Rotorua via Kiwi/lakes country & a visit to iconic Whakarewarewa
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tauranga, New Zealand
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Make the most of your time on land in Tauranga with a full-day tour to Rotorua, stopping at scenic points of interest en route. In Rotorua, see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and enjoy a Māori cultural performance. Sample New Zealand kiwifruit and visit highlights including Lake Rotorua, Mt. Tarawera, and Government Gardens throughout the day.
- Maximize your time in port with a tour tailored to your cruise
- Check off multiple attractions in a day without having to drive
- Tauranga port transfers mean you don't need to find a meeting place
- Learn more about Māori culture through crafts and performances
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Port pickup and drop off
- Local guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Begin your day with morning pickup from the Port of Tauranga. Start with an overview of Mt. Maunganui, then head to Rotorua, stopping along the way to sample kiwifruit, one of New Zealand’s top exports.
Continue by road past a redwood forest and Blue Lake on the way to Rotorua. More than 500 hot springs and 65 geysers are active around Rotorua. You'll visit Whakarewarewa, the Living Māori Village, which is home to the Pohutu Geyser and steaming hot springs, as well as Māori cultural exhibits including dance performances.
Next, drive through the Government Gardens (Paepaekumana) and past the Polynesian Spa, then have lunch (own expense) overlooking Lake Rotorua. See attractions including the Skyline Gondola, and snap photos of Lake Rotorua. Travel past Mt. Tarawera and Okere Falls for photo stops on your way back to Tauranga and your awaiting ship.
Continue by road past a redwood forest and Blue Lake on the way to Rotorua. More than 500 hot springs and 65 geysers are active around Rotorua. You'll visit Whakarewarewa, the Living Māori Village, which is home to the Pohutu Geyser and steaming hot springs, as well as Māori cultural exhibits including dance performances.
Next, drive through the Government Gardens (Paepaekumana) and past the Polynesian Spa, then have lunch (own expense) overlooking Lake Rotorua. See attractions including the Skyline Gondola, and snap photos of Lake Rotorua. Travel past Mt. Tarawera and Okere Falls for photo stops on your way back to Tauranga and your awaiting ship.
1
Mt Maunganui Main Beach
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kiwifruit Country
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Mangorewa River
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Lake Okareka Walkway
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Polynesian Spa (Pass By)
6
Government Gardens
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Lake Rotorua
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
8
Tikitapu Nature Walk
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Mt. Tarawera
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
11
Okere Falls
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant seats available
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 71 reviews
Amy_P, Apr 2026
Toby was an excellent, informative guide who took us on an ambitious itinerary to many interesting destinations, maybe too many to reasonably visit in the allotted time. Several drive-byes and no chance to get something to eat detracted from the tour but the stop at the kiwi fruit farm and tour in Maori village were great.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Amy, thank you for joining me on a tour of this diverse scenic part of NZ and your fair review. Yes, I tried to squeeze too much in on that day, apologies.
Jacqueline_M, Feb 2026
We had a lot of fun on this trip!
Toby did his absolute best to show us everything! It was a foul and interesting day!!
Thank you Toby
Jose_S, Feb 2026
We really like that the group was small and felt more intimate. There was a lot of interesting information but was more of a conversation than a monologue that was reherse. We arrived to all the advertise location on time and had ample time to explore. The lunch time was on a location with multiple choices for all tastes. The experience felt genuine and curated to explore the area and it's essence is all about. We felt a deep connection to nature and culture.
Caroline_D, Feb 2026
This tour was by far better than we could have expected - amazing stops to see beaches, kiwi farm, Maori village, thermal pools at Rotorua and trips to gardens, redwood trees and lakes - absolutely amazing trip - perfect in every way and highly recommend- thanks to Thierry our fabulous guide!
Mon_A, Mar 2025
Toby of Arrow Tour made our day just perfect. He is very knowledgeable and patiently find toilet stop for us.
The places visit was memorable and his deep knowledge made it more special.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your kind words and positive review. Did you depart on our Sunday March 9 excursion, because this platform doesn’t give your name ?
Sudha_K, Mar 2025
A wonderful way to learn about Maori culture, see the geothermal pools, a geyser and walk in the NZ rainforest! Also got to see a Kiwi farm and 3 of the lakes in the Rotoura region.
