- Mt Maunganui Main Beach - Stop and talk about this beautiful area, we tell how that James Cook discovered in 1769
- Kiwifruit Country - Because of the pandemic, presently we will only be driving through areas where there are large plantations of kiwi . We will give you a comprehensive and interesting narrative on the development of this fruit in our country, a brief rundown of the techniques utilised in growing it and it’s importance to our local economy
- Mangorewa River - We head to Rotorua via a beautifully scenic route with excellent examples of native fauna of this region great views of the Pacific Ocean as we head down from the elevated central Plateau
- Lake Rotorua - We will select one of 3 fine cafes to stop for lunch, one of which you will have a fine vista of the lake and the large intricately carved meeting house (whare nui)
- Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village - Entry is included into this historic world renowned bubbling geothermal village where local Maori still live today. You will be impressed by a storming 40 minute cultural performance where you will be entertained by the local Māori entertainment troupe with their natural gift for music and dance and a stomping good version of the Haka, a once seen, never forgotten war dance. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, song and dance spanning over a century, being the iwi (pronounced “eewee” tribe) that originally guide tourists at the Pink and White Terraces before it was buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. With our special agreement with iwi (tribe) we can have a peek at the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers which put on a natural (but unpredictable time wise) display of hot gushing groundwater heated by the geothermal activity beneath it.
- Government Gardens - Stop and enjoy the beautiful gardens and the iconic Rotorua Museum
- Polynesian Spa - Soak in the soothing mineral waters or a mud massage only found in Rotorua. This is in a wonderful setting, but we really do recommend this as a winter attraction as most of the 10 or so natural hot mineral pools are at or close to body temperature.
- Lake Okareka Walkway - An elevated spot where you are welcome to take postcard like photos with the idyllic Lake Okareka in the foreground and its many stunning lakefront holiday homes and the once lively and active Mt Tarawera (presently dormant) in the background.
- Tikitapu Nature Walk - You will enter an prime example of New Zealand native forest, the comments from our past clients range from beautiful to awe inspiring. Abundant with tall podocarps, dozens of different fern varieties including Jurassic Park tree ferns(Actor Sam Neil is from NZ) and to your benefit no poisonous snakes or spiders or scary creepy craw lies or tigers or leeches, so walk through and embrace without a trace of fear.
- Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) - Lake Tikitapu (Blue lake), and lake Rotokakahi (green lake), are two gems in the middle of a beautiful native forest. Blue lake is open to everybody and is a nice destination to spend a week-end swimming, boating, barbecuing etc. while the green lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbiden) due to some historical conflict between local tribes… Nice panoramic photo to do in the lookout between these to lakes. Be amazed at the beauty of these Lakes.
- Buried Village of Te Wairoa - Drive past this Historic site on the way to the Tarawera lookout
- Mt. Tarawera - Take in the breath taking view of Mt Tarawera and discover the History of the 1886 eruption. Photo stop extraordinaire. We stop at a very good photo opportunity lookout to view this lake and mountain that has had a large influence on this regions history and landscape, and together with the lake offers a wonderful sight, one of the best on your tour. Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886 and buried the most touristic attraction at the time the Pink and White Terraces as well as the local village. We can see the volcano on the opposite site of the lake. Bring your camera!
- Wai-O-Tapu - We travel towards the centre of the North Island, only if time allows,(this trip will add an additional 45 minutes to our drive time) to view the wonderful boiling mud pools, mesmerising and hypnotic to look at and a favourite of our longest serving guide, Kerry.
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- All fees and taxes included
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
A favorite among our patrons - This excursion is ideally suited for those eager to immerse themselves in the varied scenery of Mt Maunganui and Rotorua, with a special emphasis on the geothermal region of Whakarewarewa, widely recognized as ‘The living Maori Village.’ Appreciate a 40-minute show featuring the rich and vibrant Maori culture through song, dance, and narratives.
While en route to Rotorua, take in the sights of splendid beaches and prized properties, ahead of a 45-minute journey from the shoreline, gradually climbing up the central plateau, crossing through Kiwifruit plantations (we intend to make a stop to view these fruit-laden, but not yet ripe, vines) and typical NZ farmland leading up to our most interior point, Rotorua. Get a glimpse of the most well-liked attractions - Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the spectacular lake, wander through NZ native bushland packed with ferns and towering podocarps reminiscent of a 19th-century settler or Maori warrior. Explore the mud pools of Kuirau Park, and catch sight of the geysers (incl. the famous Pohutu).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.