Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Rotorua's lakes district and uncover the stories of the land, its people, and the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. This fully guided 120-minute adventure takes you across land and water aboard a genuine WWII amphibious duck, visiting four of Rotorua's stunning lakes and cruising across three — with the breathtaking Lake Tarawera at the foot of the mighty Mt Tarawera as the undeniable highlight. With comfortable seating and a small group setting, this tour is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers looking to immerse themselves in Rotorua's rich history and spectacular natural landscapes. Our guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making every tour an experience to remember.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We have tours available with translation sheets in Chinese, French and English
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rotorua Duck Tours
We are on this attraction for 120mins
Redwoods Treewalk
Drive past and learn about Treewalk
What‘s Included
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Options
Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide
Reviews
202 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable tour & guide
nohootepootua,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pootu & Maui here and we had an awesome time with Tim & the rest of the group. We missed our first tour at 11am, so we booked for the one at 2:15pm and honestly, it was just AMAZING. Our tour guide is the BEST! Thank you so much for everything Tim.
Fantastic experience!!
Rakesh34713206819,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely fantastic time on the Duck Tour! There were 6 of us in total—four visiting from the Polynesian Spa Retreat—and we joined the 3:30pm Lake Tarawera tour. Our guide Aaron (I think that was his name 🤔—the hilarious one!) and driver Matt made the experience unforgettable. We loved learning about the unique history of the “boat,” the surrounding geography, and the rich Māori stories shared along the way. The highlight was definitely the thrilling splash into the lake—and even more amazing was driving straight back out onto land! At one stop, one of our friends couldn’t resist and literally jumped in for a swim, which made the whole experience even more memorable. We’ll absolutely be recommending this to all of our visiting guests at the spa!
Must do. Fun for all family
Michelle D,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So very informative and totally enjoyable. Driver Matt and Aaron were both great. A little light humour made the experience great fun
A trip not to be missed!
Brian C,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! This is some tour. My wife and I did the tour this afternoon and it was simply brilliant. Tim was our driver/guide and he simply did a great job to make the tour so memorable - great stories; great laughs; great information, so you learn so much about the lakes and the area you are travelling through. One of the best activities we've experienced since we've been in New Zealand. Put it top of your 'to do' list if you're visiting Rotarua! It tells you something about Tim's sense of humour when he plays music from 'The Titanic' when the 'Duck' enters the first lake!! Brilliant trip. Thank you, Tim
Tarawera and Lakes Duck Tour
helenw543,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a good time till our weather forecast turned red warnings so missed out on last lake as too risky to go, our guide was always looking out for our safety!
Entertaining
dianatrafford nz,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour.Tim was an amazing guide, very funny, friendly and very informative. Would recommend, great scenery. Time was spot on, 1.5 hr good time
Loved it
Marie H,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun experience for sure! The duck tour was fun and we even learned a lot! We had a new guide who was training (with a veteran accompanying her) so we hit the jackpot! They were both caring and helpful.
Great factual tour of lakes
JaniceW1522,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience Great comical lady driver Very factual tour A must do tour. Funny songs played when entering the lakes.
Enjoyed the tour
meena h,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fabulous time on the tour. Matt was very funny and great story teller All three lakes were great. We got to Al almost endangered bird
Excellent experience
Gaylene R,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was really great learniing so much amazing history of Rotorua. Also learned a lot about the history of the vehicle we were in.
From NZ$115.00
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Operated by Rotorua Duck Tours