Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
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Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
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Please bring sun protection and a light jacket for cooler weather
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Pricing is per group
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Max 6 per group
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
Discover more than just Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders. With a private guide, you’ll explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, stroll through historic Government Gardens, enjoy a thermal foot soak at Kuirau Park, and visit cultural treasures like the Te Arawa Whare Waka. Along the way, you’ll see hidden gems including the Kaituna River Falls, kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke, and New Zealand’s most iconic beach at Mount Maunganui. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.
Highlights
7 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
7 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bottled water
Foot spa experience at Kuirau Park mineral footbath
Private Vehicle Charter + Guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Waiotapu geothermal park entry fee
Meeting Points
Departure
Port of Tauranga Ltd
Disembark your ship,walk along the dock, to the pedestrian exit security gate. We will be standing outside the exit on the grass underneath a flag pole with a sign board with your names on. We will be in uniform of black trousers / white shirts / orange lanyards and signed with our company logo.
After meeting your private guide at the Tauranga port, set out on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal regions. Once famed for the Pink and White Terraces—often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” before their destruction in the 1886 Tarawera eruption—Wai-O-Tapu is now a remarkable landscape of steaming vents, bubbling geysers, and pools shimmering in vibrant hues of turquoise, orange, gold, and green.
The park’s highlight is the striking Champagne Pool, surrounded by mineral-rich terraces. Depending on your ship’s arrival time, you may also witness the dramatic 10:15 a.m. eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.
Wai-O-Tapu offers three self-guided walking tracks ranging from easy to moderate, lasting between 40 and 75 minutes. With your guide alongside, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the route that best suits your pace while taking in the geothermal wonders up close.
2 hours
2
Government Gardens
Government Gardens is one of Rotorua’s historic landmarks and most popular tourism destinations. You'll want to have your camera on hand for this spot!
The Tudor-style Bath House was built onsite and opened in 1908, and is noted as the first major investment in the New Zealand tourism industry by the government. It now houses the Rotorua Museum and art gallery. It is currently closed for renovation and earthquake strengthening.
A walk through Government Gardens takes you to see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern Māori-inspired art, sculptures, and perfectly manicured grounds for bowls, croquet, petanque . You’ll also find a soldiers’ memorial for the servicemen of the local Te Arawa tribe, and the Klamath Falls Rose Gardens.
15 minutes
3
Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk
Rotorua lakefront a central recreational hub for the city. We will park up and you can wander about and take in the prestigious Te Arawa Waka Taua (war canoe),
Te Arawa Whare Waka is a purpose-built canoe house made from glass, situated on the Lakefront, and it was a key part of the Rotorua Lakefront recent redesign project.
The modern building's glass walls offer views of the taonga (treasure) while allowing it to still be used and transported for cultural events. The Whare Waka, also known as "Te Taiao," symbolizes the deep cultural heritage and connection of the Te Arawa people to Lake Rotorua.
15 minutes
4
Kuirau Park
Kuirau park is situated in central Rotorua and is still a very active geothermal park.
We will take you through the park to see the crater lake, mud pools, hot springs, and then enjoy a free thermal foot bath, all set in a beautifully manicured setting dotted with flower beds and native flora.
20 minutes
5
Kaituna River
The Kaituna River is in the Bay of Plenty region. It is the outflow from Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti and flows northwards for 45 kilometres (28 mi), emptying into the Bay of Plenty(ocean) at Maketu.
The river is an important traditional resource, and was used for fishing, with the riperian edges used to grow crops including kūmara and harvest harakeke (flax).
The name of the river refers to eels being a major food resource.
Kaituna Falls are located along the Kaituna River, with easy access to a viewing platform.
Known as both the Kaituna Falls and Trout Pool Falls, this waterfall is one of three along the Kaituna River, near Rotorua (the others being the Okere Falls, and Tutea Falls).
This section of the Kaituna River is popular with rafters and kayakers, due to the number of rapids and waterfalls.
The waterfall is not large – just a 5mtr drop, but worth the visit for its beauty within our native forest and the history
15 minutes
6
Kiwifruit Capital of the World (Sign)
Te Puke, located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, is known as the "Kiwifruit Capital of the World". The town is considered the birthplace of New Zealand's kiwifruit industry, and its warm, moist climate and fertile soil are ideal for growing the fruit.
The area is a major horticultural centre, where hundreds of local growers produce millions of kiwifruits that are exported globally.
The kiwifruit industry is the backbone of the district's economy, providing jobs for thousands of people during the picking and packing season. New Zealand is 2nd largest supplier of kiwifruit to the entire world.
We have accessibility to an orchard – so we can take you to view the fruit in its growing stages.
15 minutes
7
Mt Maunganui Main Beach
On our return to where your ship is docked we will drive along Marine Parade of the suburb of Mount Maunganui. This is New Zealands most popular beach, before traversing the narrow isthmus of land running alongside Mauao - the impressive 232 meter lava dome from which the region takes its name from, then along Pilot Bay back to the port of Tauranga front gates to reboard your ship.
Discover more than just Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders. With a private guide, you’ll explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, stroll through historic Government Gardens, enjoy a thermal foot soak at Kuirau Park, and visit cultural treasures like the Te Arawa Whare Waka. Along the way, you’ll see hidden gems including the Kaituna River Falls, kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke, and New Zealand’s most iconic beach at Mount Maunganui. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.
Highlights
7 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
7 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bottled water
Foot spa experience at Kuirau Park mineral footbath
Private Vehicle Charter + Guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Waiotapu geothermal park entry fee
Meeting Points
Departure
Port of Tauranga Ltd
Disembark your ship,walk along the dock, to the pedestrian exit security gate. We will be standing outside the exit on the grass underneath a flag pole with a sign board with your names on. We will be in uniform of black trousers / white shirts / orange lanyards and signed with our company logo.