Tauranga, New Zealand

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Mount Maunganui to the summit of Mauao, commonly known as The Mount. As you climb The Mount, you'll hear about the legends of the area and learn about the historical events including how the Mount Maunganui locals identify with Mauao, their Mountain. Discover significant landmarks, archaeological sites, harbor activities and wildlife habitats. Relax at the summit of Mauao with a light refreshment and enjoy a bird's eye view of the beach, the inner harbor and port, Matakana Island, and ships and boats coming and going through the small harbor entrance. Once you hike back down, it's a short walk to town where you can shop or walk back to the ship. If you prefer, you can take a soak with an optional visit to the unique Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools situated at the base of Mauao, additional entry fee required.

Tauranga may be the largest city in the Bay of Plenty, but it's also home to a number of scenic delights and historically significant areas with a reverence for its Maori heritage. Experience it all with an excursion that begins with a narrated scenic drive around the bay to the Elms Mission Station, a restored traditional English house dating back to 1835. Feel free to wander this breathtaking and tranquil oasis and learn how the Maori were given the opportunity to learn about Christianity, and were educated in reading and writing, as well as learning agricultural and domestic skills. Your next stop is Kiwifruit Country and a walk through the lush kiwi orchards. Browse for kiwi-related souvenirs in the small marketplace at the Village Community Hall and enjoy a bevy of delicious refreshments. A return to port takes you past the impressive Maori War Canoe.

Learn how the Maori have retained their culture and customs in a rapidly changing world. A scenic drive from the port at Mount Maunganui brings you to a local Ngati Ranginui Maori Marae, where you'll soak up New Zealand's rich heritage. Step into the Marae's carved meeting house, Tamatekapua, named after the captain of the famous Te Arawa canoe, which came to New Zealand from Polynesia in 1350. You'll be warmly greeted by the tangata whenua (local people) who will take you on a unique cultural journey through Maori heritage and early New Zealand life. During your visit, you'll be treated to tea, the chance to view wonderful Maori arts and crafts, and a colorful Maori folklore performance featuring action songs, poi dances, stick games and the war dance. You'll also have plenty of time to visit the gift shop and browse for souvenirs before returning to the pier.

Celebrate the bounty of the Bay of Plenty with a tour of Kiwifruit Country, a horticultural tourist attraction that showcases the phenomenal kiwi, one of the world's healthiest fruits. During your visit, you'll meet a Maori family and hear their stories and enjoy their songs and dances as they trace their family history through the generations. Then marvel at the extraordinary volume and quality of fruit produced here with a guided walk under the green and gold kiwifruit vines. A freshly prepared tea will be served, and you'll have an opportunity to shop for gifts and souvenirs in the large retail shop. Another special treat is an exclusive visit (not open to the general public) to Maketu, the stunning coastal site of a centuries-old Maori fortification; its strategic location has been highly prized and ardently contested by neighboring Maori tribes, and its stunning, 360-degree panoramic views offers many photo ops.

Skyline Rotorua is sky-high fun for the entire family! When you arrive, you'll board an eight-passenger gondola and climb the slopes of Mount Ngongotaha for sweeping views of Lake Rotorua. At the top, your super fun visit includes three thrilling luge rides that wind through a magnificent redwood forest. The part go-cart, part toboggan is gravity fueled with full rider control over speed and direction using a unique braking and steering system. Pull back on the handlebars to slow down or stop, release slightly to accelerate and enjoy the ride. Speed addicts will have plenty of opportunities to try their luck on the advanced track with its challenging tunnels and spirals. You can also purchase additional luge rides, refreshments and lunch. For an additional charge, visit some of Skyline's other attractions that include the Sky Swing, SkyVue 4-D Motion Theater, and scenic walking tracks.

