Rotorua day trip from Tauranga: Lakes, forests, geothermal parks

Coastal drive to geothermal Rotorua in one morning loop

This six-hour day trip from Tauranga travels inland through native forests and across the Kaimai Ranges to Rotorua, stopping at Mount Maunganui beach, McLaren Falls, the historic Ohinemutu Village overlook, Kuirau Park's thermal foot baths, Government Gardens, and the towering Redwoods Forest before returning to the coast. The tour does not enter the geothermal valley for geyser eruptions. If that is your priority, book the Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland tour instead. An expert local driver provides live commentary throughout, and entry to Redwoods Forest and McLaren Falls Park is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Port of Tauranga1h
2. Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa2h

Explore Tauranga to Rotorua highlights

• Start at Tauranga Harbour port gates
• Travel past Mount Maunganui seaside suburb
• Stop at Mount Maunganui Main Beach
• Visit McLaren Falls waterfalls and lakes
• Cross Kaimai Ranges with panoramic views
• Drive through Fitzgerald Glade native forest
• Stop above Ohinemutu Village for lake views
• See Te Arawa waka at Rotorua lakefront
• Explore geothermal features at Kuirau Park
• Walk through Government Gardens
• Visit Redwoods Forest and optional Treewalk
• Shop souvenirs at Redwoods visitor centre
• Return via Paengaroa kiwifruit orchards
• Arrive back at Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Harbour

The experience

The journey starts at the Port of Tauranga and immediately heads to Mount Maunganui, where a stop at the main beach (consistently ranked among New Zealand's most beautiful) gives you time on white sand backed by an iconic volcanic cone. From there the route turns inland toward McLaren Falls, a tranquil stop where waterfalls, lakes, and native bush offer a sharp contrast to the coast you just left. The drive then crosses the Kaimai Ranges through panoramic countryside before entering Fitzgerald Glade, a lush native forest canopy that feels like stepping into another world.

Arriving in Rotorua, you stop above Ohinemutu Village for views across Lake Rotorua and an introduction to the region's Māori heritage, then continue to the lakefront to see the impressive Te Arawa waka (traditional canoe). At Kuirau Park, you experience Rotorua's geothermal activity firsthand: steaming pools, bubbling mud, and a thermal foot bath are all included. The route then passes through Government Gardens (a blend of history, culture, and floral displays) before reaching the Redwoods Forest, where towering Californian redwood trees dominate a peaceful forest floor. Entry to the forest is included. The Redwoods Treewalk and Glow Worm Grotto are available as optional paid extras if you want to extend your time there. The visitor centre also has souvenir shopping. On the return to Tauranga, you drive through the kiwifruit orchards of Paengaroa before arriving back at Mount Maunganui and the harbour.

Your guide is a local expert who provides live commentary throughout the journey. The minivan is modern, air-conditioned, and seats up to 12 passengers. Port pickup and drop-off are included, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the starting point.

What’s included

• Entry to Redwoods Forest and McLaren Falls Park.
• thermal foot bath at Kuirau Park.
• pickup and drop-off at the Port of Tauranga.
• transport in a modern air-conditioned 12-seater minivan.
• expert local driver with live commentary throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please meet at the WICKED WANDERS sign board on the grassy mound opposite the port gates.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wicked Wanders Tours

Is this one for you?Six hours is long enough to reach Rotorua's main stops and return to Tauranga the same day, but short enough to leave your morning or late afternoon free for other activities in the Bay of Plenty. If you want to linger in Rotorua or explore the geothermal valley and geyser eruptions, a full-day tour or an overnight stay would suit you better.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is Mount Maunganui Main Beach like?

Mount Maunganui Main Beach is consistently ranked among New Zealand's most beautiful beaches, with white sand and an iconic volcanic cone rising behind it. The tour includes a stop there early in the day.

Does this tour visit the geysers in Rotorua?

No, this tour does not enter the geothermal valley for geyser eruptions. If seeing a geyser erupt is important to you, book the Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland tour instead. This tour does include geothermal activity at Kuirau Park with thermal foot baths and steaming pools.

What is included in the price?

Entry to Redwoods Forest and McLaren Falls Park, a thermal foot bath at Kuirau Park, pickup and drop-off at the Port of Tauranga, and transport in an air-conditioned minivan with an expert local guide providing live commentary are all included.

Can I do the Redwoods Treewalk or Glow Worm Grotto during the forest stop?

Both the Redwoods Treewalk and the Glow Worm Grotto experience are available as optional paid extras during the forest stop. You can choose to add them at checkout if you want to extend your time in the forest.

How long is the drive from Tauranga to Rotorua?

The entire tour is six hours, which includes all stops and travel time. The route covers the coast at Mount Maunganui, inland through McLaren Falls and the Kaimai Ranges, and into Rotorua before returning to Tauranga.