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This tour ticks all the boxes. If you only have one day to see this unique and special part of New Zealand then this tour is a great option. The tour is informative and fun, and our knowledgeable guides will provide a day of exciting discovery as you journey into the heartland of the North Island. We will visit places the big coaches do not go to and tell you the stories and legends of the land.
 
Tour Outline:

After meeting you at the Port of Tauranga we begin with a gentle drive along the coast of Mount Maunganui (where the ship berths) past multi-million dollar mansions, you will see why this is one of the top tourist destinations of New Zealand and its fastest growing city. 

We cross the harbour bridge which offers great views of your cruise ship and also the mighty Mount Maunganui, standing tall at the entrance to Tauranga harbour, home to the biggest port in New Zealand.

Skirting the central city area of Tauranga, New Zealand's 5th largest, we head past the many new sub-divisions and out into the country.  As we travel through the Bay of Plenty region, so aptly named by Captain James Cook, we pass many orchards of kiwi fruit as well as avocados.

Through steep gorges and extensive forests, our route along the old coach road brings us to Lake Rotorua, a crater lake formed after a volcanic eruption 240,000 years ago. This single event lasted just a few weeks, ejecting more than 340 cubic kilometres (82 cu miles) of rock, which is evident along the roadside cuttings. 

Our destination today - in the city of Rotorua, located on the southern shore of the 80km2 lake, is Te Puia, home of the famous Pohutu Geyser in one of the most geothermally active regions of New Zealand. We take a guided tour around the reserve, where we will see geysers, steaming lakes and boiling mud pools. Chance also to view our native Kiwi bird in their special enclosure, as these birds are nocturnal they are almost never seen in the wild.

We will also experience an authentic Maori cultural performance which showcase s Maori dance and song and of course, the famous haka!

Te Puia is also home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you will see wood carving and flax weaving demonstrations. 

Time is allowed for you to visit the on-site cafe for something to eat and of course browse the extensive range of quality products in the souvenir shop.
 
Departing Te Puia we head into Rotorua City, to the Government Gardens, a stunning formal park, one of new Zealand's first municipal gardens and home to the first health spa in New Zealand, The Rotorua Bath House, as well as the Blue Baths, Rachels Spring, the source of geothermal water used at the adjacent Polynesian Spa Resort.

Departing Rotorua for the port, we take an alternative route, passing beautiful Lake Rotoiti, through forests, farmland and finally to the coast of the Bay of Plenty.
 
After a great day out we will guarantee you are back at the port in plenty of time to board your ship, taking with you lots of wonderful memories from your tour with us into New Zealand's heartland!