Toby our guide was very informative and passionate about NZ!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you Sudha for the homai te paki paki (accolade/raving review) we had a large group the day you travelled but with smart respectful people like you and your spouse aboard, it makes it a lot easier and satisfying for myself as a guide. Thank you again and safe travels home
Julia_T, Mar 2025
Toby took us on the best tour of Rotorua! He offered so much info about the area and even took us off the beaten path for great experiences! A short hike through the beautiful rainforest, drove us to the best view areas, visited an incredible kiwi farm, and a highlight was the Maori geothermal springs and Maori cultural performance. It was a great day and I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this tour! Great experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your kind words Julia, it was a pleasure to host you, and yes, we did have an enjoyable day, even though it was a group tour of 7 couples. The reason I like this job
Shirley_C, Mar 2025
We had a great trip with our guide, Toby. He was very informative and knowledgeable. We highly recommend him and the company.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your nice review Shirley. It was easy and a pleasure to host you and your husband, the perfect guests.
gjl, Feb 2025
Although a long drive, the scenery was lovely, and we thoroughly enjoyed the Māori village and show as well as the active geo thermal area. We had a great guide and I highly recommend this unique tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you…is it Glenda?, we enjoyed hosting you, and so glad you could take the time to write a review, and positive to boot..that’s a bonus. Safe travels home if you’re not already there
Charlie_A, Feb 2025
Great excursion! Our favorite among all the excursions we took in New Zealand at all the ports of call!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you is it Charles Arroyo?, very good to have you (and Laura?) onboard and that you really rate us, as well as you took the time to write a review. Stay cool in Austin, Toby
Marcelo_C, Feb 2025
Gorgeous experience including a very knowledgeable driver/guide. Beautiful places and visit to a kiwi orchard where we have also talked to the owner
Response from Host, Feb 2025
I'm glad you enjoyed your tour and day with us Marcelo, were you on the tour with myself and Klaus on February 14?
Buen viaje
Toby
Paul_M, Feb 2025
Very nice tour. Long day. Very interesting history facts and beautiful sightseeing. Loved the kiwi country.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you Paul for your positive review. Yes, your ship berthed late (but didn’t leave until late so that took the pressure off) and we fitted a lot of unique sights and experiences in.
Lin_A, Jan 2025
It was a long day trip, but it was worth it. It was our first time visiting a kiwi fruit farm, watching a live show in a Māori village, and getting so close to geyser fields. Thanks to our tour guide, Steve, for his professionalism and enthusiasm. We learned so much from him and had a fantastic day!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Lin, thank you for your positive review, and yes, Steve our new guide has taken to this profession like a duck to water. Glad you enjoyed your day trip here in the Bay of Plenty. All the best with any future travel plans you may have.
Faye_P, Jan 2025
Wow wow wow. We had a great time. We were going to book through the cruise ship but i found this and liked the idea of a much smaller group and boy am I glad we did. Toby our guide and driver was great. His knowledge of the places we visited was excellent He also gave a good insight to the Maroi people and their customs. We were not rushed at anytime which made our tour very enjoyable. Our visit to the Kiwifruit farm was an eye opener. I am now addicted to gold kiwi fruit. All in all I cannot say enough good things about our tour and guide Toby Thank you.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Haha Faye, all I can say is wow wow wow right back at you. Very happy that you enjoyed your day with me, and I can say 10 out of 10 for your review, the best ever. Very nice to have people like yourselves onboard that are appreciative and open to what we are trying to show our clients, and all the best for any future travel plans that you have…you’re the best type of world traveller, Regards, Toby
Jerry_Z, Nov 2024
Outstanding experience. Terry was passionate throughout our adventure and made extra sure we made it early to the Whakarewarewa Show. He also guided us throughout the area enriching our experience. A ten star experience throughout the entire day.
Sandra_D, Nov 2024
One of our favorite tours in all of New Zealand. Toby was absolutely delightful as a driver and guide. He was humurous, insightful and well informed. He picked stunning areas to stop and enjoy the view as well as taking pictures of us. He also made sure we had comfort stops which is important when you drink a lot of water (which he also provided and we appreciated). Roturua was inland and we enjoyed the charming town and would like to come back. The geothermal springs and geyser were fascinating as was the Maori cultural center and performance. We also really enjoyed the walk through the lush greenery to see the kayakers on the river and seeing the silver fern up close. He picked us up from our cruise ship and had us back in plenty of time. His coffee stop place was excellent too.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
I truly appreciate a comprehensive and positive feedback like this Sandra....and it was a pleasure to host you
Janice_K, Oct 2024
Toby and Steve are the best! Being locals, they know all the nooks and crannies of the area. It was a long day, 8 hrs, but it's well worth it. If you have only 1 day in Tauranga as we did being cruise passengers, spend the day with them.
