Rotorua: Duck Boat City & Lakes Tour WWII Amphibious Ride

Summary

WWII duck boat ride across Rotorua lakes city history Maori stories

You’ll ride through Rotorua in a real WWII duck boat, roll right from city streets into sparkling lakes, and hear Māori legends from your local guide along the way. Kids get quack whistles (which is honestly pretty funny), you’ll see steaming geothermal spots up close, and there’s plenty of time for photos or just staring out at those wild blue waters.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sort of eggy, sharp, that classic Rotorua thing. We climbed up into this bright yellow duck boat (it’s actually an old WWII amphibious truck, which is wild) and our guide, Pete, grinned at us like he’d seen every reaction before. He handed my daughter a little “quack” whistle. She loved it. We rumbled through town with Pete pointing out the Blue Baths and Government Gardens—he told us how people used to come here for the healing waters. I kept craning my neck to see the old bathhouse windows. The city felt both sleepy and alive, if that makes sense.

Then came the best part—we didn’t stop as we rolled down toward Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake). Pete just steered straight in and suddenly we were floating. There was this weird moment where the wheels hit water and everyone sort of held their breath. The lake was glassy blue, ringed by bush that smelled sweet and green after last night’s rain. Pete told us about Māori migration and pointed out where Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886—he got quiet for a second there, which made me listen harder. I could hear tui birds somewhere in the trees.

We splashed around Lake Okareka too (I probably pronounced it wrong—Pete laughed but didn’t correct me), then back on land past Sulphur Point where steam curled off the rocks like ghost fingers. My daughter waved at a group of kids near the Rotorua Museum—they waved back, big smiles all around. Honestly, I didn’t expect to learn so much about local history on what I thought would be a silly ride. The whole thing was about 90 minutes but felt both quick and full somehow. I still think about that first splash into the lake—you don’t forget that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rotorua city and lakes sightseeing tour

• Depart from central city location
• Drive around lakefront, take photos
• Drive past Blue Baths, learn history
• Drive through Government Gardens, learn history
• Pass Lake Okareka, discuss walkway
• Pass Lake Tikitapu, point out track start
• View Mt. Tarawera, learn eruption history
• Learn about Treewalk
• Drive past Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa
• Stop and view Rotorua Museum
• Drive by Blue Baths again
• Drive around Sulphur Point, learn history

Top questions

How long does the Rotorua duck boat tour last?

The tour lasts between 90 to 105 minutes.

Is there live commentary during the tour?

Yes, your driver-guide provides live commentary throughout.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from a central city location.

Are children allowed on the duck boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join and may use a pram or stroller.

Which lakes do you visit on this Rotorua tour?

You visit Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Lake Okareka, and drive by Lake Rotorua.

Is the WWII amphibious vehicle safe for families?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and families with kids.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Will we see geothermal areas during the tour?

You’ll pass Sulphur Point and other geothermal sights around Rotorua.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided journey aboard an authentic World War II amphibious vehicle with live commentary from your driver-guide; all ages are welcome to join from a central departure point in Rotorua’s city center.