Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

After meeting your private guide at the Tauranga port, set out on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal regions. Once famed for the Pink and White Terraces—often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” before their destruction in the 1886 Tarawera eruption—Wai-O-Tapu is now a remarkable landscape of steaming vents, bubbling geysers, and pools shimmering in vibrant hues of turquoise, orange, gold, and green. The park’s highlight is the striking Champagne Pool, surrounded by mineral-rich terraces. Depending on your ship’s arrival time, you may also witness the dramatic 10:15 a.m. eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. Wai-O-Tapu offers three self-guided walking tracks ranging from easy to moderate, lasting between 40 and 75 minutes. With your guide alongside, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the route that best suits your pace while taking in the geothermal wonders up close.

Government Gardens

Government Gardens is one of Rotorua’s historic landmarks and most popular tourism destinations. You'll want to have your camera on hand for this spot! The Tudor-style Bath House was built onsite and opened in 1908, and is noted as the first major investment in the New Zealand tourism industry by the government. It now houses the Rotorua Museum and art gallery. It is currently closed for renovation and earthquake strengthening. A walk through Government Gardens takes you to see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern Māori-inspired art, sculptures, and perfectly manicured grounds for bowls, croquet, petanque . You’ll also find a soldiers’ memorial for the servicemen of the local Te Arawa tribe, and the Klamath Falls Rose Gardens.