Itinerary
Departing the port
for Rotorua, we first travel through the beach suburb of Mount Maunganui, then the small town of Te Puke, home of the New Zealand Kiwifruit industry. Our route takes us through the lush Bay of
Plenty landscape, past orchards and farmland. Climbing higher, through native and exotic forests, we reach the Lakes district, first passing Lake Rotoiti, then the largest, Lake Rotorua.
Skirting the City of Rotorua and heading south, we soon arrive at Waimangu.
After a short break for morning tea, we begin our walk along the well marked pathways, past evidence of the
geothermal activity that has influenced the landscape of the area. You will see steaming crater lakes, thermal vents, many reminders of the huge eruptions that have occurred here, in quite recent
times.
The eruption of Tarawera in 1886 and the ongoing eruptions of the Worlds largest geyser from 1900 to 1904, have all created the landscape you will be walking through, lets hope the
volcano lies dormant a while longer!
The end of the walk [approximately 1 hour 45 minutes] will bring us to the shores of Lake Rotomaha. Here we join our vessel for the lake
cruise, our guide aboard explaining just what occurred here on that fateful day in 1886. Learn about the Pink and White Terraces, once known as one of the wonders of the world, drawing
visitors from all parts of the globe and making Rotorua a tourist mecca.
Following the cruise we board the transfer shuttle for the ride back up to the visitor centre, some time here for
shopping if you wish, before joining our transport for the drive to Rotorua.
Arriving at the Polynesian Spa, located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, the afternoon is spent at the exclusive
Lake Spa Retreat. Here you can first enjoy a healthy lunch, with a range of dishes. Then plenty of time to relax in the lakeside pools, the geothermal waters easing away any of those tired
muscles from the mornings excursions.
If you wish you can pre-book one of the massage therapies available. The 30 minute sessions are just a $40.00pp surcharge, a great way to end
the day.
Leaving the Spa resort, we have time to drive past some of the famous Rotorua landmarks, the Bath House and Government Gardens, before returning to Tauranga by an alternative
route. Passing through Tauranga and crossing the harbour bridge, you have chance to see a little more of the city before going back to the ship.
If you would like a private tour
following this itineray, for groups from 1 to 100 persons, then please contact us and we will be pleased to provide a quotation for a Signature Class Tour. |
