EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
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.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
