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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

437 Reviews 4.54 out of 5 stars Based on 437 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
92% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Tauranga, New Zealand
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from $142 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Cooking Sweetcorn naturally for us to taste
Kaituna River
Whakarewarewa Kaupahaka Performance
Pohutu Geyser and Prince of Wales feather geyser
Pohutu Geyser
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

***ALL OUR TOURS START & END TO FIT THE CRUISE SHIPS' ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES***
Rotorua is the 2nd most visited city in New Zealand by all tourists. As you only have a small window of opportunity to visit we have created an itinerary to showcase some of what we think makes this place so special. The two main interests which make people visit is Maori Culture & Geothermal Activity. This tour showcases the area where your ship is docked (Mount Maunganui) before we depart for the city of Rotorua. Enroute we showcase all which creates the namesake of the Bay of Plenty. Arriving at Rotorua's only Living Maori Village of its kind - Whakarewarewa - you will receive a traditional welcome and invited by a local to join them on a guided tour of this unique place. A village which lives on top of an active geothermal valley and has learnt to harness the powers of mother nature to aid their daily living needs for 100's of year. See geysers, steaming fumaroles , bubbling hot pools and much more.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tasting of local fare
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

2 Salisbury Avenue
Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Mount Maunganui

ALL TOURS DEPARTURE TIMES WILL FIT WITH SHIPS ARRIVAL AND SAILING TIMES.It is just a 2 minute walk from disembarkation place on port of Tauranga to tour meeting place.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mt Maunganui Main Beach (pass by)

Mount Maunganui is voted New Zealands number 1 beach and seaside resort. With its iconic Mauao - a volcanic lava dome, 232 mtrs high standing proudly at the headland and the 22kms of beautiful white sandy beach, not forgetting to mention Marine Parade which showcases some of New Zealand most expensive and luxurious holiday homes - this is not a place to miss seeing.
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Te Puke

Kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. We are the 2nd largest supplier of kiwifruit in the world. Te Puke and its surrounding district supplies approx 184 million trays each year . Thats a lot of little kiwifruit. We will stop by an orchard for you to get up close and hear some more about this industry
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

On arrival into Rotorua - we will visit the Redwood Forest - Over 5600 hectares of forest awaits you. The forest is well known for the superb mountain biking and walking tracks and for the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment for us to set up a tasting table of local kiwifruit and honey's'. It really is quite a spectacular place - which you wont want to miss.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Government Gardens

The Government Gardens are situated on the lake's edge in central downtown Rotorua.This site is of legendary and historical importance to local Maori people, for here many significant battles have taken place. In the late 1800s, the Maori people gifted 50 acres of this land to the crown "for the benefit of the people of the world". On entering Rotorua's Government Gardens, via the Prince's Gate Arches, you would be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into an Edwardian picture book. This isn't the whole picture though. We will explain more on the day - and allow a short time to peruse the gardens and Rachesl ancient hot spring. NB: Unfortunately the buildings are currently undergoing some contruction so no opportunity to go inside these.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rotorua

We will continue a little further along the road to find a lovely cafe - where you can purchases yourself some lunch, and /or wander around the lakefront of central Rotorua. The lunch venue will be what is available on the day - we may take you to the cafe at the Living Maori Village if the lakefront one is fully booked. Neither are very large cafe's.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Directly after lunch - you now get to visit the unique thermal wonderland of Whakarewarewa, an amazing landscape of erupting hot springs, bubbling mud and the famous Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day. Take a walking tour with a Maori guide to hear how people came to live in harmony with this volatile environment, learning to use the boiling cauldrons and jets of steam for everyday purposes such as cooking and communal bathing.After learning about Maori traditions and culture, see this way of life in action when you visit New Zealand's only authentic living Maori village. Experience a traditional Maori welcome with songs and dances, including the famously war like Haka dance.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Kaituna Falls

Complete your Rotorua shore excursion with a short stop at the Kaituna Rapids and Trout Pool. We might get to see the white water rafters coming through here. The Kaituna River is the outflow from Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, and flows northwards for 45 kilometres, emptying into the Bay of Plenty. It has relevant Maori history and provides a glimpse into how / why NZ'ers love the outdoors so much.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Zealandier Tours (pass by)

Worry-free Shore Excursion: We can amend tour start and end times to fit with ships arrival & departures. Zealandier Tours has been delivering Shore Excursions for over 10 years and knows exactly what the cruise passenger is wanting on their excursion. Providing our guests the maximum of • Experiences, Scenic Splendours & Unique Cultures in the allotted timeframes which you have. • Our emphasis is on your comfort, safety, attention to details, and guarantees a quality experience. • We recognize you see a lot of our coast line but not so much of our landscapes, therefore our itineraries are very full to add value to your day. • Zealandier Tours staff are professional and personal and are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure your vacation experience in New Zealand is extraordinary.We will ensure your timely return to the Tauranga port for this activity. In the rare event - should your ship have departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of call.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
  • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
  • ALL OUR TOURS HAVE FLEXIBLE START / END TIMES TO MEET SHIP ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES.
  • “As numbers are limited, we encourage booking only when you’re confident of attending. This allows us to operate comfortably and fairly for all guests.”

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6050PRTTRGRTFD

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.54
437 reviews

Average 4.54 out of 5 stars based on 437 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
298
4 stars
102
3 stars
19
2 stars
11
1 star
7
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Tasting of local fare.
  • Port pickup and drop-off.
  • Live commentary on board.
  • Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship.
  • Driver/guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks, unless specified.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Treasures of Bangkok: Buddhism & Monks Private Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tasting of local fare
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Live commentary on board
  • Covered by [BRAND]’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
  • Driver/guide
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
  • Please bring sun protection and jackets for cooler weather
  • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
  • ALL OUR TOURS HAVE FLEXIBLE START / END TIMES TO MEET SHIP ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES.
  • “As numbers are limited, we encourage booking only when you’re confident of attending. This allows us to operate comfortably and fairly for all guests.”
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name