Private Tour – Rotorua Shore Excursion – Up to 4 Passengers

You Choose and Create your own Private Rotorua Sightseeing Day tour from the options below:

There is so much to see and do when your cruise ship docks at Port of Tauranga. Rotorua is the most popular destination in New Zealand for international travellers.

To make the most of the time you have ashore – opt for our Private Tour and design your own bespoke tour. We can customize your interests to suit.

You can invite your friends or post on Cruise Critics to find others to share your day to make it more affordable.

Depart Port of Tauranga for Rotorua (approx. 1.25 hour drive); we travel along the pristine waterfront of Mount Maunganui ocean beach, continue through Te Puke,  the home of the New Zealand Kiwifruit, which happens to be the region’s largest GDP industry. Our route continues through farmland, and then pine forested areas, passing Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, which are just 2 of the 16 lakes in the region, before arriving into Rotorua city.

Things to see & experience which are free:

• Government Gardens & Rachels Spring
• Kuirau geothermal park with its hot lake and mineral water foot bath
• Redwood forest walks
• Lakes Tarawera & Blue Lake
• Rotorua Lakefront walkway
• Sulphur Bay – waterbird inhabitat
• Kiwifruit Tasting
• Manuka honey tasting

Top 10 Attractions to consider visiting in Rotorua:

Option 1. Te Puia Maori Cultural Centre – Te Ra + Haka

Adult NZ$130.00 / Child $70

Te Puia is New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural centre and home of the world famous Pohutu geyser.

Pohutu Geyser was ranked in the world’s top 5 geysers by Lonely Planet. The geyser erupts to a height of 30m (100 feet) up to 20 times a day, it’s an amazing sight especially when you are standing so close to see it. They says it is the most reliable geyser on earth. Eruptions can last from a few minutes to several days.

Enjoy a guided tour of this very well presented facility and a close up experience with thermal activity. Followed by a 45 minute Cultural performance which includes the world renown Maori welcome onto a Marae, followed by songs & dance including the famous Haka,  then take  a visit to the Arts and Crafts Institute where you will see first hand the Weaving and Carving schools at work.

National Kiwi Bird  – opportunity to visit a kiwi bird enclosure and learn all about this unique bird.

Option 2. Polynesian Spa

Deluxe Lake Spa –  Adult / Child NZ$74.95

Embrace nature’s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Try the cold plunge pool, lounge on geothermally heated recliners and enjoy the lounge.

Fed with hot mineral water from two different springs, you can choose to bathe in geothermal acidic water which is renowned for providing relief for tired muscles, aches and arthritis, or in the alkaline hot pools which have rejuvenating properties for your skin.

Relax in thermal tranquillity rejuvenating your body and mind in this geothermal hot mineral pool spa complex. Voted as a Top 10 Day Spa in the world, Polynesian Spa in Rotorua has the most relaxing  and therapeutic thermal hot pools, spas, and massage therapies.

Option 3. The Agrodome Sheep & Dog Show + Farm Tour

Adult NZ$49.00 / Child $25.00 – ask us about a family pass 

The Agrodome –  Take your seat for the legendary world-famous Agrodome Sheep & Dog Farm Show whereby you’ll experience an hour of entertainment and education. You will be introduced to 19 breeds of sheep, witness a live sheep shearing demonstration, and see first-hand as the remarkable farm dogs demonstrate how they respond to commands and keep those sheep (and ducks!) in line! . Then take the farm tour – where you learn about many animal breeds, including opportunity to  hand feed the animals.  This is an informative &  fun attraction for all age groups.

Option 4. Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride

Adult NZ$61.00 / Child $40 = Gondola + 1 Luge Ride

Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children)  NZ$228 = Gondola + 5 Luge Rides to share

Ride Rotorua’s Skyline Gondola and enjoy the extensive views of the the lakes and geothermal area from the top of Mount Ngongotaha. You can take a lunch break at the Stratosphere restaurant and bar or taste some kiwiana cuisine from the Market Kitchen. If you feel adventurous experience the thrill of riding the luge track.  Experience the thrilling Skyline Luge, a unique three-wheeled cart, fun for riders of all ages or just enjoy the beautiful nature walks.

Option 5. Whakarewarewa Geothermal Region and Living Maori Village

Adult NZ$70 / Child $35.00

You will be taken on a walking tour of Whakarewarewa Geothermal region and Living Maori village and experience a people who have come to live in harmony amidst this unique environment of geothermal wonders.

See first-hand the geothermal activity and how it is used in everyday life with hot springs and steam vents used for cooking (natural cook-tops and ovens) and the natural mineral waters used for communal bathing.

Mingle with the villagers who are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes within the Whakarewarewa Village, the place they call home, and learn about the traditions and culture which has been passed down and upheld for generations.

At the conclusion of your tour we  take you straight to the heart of the native Maori culture where you will first be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome, including song, dance, and demonstrations of fighting skills including the famous Haka.

We can recommend you purchase the hangi as your lunch opportunity, further  embedding yourself in the true cultural experience. This must be pre ordered (additional cost $38 / $28.50)

Option 6. Wai Ariki  Hot Springs & Spa

 Adult NZ$155.00 (visitors must be 16+ years of age)

Step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua,  you’ll discover the Wai Whakaora, a path to restoration, and the exclusive sanctuary, Āhuru Mōwai, both deeply rooted in Māori values.