Essential Rotorua Shore Excursion

Discover Rotorua’s Free Natural Wonders – Scenic Shore Excursion from Tauranga.

Step ashore and join our Essential Rotorua Shore Excursion, designed to showcase the must-see natural and cultural treasures of Rotorua in one seamless day. With carefully chosen stops at free-entry highlights, you’ll enjoy incredible scenery, authentic local experiences, and no hidden costs.

Your journey begins at the Port of Tauranga, travelling around the base of our local maunga (mountain) and across the isthmus to Mount Maunganui, consistently voted New Zealand’s best beach. Affectionately known as “The Mount”, this seaside resort boasts golden sands, surf breaks, and vibrant cafés.

As we continue our travels to Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.

Enroute we will stop at a kiwifruit orchard – where you will experience one of Tauranga’s biggest export products.

Next stop is the small seaside town of Maketu. Maketu is primarily known for its rich Māori history, particularly as the traditional landing site of the Te Arawa canoe (waka). It’s also famous for its Maketu Pies and its beautiful coastal location. Furthermore, it’s recognized for its significance in the early application of British law in New Zealand, with the execution of Wiremu Kīngi Maketū, the first person legally executed in New Zealand, taking place there.

We continue our journey to Rotorua, passing by the edges of the largest man-made forest in the New Zealand and the 2^nd largest in the southern hemisphere.  The Kaingaroa forest contains approx. 20 million trees. Forestry is New Zealand’s 2^nd largest export earner.

Our next stop will be at Okere rapids on the Kaituna river. Enjoy a very short walk through some of our pristine native forest to reach the rapids and a small waterfall. You may catch the adrenalin junkies coming over the rapids in their rubber rafts. This is one of New Zealand top white water rafting rivers. You might even get to chat with a local fisherman at the trout pool. 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.

Next stop is Lake Tarawera – one of Rotorua’s most beautiful lakes. There are 16 lakes in the region and today you will get to see 5 of these lakes. Including Rotoiti, Rotorua, Tarawera, Blue & Green lakes.

A trip to Rotorua is not complete until you visit the Redwood Forest.  A forest of naturalised coastal redwood on the outskirts of Rotorua city,  adjacent to the Whakarewarewa thermal area. The 6 hectare (15 acre) stand of Californian redwoods is part of the larger Whakarewarewa State Forest Park, which is part of the Kaingaroa Forest area.

Next stop Government Gardens which  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, and petanque . You’ll find a soldiers’ memorial for the servicemen of the local Te Arawa tribe,  and the Klamath Falls Rose Gardens.

Next we take the scenic road and drive along  Hatupatu Drive, past the area known as Sulphur Flat  –  at the south end of Lake Rotorua. Characterized by the natural emissions of geothermal gases, leading to a distinct sulphuric smell and a yellowish sulphur surface mixed with bubbling hot water, steam vents, and sometimes white birds. The water in the bay appears murky which is due to sulphur suspensions in the water. The water is low in oxygen and quite acidic (pH 3.5). Birds are often seen with the webs of their feet eaten away by the acidic waters.

Let’s move on to the Rotorua lakefront where you get to see the Te Arawa iwi (peoples) waka taua – (canoe) which today is used for ceremonial purposes.

Next stop is Kuirau geothermal park and foot bath. Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, Rotorua’s only free geothermal public park!

Several walkways take you through the park to see the crater lake, mud pools, hot springs, and a free thermal foot bath, all set in a beautifully manicured setting dotted with flower beds and native flora.

With your sightseeing complete and a sense of relaxation setting in, we now make our way back to the Port of Tauranga, where you can rejoin your ship or enjoy the nearby shops.

This tour is a great cost effective alternative to experience Rotorua without visiting any paid attractions.

This tour Does Not include:

• Paid entry to a geothermal valley
• Seeing a Geyser erupting up in the air
• Experience  Maori Culture
• Experience a Haka- war dance / cultural performance.

 *** “If you’d love to experience these incredible attractions up close, consider upgrading to our – ” Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland tour and Maori Culture Tour here. simply click here to secure your spot  ***

Book now and secure your spot today.