Rotorua & Tauranga: Geothermal Walks, Redwood Treewalk & Glow Worm Caves

Summary

Steam rising from mud pools, laughter by the foot baths, glow worm magic in Rotorua’s forests

You’ll soak your feet in natural hot springs, walk among giant redwoods on swinging bridges, and watch glow worms light up a dark cave — all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect warm snacks and even warmer water on this small-group Rotorua day trip from Tauranga.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hiss — not loud, but constant, like the earth itself was breathing. Our guide, Mike, grinned as we stepped out at Kuirau Park in Rotorua. “That’s just the mud talking,” he joked. The ground here bubbles and steams in patches; it smells a bit like boiled eggs (not gonna lie), but after a while you stop noticing. We dipped our feet into the hot pools — towels were handed out — and I almost didn’t want to leave. My toes still felt warm an hour later.

Driving from Tauranga only took about an hour, but it felt like another world. We passed kiwifruit orchards with their tidy windbreaks (Mike pointed out Te Puke, apparently the ‘kiwifruit capital’). In Rotorua proper, we stopped at Sulphur Point where native birds waded right into the steaming lake water. There was this one black swan that stared at us for ages — maybe hoping for snacks? The Government Gardens were next: old bathhouses with fancy roofs and flowers everywhere. I tried to pronounce “Whakarewarewa” when we got to the village for lunch (meat pie for me), but mostly just made Li laugh.

The Redwood Forest was my favorite part of this day trip to Rotorua from Tauranga. Walking high above the forest floor on those rope bridges — it’s not scary, more floaty — you can see ferns like green fireworks below. And then came the glow worm cave: inside it’s dark and cool, and suddenly there are thousands of tiny blue lights overhead. It’s weirdly peaceful in there; everyone went quiet for a minute except for someone’s kid whispering “wow.” That stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rotorua geothermal and forest tour

• Depart Port of Tauranga
• Drive along Mount Maunganui sea front
• Travel through Te Puke kiwifruit orchards
• Visit Rotorua geothermal hot spot
• Walk and bathe at Kuirau Park pools
• See boiling mud pools and steaming lakes
• Stop at Sulphur Point by Lake Rotorua
• Explore Government Gardens and Blue Baths
• Tour Rotorua city sights
• Snack lunch at Whakarewarewa Village
• Guided Glow Worm Cave tour in Redwoods Forest
• Walk on Redwood treetop rope bridges
• Return to Tauranga port

Top questions

How long is the Rotorua shore excursion from Tauranga?

The tour lasts about 6.5 hours including travel time between Tauranga and Rotorua.

Is port pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Port of Tauranga are included with cruise-friendly timing.

Do I need to bring my own towel for the foot bath?

No, towels are provided for the geothermal foot bathing experience in Kuirau Park.

Are entry fees to geothermal reserves included?

No, entry to private geothermal reserves is not included but public sites are visited.

What food is included during the tour?

A traditional Hangi-inspired snack lunch (meat or vegetable pie) is provided at Whakarewarewa Village.

How difficult is the Redwood Treewalk?

The Treewalk uses a spiral ramp and rope swing bridges; no steps are needed but good mobility is required.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; bring your own car seat if needed.

Does this tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, it operates rain or shine; dress in layers with hats and sunscreen as suggested.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned minivan transport with port pickup and drop-off in Tauranga, guided walks through Rotorua’s geothermal parks and gardens, admission to both the Redwoods Treewalk & purpose-built Glow Worm Cave experience, a traditional snack lunch at Whakarewarewa Village (with meat or veggie options), plus towels for relaxing at Kuirau Park’s hot foot baths before heading back to your ship or hotel.