Private, via beaches, Kiwi farm to Rotorua 8 lakes & Geothermal

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown. In Rotorua we visit the iconic Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of maori song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland and some bubbling hot mudpools and hot springs, or a guided walk incl. viewing the Pohutu geyser). Then we drive to the nearby holiday lakes of okareka and tikitapu/blue (and possibly Tarawera if time allows), Stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest...tranquil, serene and unique. Redwoods forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere falls are two more options, again if time allows.

Itinerary

1. Look out over the iconic Mount main beach, the most popular summer destination for local New Zealanders and discover the history of this area called The Bay of plenty (10 min)
2. We’ll stop here for a comfort stop as well as some more great opportunities for stunning photos of your friends and family or group, and the vast Pacific coastline omnipresent here. (10 min)
3. We visit one of the original Kiwi orchards in this, the Kiwifruit growing capital of the world. We’re certain you’ll be impressed to see how laden these vines are with fruit and the intense husbandry and care that goes into growing them - in part because they are such a valuable part of our local economy. (20 min)
4. We head to Rotorua via a beautifully scenic route with excellent examples of native fauna of this region great views of the Pacific Ocean as we head down from the elevated central Plateau
5. Entry is included into this historic world renowned bubbling geothermal village where local Maori still live today. You will be impressed by a storming 40 minute cultural performance where you will be entertained by the local Māori entertainment troupe with their natural gift for music and dance and a stomping good version of the Haka, a once seen, never forgotten war dance. The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, song and dance spanning over a century, being the iwi (pronounced “eewee” tribe) that originally guide tourists at the Pink and White Terraces before it was buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. With our special agreement with iwi (tribe) we can have a peek at the famous Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers which put on a natural (but unpredictable time wise) display of hot gushing groundwater heated by the geothermal activity beneath it. (1h 30min) Admission included
6. We select one of 3 cafes in downtown Rotorua, all reputable with a nice ambience and great food to stop for lunch to relax, connect and enjoy (30 min)
7. A gentle drive through the Beautiful Government gardens and alongside the Tudor style Rotorua museum. Photo stop (15 min)
8. Beautiful gardens and Museum
9. An elevated spot where you are welcome to take postcard like photos with the idyllic Lake Okareka in the foreground and its many stunning lakefront holiday homes and the once lively and active Mt Tarawera (presently dormant) in the background. (10 min)
10. Soak in the soothing mineral waters or a mud massage only found in Rotorua. This is in a wonderful setting, but we really do recommend this as a winter attraction as most of the 9 alfresco natural hot mineral pools are at, or close to, body temperature. We can omit the Whakarewarewa experience that’s included in this itinerary for 90 minutes here if you would like to choose this option.
11. You will enter an prime example of New Zealand native forest, the comments from our past clients range from beautiful to awe inspiring. Abundant with tall podocarps, dozens of different fern varieties including Jurassic Park tree ferns(Actor Sam Neil is from NZ) and to your benefit no poisonous snakes or spiders or scary creepy craw lies or tigers or leeches, so walk through and embrace without a trace of fear. (20 min)
12. Take in the breath taking view of Mt Tarawera and learn about the devastating 1886 eruption. Photo stop extraordinaire. If time is constrained, we may not venture this far, as we get a great view of this same mountain 20 minutes prior, from Summit road, Lake Okareka. Here, also provides a grand view of lake tarawera as well as the mountain that has had a large influence on this regions history and landscape. Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886 and buried the most touristic attraction at the time the Pink and White Terraces as well as the local village. We can see the volcano on the opposite site of the lake. Bring your camera! (10 min)
13. Lake Tikitapu (Blue lake), and lake Rotokakahi (green lake), are two gems in the middle of a beautiful native forest. Blue lake is open to everybody and is a nice destination to spend a week-end swimming, boating, barbecuing etc. while the green lake is “tapu” (taboo, forbiden) due to some historical conflict between local tribes… Nice panoramic photo to do in the lookout between these to lakes. Be amazed at the beauty of these Lakes. (10 min)
14. If time allows, we stop in here at this serene, although often very popular grove of sizable exotic trees over 100 years that have thrived in the Bay of Plenty's conducive climate and fertile soils. (10 min)
15. Here is our last stop before our 50 minute journey back to your ship. For those that are fit and able, we descend a flight of 60 steps to an enthralling natural space where you are up close to the violent rapids of the Kaituna River that drains the two large lakes of Rotorua and Rotoiti. (15 min)