Prepare for jaw-dropping views during a 12-minute helicopter flight over the colorful, historical and cultural sites that define the Bay of Plenty. Feel the excitement as you lift off of the helipad and soar into the wild blue yonder. The narrated flight includes fly-overs of Mount Maunganui Beach, a white sand surf beach that's been crowned the "Best Beach in New Zealand" by TripAdvisor and around Mauao, an extinct volcanic cone that's commonly known as The Mount. As you zoom through the harbor entrance and out over the long, white sandy coastline look out below and you may be lucky enough to see sharks sunbathing in the shallows! Another sight to behold is Matakana, a 12-mile-long island that been continuously populated for centuries by Maori tribes. Before returning to the helipad, you'll have panoramic views of Tauranga Harbor and your waiting ship.

One of the best ways to learn about the culture of a city is through its food so let your taste buds be your guide on this enjoyable culinary journey through Tauranga. Not only will you learn about the area, its history, people and the reason Captain Cook called it the Bay of Plenty, but you'll also get to sample some amazing local foods. Your tasty adventure begins with a scenic drive along the beach front of Mt. Maunganui. As you make your way from one food establishment to the next, you'll learn where the local foodies dine and what makes New Zealand cuisine unique. You'll also meet some of the local food heroes and learn why they decided to make this seaside destination home. This tour includes specialty food shops, hole-in-the-wall food premises and out-of-the-way foodie venues, and visits to working kiwifruit and avocado orchards.

Enjoy an enriching and immersive experience with a visit to a Maori village. Tucked among a geothermal landscape of hot pools, boiling mud and geysers, the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people have co-existed with these fearsome yet revered forces for hundreds of years. A scenic journey from the pier includes a drive past glistening lakes and lush forests. Your guide, a descendent of generations of guides from the region, will greet you when you arrive at Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village and educate and delight you with stories of the Village and the powers of the geothermal valley. See how they use the natural energy for cooking with a hangi lunch, New Zealand's signature dish with a twist: Whakarewarewa's hangi is cooked courtesy of Mother Nature's geothermal steam boxes and mineral pools. You'll also be entertained by the sweet sounds of a Maori cultural performance, which includes the world-famous haka.

If you live for outdoor adventure, then this active excursion is for you. You will get wet so bring along a towel, a change of clothes and washable or river shoes, as well as a hat, sunglasses and sun protection. Don't worry about bringing your own equipment - each raft is outfitted with life jackets and helmets. A drive from the ship takes you through the popular beach resort town of Mount Maunganui and into the open countryside. Once you arrive at the edge of the Kaituna River, you'll meet your expertly trained guide who will offer a full safety briefing. After you don your life jacket and helmet you'll step into the raft and maneuver it through the waves, through calm waters, over wild Grade 3 rapids, unspoiled bush lands, past the tree-lined riverbank and the exciting grade 5 waterfall that plunges 22 feet into the river below.

Experience some movie magic when you visit the Hobbiton set from the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Completely rebuilt in amazing detail for the Hobbit movies, the set is nestled in the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of a 1,250-acre sheep farm in the tiny farming community of Matamata. When you arrive, your guide will lead you through this Middle Earth wonderland of hobbit holes with their wonderful exteriors, including Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, Mill, bridge and gardens. But you don't have to be a fan of the movies to appreciate the magical landscape in which it was filmed. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. Soak up the atmosphere with coffee and a sweet at Green Dragon Inn and visit the gift shop for souvenirs.

Don't miss this fantastic glimpse into the Maori culture! This exciting adventure starts with a motorcoach ride that takes you across the beautiful countryside to the Tamaki Maori Village, winner of New Zealand's Supreme Tourism Award. As you wind your way along the country roads, your guide will share some of the history and protocols of what to expect when you enter the sacred village. Expect lively singing, group games and horn honking. When you arrive, you'll be greeted at the gates by a traditional welcome ceremony, before enjoying a colorful Maori performance accompanied by the sound of ancient Maori instruments. Observe life in this incredible village, which has been designed to offer the curious visitor a close-up and animated snapshot of the past. Then enjoy a delicious hangi feast, cooked in the BBQ pit area. Following lunch, you can purchase souvenirs before listening to a farewell song and speeches.

