6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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)

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga

Reviews

4.55

272 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

198

A great overview of Rotorua!
rfunmomsd,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great 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
3.00
The 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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
Aliister was a great guide and made the day very special. Perfect Day! N Zealand is such a beautiful country
Tauranga experience
Companion40650442328,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a wonderful day out which took us to amazing places and allowed us to have some great experiences. Thank you for everything
Great day tour from cruise port
Greg C,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Interesting tour with great tour leader, Simon. Good day and reasonably priced. Easy to find operator on wharf.
Nice Shore Excursion
Steven H,
Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a very well organized and enjoyable excursion. The excursion started on time and followed the itinerary. The lunch was quick and tasty. Lunch did not take desirable time away from the activities.
So informative
David W,
Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Rotorua is a fairly long drive from Tauranga so it could have been a little dull had it not been for our excellent guide Simon. The information this man shares is phenomenal from both a scientific and historical viewpoint, all interspersed with the right level of humour. Thoroughly recommended.
Excellent Tour with a very knowledgeable Guide
Judith L,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour exceeded our expectations. The Tour Guide Simon was the most knowledgeable and personable Guide we’ve ever had - after experiencing many tours over the years. We visited all locations as described plus a couple of extra interesting stops. I would thoroughly recommend this tour and Simon as a Guide.
Enjoyable day exploring
Lisa E,
Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We enjoyed our tour with Richie. We especially enjoyed the Treetops walk in the Redwoods. It was nice to have the stops at the thermal foot bath, Māori village and learn about the area.