Private, via beaches, Kiwi farm to Rotorua 8 lakes & Geothermal

5.0 (20 reviews) 7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

20 reviews

5.0

Eveyones buzzing after a Tour to Rotorua — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The famous Pohutu, we don’t get this close and rarely does it blow this high. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown.

In Rotorua we visit the iconic Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of maori song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland and some bubbling hot mudpools and hot springs, or a guided walk incl. viewing the Pohutu geyser).

Then we drive to the nearby holiday lakes of okareka and tikitapu/blue (and possibly Tarawera if time allows), Stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest...tranquil, serene and unique.

Redwoods forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere falls are two more options, again if time allows.

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At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Arrow Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Bottled water
Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Included: Polynesian concert, as well as a walk through the stunning geothermal wetland
Included: Port pickup
Included: Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Mt Maunganui Main Beach

10 min

Look out over the iconic Mount main beach, the most popular summer destination for local New Zealanders and discover the history of this area called The Bay of plenty
Stop 2

10 min

We’ll stop here for a comfort stop as well as some more great opportunities for stunning photos of your friends and family or group, and the vast Pacific coastline omnipresent here.
Te Puke

20 min

We visit one of the original Kiwi orchards in this, the Kiwifruit growing capital of the world. We’re certain you’ll be impressed to see how laden these vines are with fruit and the intense husbandry and care that goes into growing them - in part because they are such a valuable part of our local economy.
Stop 4

Passing by

We head to Rotorua via a beautifully scenic route with excellent examples of native fauna of this region great views of the Pacific Ocean as we head down from the elevated central Plateau
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

1 h 30 min Admission included

Entry is included into this historic world renowned bubbling geothermal village where local Maori still live today. You will be impressed by a storming 40 minute cultural performance where you will be entertained by the local Māori entertainment troupe with their natural gift for music and dance and a stomping good version of the Haka, a once seen, never forgotten war dance. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, song and dance spanning over a century, being the iwi (pronounced “eewee” tribe) that originally guide tourists at the Pink and White Terraces before it was buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. With our special agreement with iwi (tribe) we can have a peek at the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers which put on a natural (but unpredictable time wise) display of hot gushing groundwater heated by the geothermal activity beneath it.
Lake Rotorua

30 min Admission not included

We select one of 3 cafes in downtown Rotorua, all reputable with a nice ambience and great food to stop for lunch to relax, connect and enjoy
Government Gardens

15 min

A gentle drive through the Beautiful Government gardens and alongside the Tudor style Rotorua museum. Photo stop
Rotorua Museum

Passing by

Beautiful gardens and Museum
Lake Okareka Walkway

10 min

An elevated spot where you are welcome to take postcard like photos with the idyllic Lake Okareka in the foreground and its many stunning lakefront holiday homes and the once lively and active Mt Tarawera (presently dormant) in the background.
Polynesian Spa

Passing by

Soak in the soothing mineral waters or a mud massage only found in Rotorua. This is in a wonderful setting, but we really do recommend this as a winter attraction as most of the 9 alfresco natural hot mineral pools are at, or close to, body temperature. We can omit the Whakarewarewa experience that’s included in this itinerary for 90 minutes here if you would like to choose this option.
Tikitapu Nature Walk

20 min

You will enter an prime example of New Zealand native forest, the comments from our past clients range from beautiful to awe inspiring. Abundant with tall podocarps, dozens of different fern varieties including Jurassic Park tree ferns(Actor Sam Neil is from NZ) and to your benefit no poisonous snakes or spiders or scary creepy craw lies or tigers or leeches, so walk through and embrace without a trace of fear.
Mt. Tarawera

10 min

Take in the breath taking view of Mt Tarawera and learn about the devastating 1886 eruption. Photo stop extraordinaire.

If time is constrained, we may not venture this far, as we get a great view of this same mountain 20 minutes prior, from Summit road, Lake Okareka. Here, also provides a grand view of lake tarawera as well as the mountain that has had a large influence on this regions history and landscape. Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886 and buried the most touristic attraction at the time the Pink and White Terraces as well as the local village. We can see the volcano on the opposite site of the lake. Bring your camera!
Stop 13

10 min

Lake Tikitapu (Blue lake), and lake Rotokakahi (green lake), are two gems in the middle of a beautiful native forest. Blue lake is open to everybody and is a nice destination to spend a week-end swimming, boating, barbecuing etc. while the green lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbiden) due to some historical conflict between local tribes… Nice panoramic photo to do in the lookout between these to lakes. Be amazed at the beauty of these Lakes.
Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

10 min

If time allows, we stop in here at this serene, although often very popular grove of sizable exotic trees over 100 years that have thrived in the Bay of Plenty's conducive climate and fertile soils.
Okere Falls

15 min

Here is our last stop before our 50 minute journey back to your ship. For those that are fit and able, we descend a flight of 60 steps to an enthralling natural space where you are up close to the violent rapids of the Kaituna River that drains the two large lakes of Rotorua and Rotoiti.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Pickup points

Domain Motel
Mission Belle Motel
Ocean Waves Motel
City Suites
Clarence Boutique Hotel
Thornton Lodge
Roselands Motel
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Port of Tauranga
Blue Wave Motel
Baywatch Motor Inn
Aquarius Motor Inn

and 16 more pickup points

Please note, that we can accommodate up to 15 passengers, however the list price is only for 4 passengers, the additional costs (which covers for entry to Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village for an easy walk extremely close to the most geothermally active wetland in NZ and a finely honed Maori concert performance), should automatically increase as you add passenger numbers. For cruise ship passengers, we’ll greet you just outside the Port security gate, a 150 m walk north along the wharf from where your cruise ship docks at the Port of Tauranga. We will be waiting on a grassy knoll by the flagpoles, just outside this gate, most probably wearing black short sleeved collared shirts and bearing a sign with your name on it.

Using your ticket

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time
Please note, if your ship arrived after this time, the meeting time is 1-hour after docking

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time.
This is a private tour with a minimum of 2 people required to book
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

Options

Traveller group size, 5 to 8

Whakarewa Geothermal Village: A one hour and a half visit to this iconic and unique village that has been the hub of tourism in Rotorua for over 140 years

Pickup included
Private Tour for up to 4 pax

Pickup included
Traveller group size 9 to 12

Whakarewa concert/geothermal

Pickup included