Nature & Māori Culture Highlights Shore Excursion

North Island

from

NZ$488

per person

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Family walking along a boardwalk with steam rising from geysers in the background at Te Puia in Rotorua

Experiences

Family-friendly Tours

History and Māori Culture

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Private Tours

Shore Excursions

Small Group Tours

North Island

Start: Port of Tauranga

Locations: Tauranga, Mount Maunganui

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Details

Discover Rotorua’s Wild Landscapes and Local Legends

Step into the heart of Aotearoa on this full-day shore excursion from Tauranga, led by expert Kiwi Dundee guides. Begin with a scenic drive through kiwifruit country and up to Rotorua’s geothermal plateau, stopping for a rainforest walk to Kaituna Falls. This powerful cascade is known for its whitewater thrills and stunning surroundings.

Next, venture into Rotorua’s geothermal heart at Te Puia, home to bubbling mud pools, hissing vents and the dramatic Pohutu Geyser. Watch expert artisans at work in the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and meet the iconic nocturnal kiwi bird. A live cultural performance and traditional hangi lunch offer an immersive connection to Māori heritage.

Māori cultural performance and traditional carved meeting house at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand

Yellow River Rats raft approaching the edge of Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River.

Raft emerging from the base of Tutea Falls after the drop on the Kaituna River with River Rats.

Pōhutu Geyser erupting under a clear blue sky at Te Puia in Rotorua with visitors on the boardwalk nearby

Māori performers in traditional dress holding taiaha at Te Puia geothermal valley

Traditional Māori cooking using geothermal steam at Te Puia, with food lowered into a steaming hot pool

Māori carver working on traditional woodwork at the National Carving School in Te Puia, Rotorua

Māori carver working on traditional wood carving at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua

Visitor touching an intricate traditional Māori carving at Te Puia, Rotorua

Artist carving intricate greywacke stone design at Te Puia, Rotorua

Māori artist weaving a tukutuku panel at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua

Artisan crafting a traditional Māori bone carving at Te Puia, Rotorua

Māori performers in traditional attire presenting a haka at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand

Māori performers using poi during a haka performance in a traditional village setting, watched by visitors

Māori performers at Te Puia in traditional dress presenting a haka during a cultural performance in Rotorua

Three Māori warriors performing traditional haka inside wharenui at Te Puia, Rotorua

Close-up of a smiling Māori performer using poi during a haka dance in a cultural village setting

Close-up of Māori performer holding greenery during cultural performance at Te Puia, Rotorua

Hot dishes and meats from a traditional Māori hāngi buffet at Te Puia, Rotorua

Fresh salads and sides as part of a traditional Māori hāngi buffet at Te Puia, Rotorua

Te Puia guide speaking to visitors inside the Kiwi Conservation Centre in Rotorua

Kiwi bird in a darkened enclosure at Te Puia, Rotorua, for conservation and viewing in a natural setting

Scenic view of the Buried Village of Te Wairoa with native bush and historic remnants

Woman walking along the shore of Blue Lake, also known as Lake Tikitapu, in Rotorua, New Zealand

Lakes, Legends and Scenic Beauty

In the afternoon, enjoy a picturesque drive past the striking Blue and Green Lakes on your way to Lake Tarawera. Nestled beneath the volcanic peak of Mt Tarawera, the area is steeped in history and beauty. Hear tales of the 1886 eruption that buried villages and the once-famous Pink and White Terraces.

Your guide will bring this powerful story to life, set against the backdrop of peaceful waters and lush native bush. The tour wraps up with a relaxed return to your ship, filled with unforgettable memories of nature, culture and storytelling. It’s a perfect snapshot of Rotorua’s spirit and scenery in one expertly guided day.

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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Details

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Cancellations & Refunds

Make a Booking Enquiry

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