Private Tour
Tauranga Private Excursion: Rotorua -Te Puia-Geysers & Kiwi's
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
PRIVATE TOURS HAVE FLEXIBLE START / END TIMES TO MEET SHIP ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES.
Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and authentic Māori culture on a private, time-efficient shore tour.
Departing from Tauranga, this private shore excursion takes you through rolling farmland and kiwifruit orchards to Rotorua, home of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Discover steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and soothing thermal waters before immersing yourself in the world-renowned Te Puia Māori Cultural Centre. Experience the power of the haka, explore authentic Māori traditions, and witness geothermal marvels up close. Blending culture, scenery, and comfort, this exclusive excursion is truly a “must-do” experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities.
Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Please bring sunprotection and a light jacket for cooler weather
ALL OUR TOURS HAVE FLEXIBLE START / END TIMES TO MEET SHIP ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Foot Spa
Port Pickup and drop-off
Transport by luxury car or minivan
Tour Departure times will move if neccesary to fit with cruise ships arrivals & departures.
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Te Puia - Te Ra & Haka performance
What To Expect
Tauranga
After docking at Tauranga, you will be met by your driver/guide. Then enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua. (approx 1.5hrs) The route takes you over the Tauranga harbor bridge and into downtown Tauranga area, past bucolic farmland and through the rock cuttings known as the Pyes Pa Canyons. Past kiwifruit and avacado orchards, plant nurseries and pine forests. Traverse the historic direct route to Rotorua. This is a very interesting drive to Rotorua city.
Te Puia
At Te Puia Maori Arts and Craft Centre, take a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa thermal valley, highlighting the amazing bubbling mud and steam vents of the Pohutu Geyser. The world-famous 100-foot (30-meter) Geyser erupts up to 20 times a day. Visit the kiwi house to spot the elusive native kiwi bird and experience the storytelling magic of a traditional Maori cultural performance. The Maori performance art brings the legends to life through song, dance and warlike stick games. Visit the NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and talk with the students about what they are currently creating and what it feels like to be chosen to be learning at this wonderful establishment. You will see and learn many aspects of Maori life - both past ¤nt. You will then have opportunity to have some lunch at the on-site cafe (additional cost) before perusing their lovely shop complex.
Options
Tauranga Private Excursion: Rotorua -Te Puia-Geysers & Kiwi's
Reviews
112 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful taste of the Maori culture!
Judy T,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really loved this tour. The country drive was beautiful. Steve was a great guide and I was having trouble walking so he got a wheelchair for my husband to push. We got a great taste of the art and culture of the Maori people. We got to see the mud pools and geysers. Then went to a hall where we were entertained by Maori songs, stories and dance. So glad I was able to do this tour. It was the highliight of the trip!
Fantastic day
Louise C,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day seeing the sights and experiences of a Mauri village, very interesting, the geyser, was awesome, our guide was fabulous, really enjoyed watching them sing and dance, really interesting, enjoyed seeing the sights of Rotorua too, fab day
Great tour
Robert P,
Apr 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great communication well organized at the meeting point. Josh was our guide and driver. He was excellent
Enjoyed Our Day
Karen K,
Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour. This tour was one of our highlights on our NZ cruise. Thank you very much for a wonderful day.
Māori culture and geysers!
Amy S,
Mar 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We greatly enjoyed the Māori cultural center and art school. The geothermal activity was also very cool. Our driver, Josh, was very pleasant.
Great Tour!
Andrea M,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Jan C was an awesome tour guide. She gave us lots of interesting information and took us to see many interesting sites.
Beautiful New Zealand up close!
Betty S,
Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide “Josh” was knowledgeable, friendly and fun! Beautiful countryside and so grateful to see Māori culture and art…an all around great day!!!
Tauranga Maori village
Paola M,
Feb 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The van guide, Josh, was very good at explaining and also paid attention to passengers of other nationalities. But this cannot be said of the Maori village guide who was very arrogant and rude. He had no respect for those with a little mobility difficulties and gave no explanation in English understandable even to foreigners. Indeed, at our request to speak more slowly, she started shouting at us literally threatening to “throw” us off the path, accusing us of not listening carefully to her explanations. No, that's not right.
Cultural experience in NZ
Lynne S,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Full day learning the background of NZ plus sightseeing in a small group with a knowledgeable guide.
One of our Highlights while in New Zealand
RuthyGlasgow,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour regarding the Maori culture and seeing the hot mud pools and geysers! The dancing and singing show was fabulous especially the Huka War Dance. They have craft studios where you can see the artisans working away while you watch and a great restaurant where we had a fabulous lunch included. The food was amazing. The gift shop has a great selection of souvenirs. Loved this tour.
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Operated by Zealandier Tours