Tauranga shore excursion: Lakes, forests, falls and hot tubs

Lake Tarawera and the Redwoods in one timed morning

A guided shore excursion from Tauranga port for cruise passengers, visiting Lake Tarawera, Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa, Secret Spot Hot Tubs and Kaituna Falls, timed to your ship's schedule. The tour runs seven to eight hours in a small group with a live English-speaking guide, includes snacks, drinks and entry to the main sites, and returns you to the port with time to spare. Upgrades to a private hot tub soak or the Treetop Walk high-wire forest route are available at extra cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa1h 15m · entry included
2. Kaituna River45m

Explore lakes, hot tubs, forest and falls

• Tour Mount Maunganui
• Drive through kiwifruit country and Lakes District
• View Blue Lake, Lake Rotoiti, and Lake Tarawera
• See ancient Maori rock drawings
• Learn Pink and White Terraces history
• Visit Secret Spot Hot Tubs and have lunch
• Explore Redwoods Forest pathways
• Optional Treetop Walk in Redwoods Forest
• View tallest commercially rafted waterfall
• Choose walking option to waterfall viewpoint

The experience

The tour starts at the port and moves through kiwifruit country toward the Lakes District, where you'll see Blue Lake, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera itself: dominated by the still-active Mount Tarawera volcano. The guide points out ancient Maori rock drawings and explains the 1886 eruption that destroyed the Pink and White Terraces, one of the world's most famous geological events. You'll have time to photograph the lake and the volcanic landscape before moving on.

The day includes a lunch stop at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, where you can soak your feet in the warm pools, walk the grounds or book a private hot tub experience for an extra charge. Snacks and drinks travel with you: NZ kiwifruit, gluten-free brownies, muesli bars, traditional sweets, water, juice and the iconic Lemon and Paeroa drink. The air-conditioned van has panoramic windows so you're not crammed in with a large group.

Next comes Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa, where ground-level pathways wind through native forest. If you upgrade to the Treetop Walk, you'll cross swing bridges and elevated walkways high in the canopy: the operator calls it one of their absolute favourites. On the return to port, you'll stop at Kaituna Falls, the world's tallest commercially rafted waterfall. Depending on your fitness and time, you can walk one minute to the top viewing platform, twelve minutes to the best vantage point, or fifteen minutes down to the base and Hinemoa's steps.

What’s included

• Snacks of NZ kiwifruit, gluten-free brownie, muesli bars and traditional NZ sweets.
• bottled water, juice and Lemon and Paeroa drink.
• entry to Lake Tarawera, Redwoods Forest and Secret Spot Hot Tubs.
• air-conditioned van with panoramic windows.
• live English-speaking guide.
• port pickup and return timed to your ship's schedule.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by A Day in the Bay

Is this one for you?The tour runs seven to eight hours with walking options at each stop, so you can pace yourself. The Kaituna Falls section offers a one-minute walk if you want to stay close to the vehicle, or fifteen minutes if you're comfortable with a longer descent. Small groups mean you travel with fewer people than a big bus tour, and the fixed schedule is what keeps all three main sites inside a single port call.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What is Lake Tarawera and why does the tour spend time there?

Lake Tarawera sits in the volcanic Lakes District and is dominated by Mount Tarawera, a still-active volcano. The 1886 eruption destroyed the Pink and White Terraces, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, and the guide explains that history while you see ancient Maori rock drawings on the shoreline.

Can I walk around Redwoods Forest or do I have to pay extra for the Treetop Walk?

Redwoods Forest entry is included, and you can explore the ground-level pathways for free. The Treetop Walk (the elevated swing bridges and high walkways through the canopy) costs extra and is optional, though the operator recommends it highly.

How much time do I get at Kaituna Falls?

Kaituna Falls is a stop on the return journey, and you choose your own walking distance: one minute to the top platform, twelve minutes to the best viewing area, or fifteen minutes to the base and Hinemoa's steps. The choice depends on your fitness and how much time remains before the ship departs.

What food and drink are included?

Snacks include NZ kiwifruit, gluten-free brownies, muesli bars and traditional NZ sweets. Drinks are water, juice and the Lemon and Paeroa, a famous New Zealand soft drink. Lunch is not included, though you can buy food at Secret Spot Hot Tubs during the lunch stop.

Will I have time to soak in the hot tubs at Secret Spot?

Yes, the lunch stop at Secret Spot Hot Tubs is built into the itinerary, and you can soak your feet in the warm pools or wander the grounds. A private hot tub experience is available for an extra charge if you want a dedicated soak.