Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland & Lunch Cruise

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Wai-O-Tapu
Maori for "Sacred Waters," this exotic area is considered New Zealand's most colorful natural volcanic environment. Sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity, the eleven-square-mile Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley is world famous for its naturally colored springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations, 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."

Lake Rotorua
Formed from the crater of a large dormant volcano, the lake's unique dark green-yellow color is due to the high content of sulphur and other volcanic minerals. Here, you'll board the Lakeland Queen, a locally built, shallow draft, stern driven vessel for a leisurely cruise around Lake Rotorua's shallow waters and be treated to an exciting performance by a local Maori cultural group.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
For two awe-inspiring hours, you will be able to closely view the mud pools, mineral terraces and steaming volcanic lakes of Wai-O-Tapu. You will also notice the smell of hydrogen sulphide in the atmosphere, a natural byproduct of this geothermal region, while enjoying the striking colors of the hot and cold pools, and the unique landscape.

LUNCH
During your lake cruise aboard the Lakeland Queen, you'll be treated to an assortment of freshly baked bread rolls with NZ butter, chef's selection of fine deli meats with condiments and pickles, a variety of salads, shrimp cocktail salad, freshly steamed fragrant rice, steamed garlic potatoes, a medley of fresh seasoned vegetables, boneless Thai red curry chicken cooked with capsicum, and poached fish of the day served with garlic and spinach cream sauce. For dessert, there's NZ pavlova served with freshly whipped cream and seasonal berries, fresh fruit platter, and assorted slices of cake.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
During the hour-and-a-half journey to and from the port of Mount Maunganui, you'll travel through plenty of magnificent scenery including the sparkling Rotorua lakefront.

Special Notes:

As with all geothermal regions, the smell of hydrogen sulphide permeates the atmosphere.

Photography may be restricted and passengers may be asked to remove their hats during the Maori ceremonies.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland will no longer accept cash transactions, it will still accept all credit card and eftpos transactions on site.

Child Price:

12 years & under only