Experience an authentic Māori Village where people live on a daily basis. Learn what it is like to live in the challenging environment of Whakarewarewa where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and bathing in the therapeutic waters. Learn about Māori culture and traditions, with many examples of crafts on display. View geothermal wonders including the world famous Pohutu Geyser, boiling mud-pools and steam vents. See how the locals prepare and cook Hangi meals in the in-ground steam boxes and cook corn in the bubbling water of the geothermal hot pools. View the various historical landmarks and buildings, including an active Marae, two historic churches, and tapu (sacred) burial grounds. Watch a cultural performance with traditional song and dance, and experience the fearsome Haka, with bulging eyes and beating chests, made famous by NZ Sporting teams. Enjoy a Hangi lunch at the Village cafe and taste the delicious food cooked in the underground geothermal steam boxes.

Views of the lake - the central focal point of Rotorua

The impressive Elizabethan style building dominating the Government Gardens was the first health spa in New Zealand and now houses the Rotorua Museum. We will point out some of the features of the gardens, including the Blue Baths and Rachel's Spring, and stop for photos among the impressive flowerbeds.

We will show you the sights of Rotorua city as part of the tour

As we depart (or return) to the port of Tauranga you will travel through the city, one of New Zealand's fastest growing city and home to the country's largest port.

As we depart the Port of Tauranga where you cruise ship is berthed, we will dry through one of New Zealand's most popular and also most expensive beach side suburbs of Mount Maunganui, driving along the sea front of Marine Parade past multi-million dollar home.