Rotorua Highlights Tour (Glow worms opt. extra)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm. If your cruise ship arrives after 10.00am, we will depart approximately 60 minutes after the ship has docked. (we will confirm with you prior).
On arrival into Port of Tauranga, a day of sightseeing, story telling & cultural connection awaits...
Bound for Rotorua (appx 1.5hr), enjoy an array of our all inclusive snacks & bottled water, sit back and take in the many beautiful scenic views.
We begin with a visit to the Government Gardens, you'll see the Whangapipiro Rachel Pool known for its therapeutic water.
Come face to face with the big Californian Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest, over 55,000 hectares.
Take a walk at Kuirau Park, discover hissing, roaring & bubbling geothermal activity. Take off your shoes & enjoy a warm foot spa in one of the foot pools (towels provided).
Next stop Lake Tarawera, meaning burnt spear, one of the largest lakes in New Zealand.
Time permitting, we may stop at Te Puia for souvenir shopping.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable footwear is recommended
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sulphur Point
Located at the southern end of Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Bay is a perfect example of Rotorua's famous geothermal environment. The constantly changing landscape around the bay has everything visitors to Rotorua could wish for. Silica flats, rocky terraces, and sulphur ledges sit alongside active boiling mud pools and steam vents. Even the water is interesting, its milky colour the result of sulphur particles that are suspended in the water. The bay's closeness to feeding grounds and the warmth generated by the geothermal activity, means the area attracts many native birds. Fans of bird watching can spot around 60 different species here including the banded dotterel, the scaup, and three types of gull in this protected wildlife reserve.
Government Gardens
Beautiful and spacious gardens near the centre of Rotorua. The Government Gardens offer a bowling club, petanque, croquet and a golf course. Within the gardens, you'll also come across various points of interest that include the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, a number of geothermal features and the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole. The beautifully maintained gardens are a short walk to Lake Rotorua, the town centre and the wildlife refuge of Sulphur Bay. The land is one of legend and historical importance to the local Maori people, with a number of significant 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 is also home to the Rotorua Museum , Polynesian Spa and the Blue Baths. The restored Blue Baths offer the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the warm waters and relax in an architecturally stunning building.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Towels for foot spa
Options
Rotorua Highlights Tour Glow worms opt. extra
Highlights Incl Glowworms Cave
Redwoods Glowworms Cave: Prepare to be enchanted by our newest attraction – a breathtakingly beautiful 70-metre eco cave with 1000s of real glowworms
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Time in the Rotorua area
James G,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The trip showed the sights of the Rotorua area. The driver could answer most questions. Some commentary was provided. Interesting sights and experiences with hot pools, forests and kiwi fruit groves
Terrible
C217GZpatriciag,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We had no commentary from driver. Bus was uncomfortable. Tours were below average. We stopped at kiwi farm and looked through the fence Would not recommend the tour company to anyone
Great full day tour
Margaret W,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time! Lots of activities throughout the tour showing several aspects of the area and it’s culture v
It is a highlights tour...
J R,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a highlights tour so there is a lot packed in a short amount of time. If you want to spend hours strolling government gardens then this is probably not the right fit. But our family thought it was perfect. Enough time to appreciate every stop but no so much the little one got bored. Our guide Tom was fantastic and shared a lot of his culture with us!
Rotorua adventure
Lisa M,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tom (the shortened version of his Māori name) welcomed our group with an original song that he accompanied with his guitar at the port; he was the kindest & sweetest man, but so knowledgeable as well about each of the 8 stops he took us to.
Great Cultural Experience
Shane S,,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tom our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and if you are as lucky as we were, he will get out his guitar and bust a couple of traditional Mauri songs.
Foot-Spa wonders
Ernst D,,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Interesting and beautiful views of the different gardens, lakes we visited. Only a short visit to the woods of Whakarewa.
Entirely disappointing!
Ronni S,,Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Too far to travel for too little to see. The last stop was the coastal beach which was walking distance from the pier and by far the most beautiful. The 10 minute roadside stop at a Kiwi farm was a wasted opportunity. Appreciating that Sheryl had a sincere love of NZ, she only provided us a bare minimum of history or information along the 2, yes 2 hour drive in each direction.
This is an excellent way...
Rebecca H,,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an excellent way to see a wide range of Rotorua. Our day was packed with lakes, birds, hot springs, a botanical garden, redwoods, and kiwis (the fruit, not the birds). We got lots of photos and a great overview of the area.
Small group with big thanks
sharon l,,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our small group enjoyed the beautiful sights in Rotorua and Tauranga with our guide, driver, singer...Tom. Tom was very informative and even played guitar and sang a song or two in his native language..what a treat. All the stops were breathtaking....enjoyed each stop, especially the foot baths!! Started with excellent communication prior to trip..on how, where to find them once off the ship..it was a great day..and had time for lunch on our own at lical mall..
From NZ$180.00
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Operated by Tino Pai Tours