6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga
Overview
Available languages
6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga.
Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago.
Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes.
Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes.
Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest.
Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed.
The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Family friendly tour
Tour departure time may change due to early and/or late ship arrivals and departures
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. We suggest layers with hats and sunscreen
You must provide your own infant/baby seat if required.
The Tree Walk involves walking up a ramp to approx 20 metres above ground and then walking along up 28 swing rope bridges between the trees. It is safe and secure but good mobility is needed as there are steps in some areas.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kuirau Park
This area of Rotorua is literally a hot bed of geothermal activity, with steaming lakes and bubbling mud pools. A visit to the foot bathing area lets you enjoy the warm waters that naturally occur throughout the region. Take a walk through the park to see the steaming lakes and the location of the last eruption here on 2001.
Sulphur Point
We make a stop here on the edge of Lake Rotorua to see the effect the geothermal activity has on the lake, right in the heart of Rotorua. A popular spot for many of the native birds that also enjoy the warm waters created by the outflows from the nearby geysers and hot water springs.
What‘s Included
Redwoods Treewalk & Glow Worm caves guided tour admission
Small-group transport in air-conditioned minivan/coach
Port pickup and drop-off (cruise-friendly timing)
Traditional Hangi-inspired snack (meat or vegetable pie)
Guided geothermal foot bath experience (towels provided)
Professional local guide with live commentary
Admission to commercial geothermal parks (not included)
Lunch, drinks, souvenirs, personal expenses
Infant/baby seats (must be supplied by traveler if required)
Options
6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great sights and experiences, with a few comfort notes
Wanderer233114,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall, this was a very enjoyable tour with some truly memorable stops. The Redwood Forest walk was fantastic and a definite highlight—we highly recommend it. We also loved seeing the geothermal lakes and pools, which made for a really unique and interesting experience. The minibus itself was a bit tight, with small seats that weren’t especially comfortable for a longer tour. While this was listed as a small-group trip, the maximum group size is 20 and we had 18 people, so it didn’t feel as intimate as we personally prefer. Not over capacity, but something to be aware of when booking. Timing-wise, we would have loved a bit more time at the geothermal lakes and pools, and slightly less time at the geothermal park. That said, the overall itinerary was still very good. The snack provided was yummy, and we really appreciated how accommodating the team was with a food allergy—thank you for that extra care. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this was a great experience and a wonderful way to see Rotorua’s natural highlights.
An excellent tour by a professional company.
lindamJ7213XC,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Richie was an excellent guide, giving us information not only on what we were seeing, but about life in general in New Zealand. I would recommend this very professional tour group.
Rotorua thermals and Giant Redwoods Tree Walk
Anonymous,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We were driven to Rotorua by Simon where we stopped at Kuirau Park to walk around the thermal ponds and mud pools. We went to the Geyser Cafe in Tewhakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao for lunch. We had a hangi cooked pie with the most delicious pastry. It was explained about the importance of the thermal region and the battles fought to obtain them. We went to The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest for a tree walk. Truly beautiful walking above the ground viewing these wonderful trees. This was followed by a walk in a man made glow worm cave. Our guide Danika made sure we could see three stages of growth. The last thing we saw was the Gold Kiwi farm before returning to our cruise ship.
WONDERFUL tour!!! Be sure and book this!!!!
Kendall C,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful excursion! Each stop was so interesting. Favorite was the treetop walk through the huge beautiful trees. The bubbling mud and steaming lakes of Kuirau Park along with birdsong as we walked was such a delight. Our guide Alastair (hope I have that right) was very knowledgeable and a very good smooth driver, had so much information to share!!!!
Good port day tour
michele k,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to spend a day in port. Simon did a great job showing us many things in a short time! He was very knowledgeable and personable.
Great tour!
Jeanne T,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Simon was a friendly and knowledgeable guide and we really enjoyed all the places we experienced! Especially the redwoods tree walk!
A great overview of Rotorua!
rfunmomsd,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great day trip with knowledgeable Alistair! Wonderful overview of the many features in the area from geothermal sites, to a lovely city garden, and a beautiful redwood forest. Traditionally prepared hangi pies at our lunch stop at the Māori village of Whakarewarewa. The tastings and yummy ice cream at the kiwi fruit farm are not to be missed! Appreciated a vendor-initiated message and refund from Ian afterward because we did not stop at the glow worm feature - kind folks and a professionally run operation!
Not exactly what we paid for in this tour
vic2rn,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The tour and tour guide was very knowledgeable but the description on Viator is not correct. The tour guide said that the caves and glow worms were not included even though I showed him on my booking but instead we went to a kiwi farm that was very boring and not what we paid for in this tour. Also most of the tour is riding in a bus with very little time to see the sights. Nothing is guided as described it is simply a drop off and you have 10-30 minutes to explore each drop off.
A great cruise shore excursion
Anna A,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour.. comfort Mercedes van. Alastair is very knowledgeable and an excellent driver. Red tree walk is amazing, definitely one to do. Really enjoyed the day. Thank you
Wonderful Day
Marilyn S,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Aliister was a great guide and made the day very special. Perfect Day! N Zealand is such a beautiful country
From NZ$219.00
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Operated by Cruise Tours Tauranga