Spend the day exploring the town of Rotorua. Following the scenic drive through the North island's gorgeous countryside, you'll stop at the award-winning Agrodome, a scenic and educational sheep and beef farm. Here, you can shop for colorful woolen products, and learn about New Zealand's important sheep industry in an hour-long, fun-filled family tour that features sheep dogs in action, a sheep shearing demonstration and 19 breeds of sheep. Next, you'll visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, home of the spouting Pohutu geyser, silica terraces, pools of boiling mud and steam vents. A Maori guide will share local legends and you'll have time to browse the gift shop for traditional carvings. Later, see how Maori's rich heritage is being kept alive at Te Puia's Maori Arts & Crafts Institute; experience the wonders of Maori culture, take a tour of the apprentice center, and enjoy lunch and a colorful Maori concert.

Spend the day exploring the town of Rotorua. Following the scenic drive through the North island's gorgeous countryside, you'll stop at the award-winning Agrodome, a scenic and educational sheep and beef farm. Here, you can shop for colorful woolen products, and learn about New Zealand's important sheep industry in an hour-long, fun-filled family tour that features sheep dogs in action, a sheep shearing demonstration and 19 breeds of sheep. Next, you'll visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, home of the spouting Pohutu geyser, silica terraces, pools of boiling mud and steam vents. A Maori guide will share local legends and you'll have time to browse the gift shop for traditional carvings. Later, see how Maori's rich heritage is being kept alive at Te Puia's Maori Arts & Crafts Institute; experience the wonders of Maori culture, take a tour of the apprentice center, and enjoy lunch and a colorful Maori concert.

Get a first-hand look at the area's gold history with a day-long excursion to New Zealand's "Heart of Gold." Once in Waihi, you'll be welcomed by a friendly host over morning tea at the charming Sterling Hotel where some of the era's characters and stories will be introduced. Following a tour of the Cornish Pumphouse, which pumped out the water from the underground workings of the massive Martha Gold Mine, you'll embark on an exclusive inside-the-fence tour of the mine. Then, it's all aboard the Goldfields Heritage Railway for some interactive fun at the award-winning Gold Discovery Center. Imagine the life of a gold miner when you push hard against an air-leg drill that will shake your bones and lean on a plunger to trigger a simulated explosion down in the mine. Hear local tales in the ghost theater where actors and 3D holograms bring Waih's history to life.

Feel at one with nature as you explore Lake Rotoiti, witness glowworms lighting up a cavern and relax in the thermal hot pools near the lake. Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive to Lake Rotoiti, one of Rotorua's most beautiful lakes. Upon arrival, you'll join your highly trained and knowledgeable guide who'll share local Maori history and legends. As you paddle onto the lake you'll view the beautiful expansive scenery, geothermal vents, native bush, Kiwi baches (holiday homes) and abundant birdlife towards the hidden entrance of a cave. Once inside, keep a look out for amazing glow-worms. After exiting the cave, paddle to the lake's edge for a chance to relax in the natural geo-thermal pools of Manupirua and soak up Rotoiti's breathtaking landscape. During the day, enjoy a classic lunch of a filled roll, biscuit, chocolate bar and bottle of water.

Pedal your way around some of Rotorua's most impressive nature-made and man-made sights. Along the way, you'll learn about the unique geology of the area, its volcanic history and hear stories only the locals know. Grab your camera, they'll be plenty of stops for photos. Your adventure begins with a stop at a modern-day Maori community then travels along approximately seven miles among bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, boiling waterholes. As you ride along behind your guide, watch for the 100-year-old St. Faiths Church, the Tamatekapua Wharenui meeting house, sacred Kuirau Lake, Lake Rotorua, the Maori waka (canoe), Government Gardens, geothermal hot springs, the Malfroy Geysers, the Rotunda, Rachel's Spring, Sulphur Point and the Redwood Forest where you'll stop for a refreshing snack. Your informative guide will help to make this a fun and interesting way to visit a very special area of environmental and cultural significance.

