Tauranga – Rotorua Highlights Tour with Tree Top Walk

Tour Overview

Want to visit any of the main destinations in Rotorua on your own, then the “Rotorua Explorer” is for you!

Itinerary:

After meeting you at the Port of Tauranga we begin the tour with a gentle drive along the coast showcasing our stunning white sandy beaches and telling you a little about the region and its history.

Heading inland, through steep gorges and forests, we take the old coach road to Rotorua, passing farms and orchards.

Arriving at Rotoruas Kuirau Park (a geothermal hot spot) we will get up close to the bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and crystal clear hot springs. Soak your feet in the thermal foot bath and feel how soft and silky they feel afterwards!

Then, we take a drive through the Government Gardens. The impressive Elizabethan style building dominating the grounds was the first investment by the NZ Government in tourism. We will also stop to view the Rachel Pool, a historic alkaline hot spring located within the gardens.

Next is Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. This unique ecological area is where the birds and vegetation have adapted to the acidic conditions – a very interesting place to see.

Our usual lunch venue is at the Geyser cafe at Te Whakarewarewa. Here you have chance to view the living Maori village from the bridge (note entry is not included), where children will happily dive for gold coins tossed into the river. Lunch is at your own cost.

Then we make a stop at the Redwood Forest to experience these magnificent trees from high up on the Tree Walk. This award winning attraction is now included in the tour. Breathe some beautiful fresh air in the forest, regarded as one of Rotoruas environmental treasures. Marvel at the 100 year old redwood trees – some reaching nearly 80 metres tall as you walk along suspended pathways.

Heading back to Tauranga by the coastal route, (and past Lake Rotoiti), you will pass by many kiwifruit orchards, with the Bay of Plenty accounting for 85% of the production of this iconic fruit in New Zealand.

After a great day out we will ensure you are back at the port in plenty of time to board your ship

You will see:

. All the sights of Rotorua city – including the Government Gardens, Blue Baths, lakefront and more

. Rachels Spring

. The Redwood Forest

Included:

. Air conditioned vehicle

. Chance to paddle in the geothermal foot bath

. Experienced driver/guide with full commentary throughout

. Pick up and drop off at the port

. The Redwoods Forest Canopy Tree Walk

Restrictions:

. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for users of mobility scooters or wheel chairs as there is no storage capacity on the minibus.

Instructions:

. Please be at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Full meeting instructions will be provided at the time of booking

What to Expect

After meeting you at the Port of Tauranga we begin the tour with a gentle drive along the coast showcasing our stunning white sandy beaches and telling you a little about the region and its history.

Heading inland, through steep gorges and forests, we take the old coach road to Rotorua, passing farms and orchards.

Arriving at Rotorua’s Kuirau Park (a geothermal hot spot) we will get up close to the bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and crystal-clear hot springs. Soak your feet in the thermal foot bath and feel how soft and silky they feel afterwards!

Then, we take a drive through the Government Gardens. The impressive Elizabethan style building dominating the grounds was the first investment by the NZ Government in tourism. We will also stop to view the Rachel Pool, a historic alkaline hot spring located within the gardens.

Next is Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. This unique ecological area is where the birds and vegetation have adapted to the acidic conditions – a very interesting place to see.

Our usual lunch venue is at the Geyser cafe at Te Whakarewarewa, where we include a meat and/or vegetable pie, made with ingredients cooked in the traditional hangi method. Here you have chance to view the living Maori village from the bridge (note entry is not included). Additional F&B is at your own cost.

Then To the Redwood Forest, here we take you on a guided tour through the new purpose-built Glow Worm grotto, then a walk among the magnificent trees from high up on the Tree Walk. Breathe some beautiful fresh air in the forest, regarded as one of Rotorua’s environmental treasures. Marvel at the 100-year-old redwood trees – some reaching nearly 80 metres tall.

Heading back to Tauranga by the coastal route, (and past Lake Rotoiti), you will pass by many kiwifruit orchards, with the Bay of Plenty accounting for 85% of the production of this iconic fruit in New Zealand.

After a great day out, we will ensure you are back at the port in plenty of time to board your ship.

Instructions
Please be at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Details are on your voucher.

Restrictions
Children/infants must have a valid ticket to travel. Under NZTA law each person is counted as part of our loading limit. Please note that for safety reasons we recommend you bring a suitable child/infant seat.
This tour operates with a minimum of 4 fare paying passengers. Should minimum numbers not be met on the day we will talk to you about alternative options.
Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for users of mobility scooters or wheel chairs as there is no storage capacity on the minibus.