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Nature and Maori Culture Highlights Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Tour
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Nature and Maori Culture Highlights Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Tour

5.0(5 reviews)
8 hour(s)
english
Thames, New Zealand

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Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori culture

Walk through native rainforest and see stunning waterfalls

Scenic drive through kiwifruit country and volcanic plateau

Enjoy a traditional hangi buffet lunch and Maori concert

Experience The Natural Wonders And Maori Cultural Heritage Of New Zealand On This Scenic Tour


This eight-hour tour from the Port of Tauranga takes you through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island. You will drive through kiwifruit country and ascend 1000 feet onto the Volcanic Plateau of Rotorua. Along the way, you will stop at Lake Rotoiti and take a short walk through the New Zealand rainforest to see spectacular waterfalls where rafters and kayakers drop over the largest commercial drop in the world. The guide will provide insights into the local environment and history.


The tour’s highlight is a visit to Te Puia Thermal Valley, featuring bubbling mud pools, geysers, and a Kiwi house where you can see New Zealand’s iconic bird. You will also explore the Maori Arts and Crafts School, where young Maori learn traditional skills such as carving, flax weaving, and tattooing. Guests will enjoy an authentic Maori concert followed by a traditional hangi buffet lunch, where food is slow-cooked in the ground using the geothermal field, providing a unique and delicious cultural dining experience.


After lunch, the tour continues with a scenic drive past the Blue and Green Lakes to Lake Tarawera, located beneath Mt Tarawera, which last erupted in 1886. Here you will see the site of the now-buried pink and white terraces, learning about the geological forces that shaped this dramatic landscape. The journey offers breathtaking views and opportunities to photograph the unique volcanic terrain, making it a perfect excursion for those interested in both natural history and the powerful forces of the earth.


This comprehensive tour balances adventure, education, and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable day for all guests. From the geothermal wonders of the valley to the intricate artistry of the Maori people, every stop provides a new perspective on the beauty and history of New Zealand. By the end of the day, you will have gained a deep appreciation for the land and the people who have called it home for centuries, leaving with a wealth of knowledge and stunning photographs.

What's Included
  • Entry to Te Puia Thermal Valley
  • Maori Arts and Crafts demonstration and concert
  • Buffet hangi lunch with dietary options
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • All personal expenses
Price start from

$ 285.91

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Activity Provider: Kiwi Dundee Adventures

Customer Reviews

5.0
Excellent
Based on 5 reviews
K
Karen D.Google
March 04, 2025

Cruising around New Zealand to Australia We booked a trip through Shore Trips to visit Tarranga and the living Maori village. Jack was our tour guide,and what a charming, friendly informative, chatty, funny young man he was. Full of local knowledge and Maori history. On our return journey back to the Ship he took us to his family kiwi farm to meet his Mum and sample some kiwi fruits and to a local beauty spot..The whole trip was fabulous. Jack was a star guide and is a huge asset to Shore Trips. Karen and John Feb 2025 visiting from UK

L
LM S.Google
October 21, 2024

Cruised California to NZ. Enjoyed our Living Māori Village tour while in Tauranga. The village, tour guide, music were lovely along with a delicious lunch. Our guide/driver Brian was great, safe driver, entertaining and informative. We purchased our shore excursion off the ship, at the port. Very clean & comfortable van.

C
Cami K.Google
May 17, 2024

We used Shore Trips and Tours to book 3 tours - 1 in Dunedin, 1 in Akaroa, and 1 in Tauranga (with an actual ST&T employee). We had no issues with an of our tours, instructions and contact info was clear and we had good communication with them in the months leading up to these tours. The tour that was actually through them was for Rotorua and Hobbiton in Tauranga and was great! Our guide (Mark?) Gave us some info as we went from place to place, made sure we stayed fed and on time, and got us back to our ship with time to spare! Will use to book tours again if we are in NZ again!