Skip the impersonal big bus tours and opt for our comfortable Mercedes vans (12 Seaters) with panoramic windows. You will enjoy an entertaining and informative narrative, as well as enjoying a range of fun inclusions and treats throughout the day. Enjoy a brief but informative city tour on our way out of town. Learn about our culture and local history as we head towards the tourism capital of New Zealand- the nearby town of Rotorua. Pass by hectares of kiwifruit orchards and beautiful lakes, and learn about the real New Zealand as we explore the hinterland in a small group. First we stop at Lake Rotoiti, to enjoy the view and visit it's fabulous cafe, where coffee addicts can get their first shot of the day. The pastries here are amazing too if you are ready for an early snack.

Next, we head to the famous Redwoods Forest. Enjoy a relaxed walk through the forest floor (included), or choose to upgrade and experience the exciting Treetop Walk. 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.

Next we head to the famous Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village. We believe this is the absolute best option in New Zealand to really experience and learn about our indigenous people and their lifestyle and history, from real descendants of this important local tribe. Enjoy a top quality cultural show and then a fully guided tour of the village. See up close, the active geothermal springs and geysers, taste corn cooked in the village cooking spring, and learn about the incredible connection between this and other volcanic areas across the globe. The Pohutu Geyser is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, shooting 30M high approx. once per hour! It is an exciting spectacle to see! You will be able to buy lunch and view the museum at this location as well.

On our way home, we visit the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! We usually get to see the rafters and kayakers shooting down the falls, but even if they are not there, it's a stunning sight to see. Depending on time and fitness levels, there are different walking distance options: 1 minute (top of the falls), 12 minutes each way (best viewing area), 15 Minutes each way (includes Hinemoa's steps and takes you to the base of the falls as well). This is just another highlight on this stunning day trip. We make our way back to Tauranga in plenty of time for the ship, passing by kiwifruit farms and beautiful lakes as we travel. On arrival back in Mount Maunganui, we can drop you at the ship or at the main Mount beach.