Rotorua (Tauranga)

This 3-day tour from Tauranga to Wellington 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, 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

Meet your guide at the pier in Tauranga and travel by coach through Te Puke, the heart of kiwi fruit country, to Rotorua’s famous geothermal area.

At Te Puia Thermal Reserve, a Maori guide will lead you past bubbling mud pools, natural springs, and geysers, followed by a visit to the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre to watch traditional carving and weaving.

Next, explore Government Gardens with its Tudor-style Bath House Museum, bowling greens, croquet lawns, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the scenic Rotorua Lakefront.

Then, board an 8-seater gondola up Mount Ngongotaha to Skyline Restaurant for a buffet lunch with stunning panoramic views.

After returning to your hotel for some free time, head to Mitai in the evening for an authentic outdoor Maori concert and Hangi dinner, including a chance to meet the warriors and a short glow-worm bush walk, before returning to your hotel for overnight.

Note: Surface Conditions are uneven and natural on the Te Puia Guided Tour. Walk over a mixture of natural terrain and constructed paths, such as boardwalks and gravel trails, that meander through mud pools, steaming vents, and dense native bush. While many paths are stable, be aware that uneven or unpaved sections may occur.

The walk is generally moderate, not overly strenuous, though it goes through varied terrain. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is required.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Rotorua and traveling through vast pine forests to Taupo. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Taupo to view the Ngatoroirangi Maori rock carvings etched into the cliffs, with extended viewing and commentary on their cultural significance.

After taking in the lake’s stunning bays and rich heritage, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most popular natural attraction, where you can see the powerful ‘huka’ foam in the vibrant blue-green waters.

Finally, arrive at your accommodation by Lake Taupo—New Zealand’s largest lake and a renowned trout fishing destination formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago—then enjoy dinner at your hotel and overnight stay.

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

DAY 3

After breakfast, travel south along Lake Taupo’s eastern shores through Turangi 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.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before traveling south toward the west coast, stopping in Whanganui for a break, then continue on to Wellington where you will rejoin the ship.

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.

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

8:30am Depart Tauranga Port for Te Puia

10:00am Te Puia guided tour

11:15am Depart Te Puia

11:45am Arrive at Skyline Rotorua for lunch

1:15pm Depart Skyline

2:15pm Arrive at Novotell Rotorua for afternoon at leisure

5:00pm Depart Hotel

5:30pm Arrive at Mitai Maoi Village for concert and hangi dinner

8:30pm Depart Mitai Maori Village

9:00pm Arrive back at hotel

Overnight at the Pullman Hotel Rotorua or similar hotel

DAY 2

6:30am Breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Meet your guide

8:30am Depart Rotorua

10:30am Arrive into Taupo for Maori Rock Carving Cruise

12:00pm Depart for lunch

12:10pm Lunch at local restaurant

1:10pm Depart restaurant for Huka Falls

1:20pm Arrive at Huka Falls- photos quick walk around the walls. Plenty of viewing platforms

2:30pm Depart Huka Falls

3:00pm Arrive at Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel

6:30pm Group dinner at hotel this evening

Overnight at the Hilton Lake Taupo hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3

6:30am Breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Meet your guide & depart hotel

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

12:30pm Depart Tongariro National Park

2:30pm Comfort stop in Whanganui

3:00pm Depart for ship

6:00pm Arrive at the ship- Wellington Port

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:

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

•1 night at the Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel in a King Hilton Deluxe Room (subject to change)

•All entrances and tours per the above itinerary

•2x Breakfasts

•3x lunches, 2x dinners with 1 glass of wine or 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.