Set off on a colorful, action-packed nine-hour excursion that will not only enthrall and educate you but also includes a moderate hike, a leisurely cruise and lunch! Sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity, the Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley is world famous for its otherworldly landscape of naturally colored springs, huge volcanic craters and spouting geysers, many of which can only be accessed by foot. Once you arrive, you'll follow your guide on a mile-and-a-half trek into the heart of the park for close-up views of this thermal wonderland. Photos taken, you'll rejoin your coach for the brief ride to Lake Rotorua where you'll board the Lakeland Queen for a delicious buffet lunch cruise and a unique performance from a Maori cultural group. The hour and a half journey back to port takes you through plenty of magnificent scenery including the sparkling Rotorua lakefront.

Ten thousand years in the making, the Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve is home to steaming fumaroles with names like Devil's Bath and Inferno, and pools of boiling mud. Wind your way past these geothermal wonders to the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Averaging a steamy 104°F, Kakahi Falls has long been a special place for the Maori, who would bathe in its waters after battle; it's believed that the warm temperatures and sulphuric water were a soothing combination for any scratches or wounds. Then, continue to Mitai Village, where you'll be welcomed by a Maori warrior in traditional dress then feast in a hangi lunch and an authentic Maori cultural performance. Following a bush walk to Fairy Spring, you'll visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park and view New Zealand's tuatara lizard, trout, native and endemic bird life including New Zealand's national icon, the flightless kiwi.

Embrace Tauranga's nature-loving attractions on a day-long adventure that begins with thousands of glow worms twinkling in the dark and ends with a bevy of cute kiwis, and unique native birds and reptiles. Get your senses ready as you leave the pier and travel to the Waitomo Glow-Worm Cave. When you arrive, you'll walk into a cave with soaring ceilings and low passages, where stunning, delicate cave formations include the famous Organ and the lofty chamber called the Cathedral. Then, you'll will board a boat for a ride in complete silence along an underground river in pitch darkness. Behold millions of bioluminescent glow-worms as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world. Because the worms extinguish their lights when disturbed, silence is mandatory. At the end of the tour, you'll continue on to the Otorohanga Kiwi House for close-up views of New Zealand's most famous avian wildlife-the kiwi.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey that takes you around the Bay of Plenty area. After boarding your coach, you'll travel to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley for a guided walk among the pristine native forest, bubbling hot streams, mud pools, and geothermal craters. Then, enjoy a cruise on Lake Rotomahana, sometimes called the "eighth wonder of the world." As you journey across the still waters, marvel at the many volcanic craters, lakeside geysers, steaming vents and rich bird life. All this spectacular sightseeing may have worked up an appetite so you'll head to a Waimangu café for a buffet lunch. Back on the coach, you'll travel to Rainbow Springs, where your guide will introduce you to over 135 varieties of native trees and ferns, clear trout pools, exotic native birds in the aviaries, and the nocturnal Kiwi House for a look at New Zealand's cute national emblem, the kiwi bird.

Get acquainted with the natural delights around the Bay of Plenty, a stunning coastal paradise of spectacular beaches, protected bays, and lush forests. Nature may be the premier attraction but there is also deep culture and rich history to experience. First on your itinerary is a drive to Maketu Beach where a stone monument marks the spot where the Maori, New Zealand's original inhabitants, first stepped off the Te Arawa waka (canoe) around 800 years ago. From here, you'll drive to Lake Rotoiti for a walk through untouched native forest and a boat cruise around the lake. On board, enjoy a light lunch as you pass by steep cliffs, sandy coves and the lake's geothermal activity. As your boat ride draws to an end, you'll re-join your coach for a drive to Lake Rotorua for views of Mokoia Island, a lava dome that sits in the middle of the lake.

Make yourself comfortable as your chauffer driven luxury van takes you to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve in the Whakarewarewa Valley. Here, you'll join a friendly Maori guide for a tour of the valley, home to stunning geysers, mud pools, and mineral springs. Watch a traditional Maori cultural performance, witness demonstrations of fighting skills, the famous haka war challenge, plus song and dance activities still practiced by New Zealand's indigenous people. When hunger calls, you'll stop for lunch at a local hotel. Then, you'll travel to the Polynesian Lake Spa Retreat, one of New Zealand's leading international day spas. Here, you can soak your body in one of the wonderful four hot pools, which range in temperature from 96.8º F to 107.6º F. On your return to Tauranga, you'll stop at Kiwifruit Country for a tour through the lush orchards and sampling of kiwifruit wine or other kiwifruit delights.

