Wellington

This 4-day tour from Wellington to Tauranga immerses you in New Zealand’s natural beauty and Maori culture, featuring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, traditional arts, panoramic gondola views, a Maori concert and Hangi dinner, a Lake Taupo cruise to Maori rock carvings, a visit to Huka Falls, and a guided walk in Tongariro National Park. The journey combines cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and unique storytelling for an unforgettable North Island adventure.

Special Notes:

•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.

•Due to varying terrains encountered on the day trips, this program is not suitable for guests who have mobility restrictions or use a wheelchair or scooter.

DAY 1

Disembark in Wellington and begin with a scenic drive through the city’s highlights before heading north toward Turangi for a delightful lunch.

After a brief stop, continue on to Taupo where you’ll embark on a captivating cruise to view the Ngatoroirangi Maori rock carvings—towering artworks etched into the cliffs of Mine Bay and only accessible by boat—accompanied by insightful commentary about local history and culture.

From the lake’s edge, travel to your accommodation in Taupo, where you’ll settle in before enjoying a relaxed dinner in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

Note: The Maori Rock Carving Cruise is suitable for guests with varying levels of physical mobility. The vessel is wheelchair accessible.

DAY 2

Travel to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the park on a guided walk around the volcanic massif of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro, learning about the area's cultural significance and the efforts by the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe to protect the land.

After a picnic lunch, you'll head to Rotorua where you will check in to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.

Note: Tongariro National Park scenic highlights walking tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility impairments. 15 – 30-minute walks at various locations.

DAY 3

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and make your way from Taupo to Rotorua. Stop at Huka Falls for a walk and a photo opportunity.

Once you arrive into Rotorua, board an 8-seater gondola up Mount Ngongotaha to Skyline Restaurant for a buffet lunch with stunning panoramic views.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and in the evening, depart for Te Pa Tui to experience a traditional Maori concert and a hangi dinner, before returning to your hotel for the night.

DAY 4

Your final day begins with a short journey from your hotel to Te Puia, nestled in Rotorua’s dramatic geothermal valley. Here, a guided tour invites you to explore the electrifying Pohutu Geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, along with bubbling mud pools, Maori carving and weaving demonstrations at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Your adventure continues with an opportunity to meet the iconic kiwi bird at the Conservation Centre before proceeding to the port of Tauranga where you will re-board the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments

DAY 1

8:00am Depart port of Wellington for city sights

8:45am Depart Wellington for lunch

12:45pm Arrive in Turangi for lunch

1:45pm Depart Turangi for Taupo

3:00pm Arrive in Taupo for Maori Rock Carving Cruise

4:30pm Depart for hotel

4:40pm Check into hotel

6:30pm Group dinner at hotel this evening

Overnight at the Hilton Taupo or similar

DAY 2

6:30am Breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Meet guide and depart hotel for Tongariro National Park

8:45am Arrive at the National Park for a guided walk and picnic lunch

12:30pm Depart National Park for Taupo

1:45pm Arrive back at hotel, rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure

Dinner on own this evening

Overnight at the Hilton Taupo or similar

DAY 3

From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Depart hotel for Huka Falls

9:20am Arrive at Huka Falls for a walk around and photo opportunity

10:30am Depart Huka Falls for Skyline Gondola Rotorua

11:30am Arrive at Skyline for lunch

1:30pm Depart skyline for hotel – brief sights of Rotorua

2:30pm Arrive at hotel for check-in, afternoon at leisure

5:40pm Depart hotel for Te Pa Tui

6:30pm Arrive at e Pa Tui for concert and dinner

9:30pm Depart back to hotel

9:50pm Arrive at hotel

Overnight at the Pullman Rotorua or similar

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel

9:30am Depart hotel for Te Puia

9:45am Arrive at Te Puia

10:00am Te Puia Guided Tour + Conservation Center

12:00pm Depart Te Puia for Tauranga

1:00pm Brief sights of Tauranga and return to the ship

1:30pm Arrive at the port of Tauranga and reboard the ship

What to bring:

Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, clothing that can be layered for warmth, umbrella or rain jacket, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, medication.

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water for CPAP machines. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.

Local Currency:

New Zealand Dollars

USD are not accepted

Electricity

Electric sockets in New Zealand are “Type I.” The voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 volts, which is different than in the USA and Canada (110/120 volts) but the same (or close enough to use) as in the UK and Australia. We recommend you bring a universal travel adapter for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.

Guests need to complete the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arriving into New Zealand.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

Accommodation:

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

1135 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010

Phone: 0064 7 343 9750

Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel

80-100 Napier Road, Hilltop, Taupo

Phone: 0064 7 378 7080

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•2 nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel in a King Hilton Deluxe room (subject to change)

•1 night at the Pullman Hotel Rotorua in a Deluxe Room (subject to change)

•All entrances and tours per the above itinerary

•3x Breakfasts

•3x lunches, 2x dinners with 1 glass of wine, beer or a non-alcohol option

Program Excludes for guests:

•Additional beverages or barista coffees with meals

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry, and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements, or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.