Our route then continues through farmland, native bush and forested areas, passing by Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua before arriving at Te Whakarewarewa - Te Puia.
Te Puia, the home of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the location of the famous Pohutu geyser. We visit the carving school and see craftsman fashion traditional wood carvings, then move on to watch Maori women demonstrate flax weaving.
A short walk through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to view the mud pools, the famous Pohutu geyser and hot pools that make Te Puia unique. See New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose built kiwi-house. Explore the recreated traditional Maori fortified village.
A Maori Cultural Performance will be given on the Marae, in one of the few fully carved meeting houses in New Zealand, a place of special spiritual significance to Maori. Here you will see the traditional songs, dances and demonstrations of fighting skills [including the Haka] performed.
There is time at Te Puia to enjoy a light lunch at their cafe [at your own cost].
After lunch we drive through Rotorua City to the Agrodome where we will enjoy the Sheep Show and understand more about farming life in New Zealand. This is an award winning, premier farming destination which even gives you the opportunity to touch the animals. A great experience for the whole family.
The tour then departs Rotorua for the return to Tauranga. On the way we tour through Mount Maunganui to view its famous ocean beaches, harbour and the iconic Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcanic core, which gives the area its name.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, Collection and drop off from the ship, Entry to Te Puia and Maori Concert, Experienced private guide, Sheep Show at the Agrodome.
Please Note: This tour is not suitable for users of mobility scooters [unless very small collapsible ones] or electric wheelchairs. Folding manual wheelchairs can be accommodated, but passengers must be able to enter a coach or minibus using the standard steps. Our staff can assist.
Highlights Include:
- Blue Baths
- Geysers and Mudpools
- Government gardens
- Kiwi fruit orchards
- Lake Rotorua
- Maori culture performance
- New Zealand Kiwi bird
- Rotorua Bath House
- Rotorua City
- The Agrodome
- Working sheep dogs and other NZ farm animals
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