• Te Puia - Showcasing impressive geysers, bubbling mud, and stunning native bush, all explored through personalized guided tours. Te Puia hosts the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and features a cutting-edge Kiwi Conservation Centre, allowing visitors to get closer than ever to New Zealand’s national treasure, the native Kiwi bird.

For generations, Te Puia has welcomed manuhiri (visitors) from around the globe to discover the wonders hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, both during the day and in the evening.

• Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest - TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Known locally as ‘The Redwoods’, the 55,000ha Whakarewarewa Forest is a haven for mountain bikers, walkers, hikers, and horse riders, set amidst magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest, and exotic trees.

The Redwood Memorial Grove, planted in 1901, is dedicated to the memory of the men of the New Zealand Forest Service who died in the two World Wars. These iconic trees rise approximately 67 metres (219 feet) tall, offering incredible photo opportunities. This easy short walk also includes a boardwalk over an old thermal pond, home to unique aquatic plant life.

• Government Gardens - TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Beautiful and expansive gardens located near the center of Rotorua. The Government Gardens feature a bowling club, petanque, croquet, and a golf course.

Within the gardens, visitors will find various points of interest, including the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, several geothermal features, and the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole. The beautifully maintained gardens are a short walk from Lake Rotorua, the town center, and the wildlife refuge of Sulphur Bay.

The land holds legendary and historical significance to the local Maori people, with several important battles having taken place. The original Maori owners gifted the 50 acres of land in the late nineteenth century for ‘the benefit of the people of the world’.

The Government Gardens also house the Rotorua Museum, Polynesian Spa, and the Blue Baths. The restored Blue Baths offer the chance to enjoy a dip in the warm waters and relax in an architecturally stunning building.

• Sulphur Point - TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Situated at the southern end of Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Bay exemplifies Rotorua’s renowned geothermal environment.

The ever-changing landscape around the bay offers everything visitors to Rotorua could desire. Silica flats, rocky terraces, and sulphur ledges accompany active boiling mud pools and steam vents. Even the water is fascinating, with its milky color resulting from sulphur particles suspended in the water.

The bay’s proximity to feeding grounds and the warmth generated by geothermal activity attract many native birds. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot around 60 different species here, including the banded dotterel, the scaup, and three types of gull in this protected wildlife reserve.

• Kuirau Park - TIME PERMITTING ONLY: Walking tracks lead to numerous areas of vigorous geothermal activity. As long as visitors stay on the safe side of the fences, they are generally quite safe.

New eruptions occur occasionally, so it’s wise to be cautious. In 2001, mud and rocks the size of footballs were suddenly hurled 10 metres into the air as a new steam vent spontaneously appeared. Two years later, similar eruptions delighted visitors.

In early Maori times, the small lake in the park was much cooler and was known as Taokahu. Legend tells of a beautiful young woman named Kuiarau who was bathing in the waters when a taniwha (legendary creature) dragged her to his lair below the lake. The gods above were angered and made the lake boil to destroy the Taniwha forever. Since then, the bubbling lake and the steaming land around it have been known by the name of the lost woman, although the spelling has changed slightly.

• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Towels for foot spa
• Driver/Guide

• Lunch

A day filled with excitement, culture, and connection is on the horizon…

The journey is approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, during which you can enjoy a selection of our complimentary snacks and water while relaxing and taking in the stunning scenic views. Te Puia in Rotorua offers a world-class guided experience and cultural performance center. Witness an exceptional cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, featuring a Traditional Māori Welcome, Song, traditional chant, Poi, and Haka.

Encounter the largest naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy an up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi at the Kiwi Conservation Centre.

We will pause for you to purchase lunch in Rotorua.

IF TIME ALLOWS, WE WILL MAKE ADDITIONAL STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

On the return journey to your ship, relax and cherish the memories created today while exploring “our backyard.”

You will be returned to your ship at the Port of Tauranga well before your departure time.

• Comfortable footwear is recommended

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.