Rotorua day trip: Redwood walk, geysers & Maori culture

Walk the Redwood canopy, then watch geysers erupt and taste food cooked in thermal mud

A 6.5-hour day trip from Tauranga port to Rotorua combines a guided canopy treewalk through towering Redwoods, a stop at a kiwifruit orchard, and a full afternoon at Whakarewarewa thermal village with its Southern Hemisphere's largest geyser, Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi lunch. All entrance fees, transport in a small-group Mercedes vehicle, snacks and Wi-Fi are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise tour with Rotorua and Maori visit

• Meet at Tauranga Port
• Visit Kiwifruit Orchard
• Explore Redwood Forest canopy walk
• Tour Whakarewarewa thermal village
• Watch Maori cultural performance
• Enjoy traditional Maori lunch

The experience

The tour departs Tauranga port on a schedule timed to cruise ship arrivals and heads south toward Rotorua along the Mount Maunganui Coast. A stop at a working kiwifruit orchard gives context to one of the region's largest industries before the group reaches the Redwood Forest, where you walk elevated platforms through the canopy to see the Californian trees and native fauna at ground level.

Whakarewarewa is the main event: a thermal village that has operated as a tourist destination for decades. A guide leads you through the geothermal landscape, pointing out mud pools and the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. A Maori cultural performance follows, then lunch cooked in traditional hangi fashion using the thermal heat of the earth. The vehicle is a Mercedes or similar, fitted with Wi-Fi and USB charging, and the operator provides snacks and refreshments throughout the day.

The tour runs in small groups and suits families and cruise passengers with a few hours between port calls. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and the itinerary involves walking but is suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• All entrance fees to the Redwood Forest canopy treewalk, Whakarewarewa thermal village and kiwifruit orchard.
• a guided tour and Maori cultural performance at Whakarewarewa.
• traditional hangi lunch.
• transport in a small-group Mercedes vehicle.
• Wi-Fi and USB charging in the vehicle.
• snacks and refreshments throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our meeting point is by the Flagpoles as you exit the Port Gates. This is approximately a 2 minute walk from the gangway. We shall meet you there with your name shown on our display board.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Adventure and Cultural Tours Bay of Plenty

Is this one for you?Small groups travel together in one Mercedes vehicle, so you share the experience with other cruise passengers rather than booking a private option. The 6.5-hour duration fits a port day with a few hours to spare, and the fixed itinerary means all three main stops (Redwood canopy, kiwifruit orchard and Whakarewarewa) fit inside a single departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).

What exactly is the canopy treewalk at the Redwood Forest?

The canopy treewalk is a guided walk on elevated platforms built through the Californian Redwoods, letting you move through the treetops and see native fauna on the forest floor below. It is included in the tour price.

How long is the whole day from pickup at Tauranga port to return?

The tour runs approximately 6.5 hours total, working within the cruise ship schedule so you have time to return to your vessel.

What is Whakarewarewa and what do you do there?

Whakarewarewa is a thermal village in Rotorua with geothermal pools, mud pools and the Southern Hemisphere's largest geyser. You get a guided tour of the thermal landscape, watch a Maori cultural performance, and eat a traditional hangi lunch cooked using the earth's heat.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, lunch is included at Whakarewarewa. It is cooked in traditional Maori hangi fashion using thermal heat, and is a light meal served as part of the village experience.

What is provided during the drive between stops?

The Mercedes vehicle has Wi-Fi and USB charging available. Snacks and refreshments are provided throughout the journey, and the small-group format means you travel with other cruise passengers in a comfortable vehicle.