BARRY_W, Oct 2024
Tour guide Toby of Arrow Tours provided an excellent tour of Rotorua, New Zealand. He was knowledgeable, innovative, and funny.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Barry, a delayed response, but never the less, thank you your very positive review, and that you enjoyed your day with me while on a shore excursion with two other couples and your wife out of the Port of Tauranga. All the best with any future travel plans that you may have.
Regards,
Toby
Gregg_R, Oct 2024
Toby and Steve were our tour guides. We stopped at multiple locations with a few add ons. We saw more of the area than we expected
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks Gregg, great to host you and your two companions and thank you for being patient with us on our first day back touring after a 6 month hiatus, enjoy your crossing to Australia.
Julie_C, Jun 2024
What a great personal excursion! Our guide was so nice and knowledgeable about the area. The hot pools and geyers are a must see.
Sheri_H, Mar 2024
Such a great excursion covering a lot! We began our day visiting the kiwi orchards which were to begin harvesting that day. Saw and tasted a new variety-the red kiwi! Yum! The government gardens were beautiful and the redwoods grow tall. The Māori Village was very interesting and the people warm and friendly. We enjoyed watching a few brave men learn the Haka dance. The geothermal activity in the region is impressive and we enjoyed seeing the Lakes district. A very busy and great way to see the area!
Neil_H, Feb 2024
Was a great trip lots of things to see
The geothermal village & Maori village was excellent also visiting the lakes was amazing scenery
Thirery our guide was excellent
joel_k, Jan 2024
Toby our guide was great took us to extra places big tour would not go to. Liked the geothermal and Maori experience.
Brenda_G, Jan 2024
Toby was awesome. Had a great day! Never seen thermal springs before and they exceeded my expectations. Maori presentation and people were great.
Nancy_W, Nov 2023
This tour ended up being a private tour for my husband and I. We really enjoyed the tour of Rotorua and the Maori performance.
Dawn_H, Oct 2023
Although cruise ships also sell shore excursions for some of the same places individuals can go on their own, it is so much better (and far cheaper) to book tours independently. This was definitely the case as Kerry shuttled we two couples around in the very comfortable, roomy Arrow Tours late model, mini coach. We did not have to wait in long lines to get on or off a bus, we were able to quickly ask questions to Kerry as he drove and narrated our tour. He individualized our tour also once he found out two of us were school teachers and had an interest in local education and the flora and fauna. We were able to soak in the beauty of not only the natural wonders around us, but the beautiful, friendly kiwi people. Kerry has spent his entire life in this area and loves to educate others. We highly recommend this company when booking tours in this area. Kerry was also amazing to just pull over on the side of the road if he saw something that would be interesting to a tourist and he also knew the best photo spots. This is a tour not to be missed! Although lunch was on our own on this tour, they did take us to a spot to have a freshly made, locally sourced meal which was also really enjoyed.
sarah_k, Apr 2023
This tour is well organized, tour guide ,Toby, has great knowledge of history for each highlight area, with 10 of us fit in comfortable van, we were amazing to see historic bubbling geothermal village, don't miss the concert, must see, our group had a lot of fun and enjoying this tour. I highly recommend to have Arrow Tour when you at Tauranga
Stephen_J, Mar 2023
We had been looking forward to this trip and wasn't disappointed. Kerry our guide was excellent, full of knowledge of all the areas we went to.
We saw, hot springs and mud, a Maori Cultural show, lakes, forests and beautiful scenery. Kerry made the trip memorable and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Jenny_M, Mar 2023
The tour was relaxed and informative with a driver who clearly wanted everybody to have a good day. Went to areas with a more authentic feeling and less commercialised. Great knowledge by the driver who related very well with his passengers. Highly recommend.
trvlr1313, Mar 2023
Toby left us at the port with no tour saying he didn’t have room for us even though we booked months in advance. He had been in touch to tell us where to meet and we met with no problems. Toby then ran around the parking lot for about 30 minutes, then loaded up a group with everyone but us. He then told us there was no room, we should find a tour from the sellers at the port and he gave us a refund. He’d wasted so much time, there was only one tour that was not sold out and it did not go to Rotorua. Our one chance to see Rotorua and we were left at the port with no tour. He really shouldn’t be in the tourists business.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Yes, I really did get caught with my pants down on this one, as I had a large group who had not booked it as such but demanded that it be a private tour. I sincerely apologised to Virginia and gave her a full refund plus an extra $25, although I know this does not make up for this mistake and the fact that the girls missed out on their planned trip to Rotorua. I can only pledge that I will take them on a day tour of Rotorua if they ever have the chance to come to this part of New Zealand again. Once again sorry Virginia.
From $187.50
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