Tauranga Shore Excursion: Wai-o-Tapu with Forest Walk/Forest Spa
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Pass by kiwifruit orchards and lakes as we drive you to the nearby town of Rotorua. Learn about the real New Zealand as we explore the hinterland in a small group.
Visit The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland-New Zealand's best geothermal experience! Be guided through this dramatic and unique park and witness the Lady Knox Geyser. Buy your lunch at the cafe here- "hangi" pasties recommended!
Next we visit a secret spot where you will witness the best boiling mud pools in NZ.
Next you choose between 2 locations:
1. The awe-inspiring Redwood Forest; Experience the cool and calm created by this unique ecosystem, either on the ground, or by upgrading to the Canopy Treetop Walk: Traversing the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest
2. For those who want something a bit more luxurious, there is also the option to take time out in a private forest hot tub (extra charge), complete with drinks on tap!
Enjoy tasting kiwifruit, NZ sweets, brownie and cool drinks along the way.
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
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Rotoiti
On our way to Rotorua, we stop briefly at the pretty lake Rotoiti and it's excellent cafe. Coffee addicts can get a coffee fix at this well known spot for exceptional coffee. The rest of us can enjoy the lake outlook for a few minutes.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Next we head to the very best of New Zealand's geothermal parks- The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland! Witness the amazing Lady Knox Geyser shooting 10M in the air, enjoy a guided tour of the first portion of the park, then take your time to walk through as much or as little of this stunning park as you like. Purchase your lunch in the excellent cafe (Hangi Pasties recommended).
What‘s Included
Fully guided tour
Redwoods Forest Park or Secret Spot Foot tubs included. Option to upgrade to Treetop Walk or Private Hot Tubs will be paid on the day.
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Lady Knox Geyser Entry including guided tour, and secret spot hot mud pools visit
Bottled water, cold juice and the famous NZ Lemon and Paeroa drink provided. Kiwifruit tasting, NZ traditional sweets, Brownie and Muesli Bars provided throughout the day.
Lunch and hot drinks can be purchased at Wai-o-Tapu
The upgraded options in the forest/ at the spas will be paid on the day if you wish to upgrade
Pickup points
Mission Belle Motel
Corner Victoria Road and Pacific Avenue, Mount Manuganui Mount Maunganui New Zealand
Baywatch Motor Inn
349a Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui New Zealand
Ocean Waves Motel
74 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui New Zealand
Outrigger Vivaldi Apartments
Vivaldi Apartments 48 Marine Parade, Tauranga New Zealand
Pacific Motor Inn
261 Maunganui Road Mount Maunganui New Zealand
Options
Tauranga Shore Excursion: Wai-o-Tapu with Forest Walk/Forest Spa
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Tour from Tauranga Hands Down!
Jaren P,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We cannot recommend this tour enough!! Meg and Pete are the best people we've met and best tour guides that we've had on our trip! The tour itself is incredible already with two amazing stops but they made it next level - very knowledgeable, kind, accommodating, and hilarious individuals! The local knowledge and things we learned about the area and New Zealand was amazing! Such a fantastic and memorable day!!! -Jaren & Stacey
A WONDERFUL DAY IN THR BAY !
lisalX8063HO,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I want to tell you all how fantastic this tour is . We found them on line looking for things to do in port while on our first ever trip to NZ on a cruise. We certainly picked the right tour and the perfect company to go with . Meg was a fantastic tour leader and was able to answer ALL of our questions as we travelled inland from port to view the amazing thermal pools, red wood forest and other delightful scenes. We were well cared for and no waiting in queues where ever we arrived as Meg had everything pre organised so every part of the day was well utillised . This day contained so many highlights to tuck into our memories . We would come back again and do another tour with A DAY IN THE BAY for sure. This tour certainly surpassed its advertising , value for money was excellent and is suitable for anyone no matter how young or old as long as you can do a bit of walking but even that is not a deal breaker as you would still see so much.
A highlight of our New Zealand experience.
shirleypO2850MJ,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip with "A day in the Bay" from Tauranga to see the Waiotapu geothermal park and walk high amongst the giant redwoods was one of the highlights of our New Zealand Cruise. Meg was excellent, (as were the chocolate brownies and chilled lemon drink that appeared everytime we stopped)! We saw much more than we had expected and went to places the big coaches can't get. Meg was fun, very informative, and because they take small groups, was able to be flexible. They are a small locally based company who know the area intimately. There was never a worry that we wouldn't get back to the cruise ship on time. It was excellent value for money and will remain a special memory from our trip. Thankyou Meg.
Wonderful Wai-o-Tapu & Red Wood Tree Tour
DorytheQueen,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful Wai-o-Tapu tour! They (Meg & Pete) are retired teachers so the attention to organization, knowledge of the area, and the little details made this trip special. I love supporting small businesses and was delighted to hear how they turned their passion for New Zealand and travel into such a memorable experience. Small details like fun facts about NZ while in transport, whipping out a small diagram and explaining the landscape, umbrellas, roadie snacks, and a surprise goodie bag…..I’m not going to tell what it was, you’ll have to sign up for your own tour to get the surprise:) Much Gratitude!!
From NZ$299.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by A Day in the Bay