Vehicles with an English-speaking driver guide are generally offered on a half-day or full-day basis. Deviations to duration, departure / return time or locations to be visited can be made onboard in advance but will incur an additional charge. This is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles are extremely limited therefore reserve early. These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return to the Tour Office as soon as possible.

The half day vehicle option is for local Tauranga sights only, guests wishing to travel to outside of Tauranga are required to book the full day private vehicle option.

Vehicles with an English-speaking driver guide are generally offered on a half-day or full-day basis. Deviations to duration, departure / return time or locations to be visited can be made onboard in advance but will incur an additional charge. This is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles are extremely limited therefore reserve early. These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return to the Tour Office as soon as possible.

The half day vehicle option is for local Tauranga sights only, guests wishing to travel to outside of Tauranga are required to book the full day private vehicle option.

Imagine flying around New Zealand's most active volcano in a helicopter. Located 32 miles off the Bay of Plenty coastline in the Pacific Ocean, White Island is a link in a chain of volcanoes called the Pacific Ring of Fire. During this fantastic flight you'll marvel at the awesome forces of Mother Nature. The excitement begins at the helipad, where you'll buckle up and lift off for this breathtaking journey. As your helicopter nears the island, you'll see the plume of a white gas cloud that is ever-present above White Island. Upon closer inspection you'll see that a large number of small eruptions over the last 150,000 years has scarred the island with crater lake formations, steaming craters, sulphur chambers and roaring fumaroles. On the return flight to the helipad, be sure to keep your eyes open for schools of fish, dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Vehicles with an English-speaking driver guide are generally offered on a half-day or full-day basis. Deviations to duration, departure / return time or locations to be visited can be made onboard in advance but will incur an additional charge. This is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles are extremely limited therefore reserve early. These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return to the Tour Office as soon as possible.

Vehicles with an English-speaking driver guide are generally offered on a half-day or full-day basis. Deviations to duration, departure / return time or locations to be visited can be made onboard in advance but will incur an additional charge. This is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles are extremely limited therefore reserve early. These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return to the Tour Office as soon as possible.

If Mother Nature ever wanted to enter the theme park business this would be a very good place to start. Over the next two days you will experience a trilogy of natural attractions Disney would be hard pushed to replicate.
We will take you to the lush, rolling Waikato countryside, which was chosen by filmmakers to bring Tolkien's The Hobbit to life; visit the natural wonderland of Rotorua where shooting geysers and bubbling mud pools are commonplace and finally venture underground to a magical, fairyland light display brought to you courtesy of thousands of tiny Arachnocampa or glow-worms.

If Mother Nature ever wanted to enter the theme park business this would be a very good place to start. Over the next two days you will experience a trilogy of natural attractions Disney would be hard pushed to replicate.
We will take you to the lush, rolling Waikato countryside, which was chosen by filmmakers to bring Tolkien's The Hobbit to life; visit the natural wonderland of Rotorua where shooting geysers and bubbling mud pools are commonplace and finally venture underground to a magical, fairyland light display brought to you courtesy of thousands of tiny Arachnocampa or glow-worms.

On arrival in Tauranga you will transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf to the Great Barrier.

Get an insight into why people become hooked on The Barrier with our half-day tour.

Geographically it's an island of two halves with a marked contrast between the ocean- facing east coast fringed with rugged cliffs and wild surf beaches and the more sheltered western side with deep harbours and white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing.

On arrival in Tauranga you will transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf to the Great Barrier.

Get an insight into why people become hooked on 'The Barrier' with our half-day tour.

Geographically it's an island of two halves with a marked contrast between the ocean- facing east coast fringed with rugged cliffs and wild surf beaches and the more sheltered western side with deep harbours and white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing.