). Traverse the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest, and learn about this unique ecosystem. Breathe in the cool and clean air, and look out for native birdlife as you explore the many walkways and bridges. This is an outstanding activity, and one of our absolute favourites in the region.

3. For those more keen on a little luxury quiet time, we will take you to Secret Spot Hot Tubs, instead of the Redwoods Forest. You can hire a private forest spa, complete with drinks on tap! What a way to wind up your day in nature! Extra admission charge applies for the private hot tubs.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Mission Belle Motel
Baywatch Motor Inn
Ocean Waves Motel
Outrigger Vivaldi Apartments
Pacific Motor Inn

Important note:

Please don't worry about published start and end times - we know when your ship is in and will confirm start and end times with you closer to the tour date. We time all our tours to suit your ship docking times.

We will be standing in front of the flagpole just outside the Cruise Port Exit. We will have a sign with "A Day in the Bay" and your name on it. Please try to be there 10 mins prior to the trip leaving.

When you step off the ship, turn left and walk 50-100M out the port gates. Once out the gates, look to your right and the flagpole is there.

We provide a fully guided experience using Mercedes Vans with panoramic windows.

Using your ticket

Our tours are all tailored for cruise passengers, and we will meet you at the port. We time our trips to fit your docking time, and will have you back with plenty of time to spare, so relax and enjoy your day!

We will be standing at the Cruise port exit, through the gates, waiting for you. We have a sign "A Day in the Bay". We will have your booking name on a board.

Please note: Many companies offer only transport. Ours is a fully guided experience.