This Rotorua hop-on hop-off tour departs from Tauranga and passes through Te Puke, the delicious kiwi fruit capital of the world, and forests, and continues past Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. Along the way, your driver will provide information on the highlights you can see and visit in Rotorua and the best options for doing so. The vehicle circulates the route three times during the day before returning to Tauranga via a different route, through forests, into deep gorges, and past farms and kiwifruit orchards.

Explore Rotorua at your own pace and see the sights you are interested in. Hop off at the Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute to admire the local art traditions, or visit the thermal village Te Whakarewarewa located only five minutes away. Stop by the Rotorua Information Centre in the city’s center for some expert advice on exploring the town. At the Rotorua lakefront area, take in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Relax at the Polynesian Spa, a world-famous natural geothermal spa close to the Government Gardens, Bath House Museum, and the Blue Baths. At Skyline Skyrides Rotorua, you can ride in a gondola, get your heart pumping on a zipline course, or enjoy fine dining with gorgeous views.

Once on board, you will be provided with a detailed information sheet and a timetable specific to the date you are touring. Upon request, you can be dropped off at several local attractions or activities on the way to the Rotorua area. There is no obligation to visit any destination, as you can just cruise on the coach and view the highlights as you ride past. Book this Tauranga tour today for a great New Zealand excursion.

See and learn all about Tauranga on this air-conditioned bus tour taking you through its beautiful geographical highlights. An experienced guide will take you from beaches to hilltops, giving you the ultimate Kiwi experience.

The tree-covered slope of Mount Maunganui, the extinct volcanic cone known as Mauao, rises from the sandbar below. A surfer’s paradise, the clear blue ocean stretches into the horizon, with whitecaps crashing along the shore of Mount Ocean beach. You may even want to walk up to the mountain summit to take in incredible views of the harbor below.

Traversing the narrow strip of land, passing the new high rise hotels and apartments, you’ll reach the famous Mount Ocean beach, the site of many major surfing competitions. It is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the beachfront cafes and restaurants.

Get another glimpse of how New Zealanders live as you go by the “Marine Parade,” an affluent neighborhood with views of the Pacific. After heading over the causeway, see the historic heart of Tauranga where it was first settled in 1830. Stop at the historic battle site of Gate Pa, one of New Zealand’s most important battles between the Maori and British forces in 1864. The events of that day are explained by your guide and the interpretative panels as you wander along the ridge of Gate Pa.

Visit Lake McLaren and take in sights of McLaren Falls. Enjoy the scenery and one of the best arboreal collections in New Zealand. Then, have a taste of Tauranga by visiting an orchard full of hardy kiwifruit vines. Enjoy beautiful farmland and bushland as you head further up into the hills. You’ll have the opportunity for a beautiful panoramic shot from a lookout point of the the mountain, the harbor, and the cruise ships below.

On your final stop, you’ll head to Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market, where you will be treated to a Fish and Chips lunch. Known to many locals as THE spot to get some delicious fish and chips, enjoy a nice lunch and take in the sights as the fish market is located right on the water before boarding the coach for the short drive back over the harbor bridge to the ship.

Departing the pier, you will travel around the Mount Maunganui inner harbor, then along the main surf beach and pristine waterfront of New Zealand’s number one seaside resort. Continue past the suburbs and dairy farmland before coming to Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. You will stop at a kiwifruit country orchard, where you will be able to taste various products made with this amazing fruit. You’ll then make a stop at a producer of New Zealand’s famous export: Manuka honey. You’ll learn about what makes this delicious honey so special, and taste it for yourself.

This cultural excursion will then drive through farmland and pine forested areas before taking a detour to view some native fauna while on a short stop to view the adrenaline junkies as they cascade the Kaituna Rapids and falls in their kayaks and rafts. You will continue on to Rotorua passing Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, which are just 2 of the 16 lakes in the region.

There will be a short break for lunch (at your own expense) alongside Lake Rotorua before you drive to the unique thermal wonderland of Whakarewarewa, a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs, bubbling mud, and the famous Pohutu Geyser.

You will be hosted by a Maori guide and experience a people who have come to live in harmony in the midst of this unique environment. Hear how they use the boiling cauldrons and steam in everyday life for cooking and the natural mineral waters for communal bathing.

The local villagers are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes of the place they call home. Learn about their traditions and culture, visit the fully carved meeting house Whare Tupuna (ancestral home), and then experience a traditional Maori welcome, songs, and dances, including the famous Haka. This is the only authentic living Maori village of its kind in New Zealand. Crowds should be expected at this site.

Your sightseeing journey continues through Rotorua to the Government Gardens, the historic Bath House, and Rachel’s Pool. The excursion returns to Tauranga using a different route, with the opportunity to stop and admire Hamurana Springs crystal clear blue waters. Upon arrival to the city, you will have the opportunity to see a little of the inner city and its downtown area before crossing the harbor bridge to return to your ship at Mount Maunganui.