Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Tour Including Gondola Ride and Fun Luge (Opt)

Exploring the natural wonders of New Zealand’s North Island is an exhilarating prospect, and the Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the region’s breathtaking beauty. From the scenic drive through stunning landscapes to the captivating Maori cultural performance, this 7-hour tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With the option to ride the Skyline Gondola and navigate the thrilling luge tracks, visitors can indulge in a unique blend of sightseeing and adrenaline-fueled excitement. Whether you’re seeking to learn about the geothermal marvels of the Whakarewarewa Valley or simply soak in the serene ambiance, this excursion caters to diverse interests and promises to leave you with lasting memories.

Key Points

• 7-hour shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua with maximum group size of 11 for an intimate experience, priced from $160 per person.
• Highlights include stops at Kiwifruit Country Store, Geothermal Valley with a Maori cultural performance, and an optional Skyline Gondola ride with luge activity.
• Scenic route through farmland, native bush, and lakes, with a brief city tour of Rotorua and a return journey across the Tauranga Harbour Bridge.
• Kiwifruit Country Store offers tastings and insights into the local kiwifruit industry, while the Geothermal Valley showcases natural wonders and cultural experiences.
• The tour includes snacks, bottled water, admission fees, and accessibility options, with positive customer feedback on the quality and accommodating guides.

Tour Overview and Details

The Tauranga Shore Excursion to Rotorua is a comprehensive 7-hour tour that departs directly from the Port of Tauranga, transporting travelers by minivan to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

With a maximum group size of 11, this small-group experience offers an intimate and personalized adventure. Priced from $160.00 per person, the tour includes pickup, all fees and taxes, and admission to the Skyline Rotorua.

Travelers can expect a scenic route past farmland, native bush, and lakes, as well as the opportunity to explore the famous Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, ensuring peace of mind for participants.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour’s itinerary highlights include traveling through the scenic Mt. Maunganui, observing its sandy beaches and harbor.

Travelers then stop at the Kiwifruit Country Store in Te Puke for a tasting and learning experience about New Zealand’s famous kiwifruit.

The route then takes guests past farmland, native bush, Lake Rotoiti, and Okere Falls before arriving at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Here, they’ll explore bubbling mud pools, steam vents, and the iconic Pohutu Geyser.

The tour also features a Maori cultural performance with traditional songs, dances, and the iconic haka.

Optional activities include:

1. Skyline Gondola ride to Mt Ngongataha

2. Luge ride at the top

3. City tour of Rotorua

Activities and Attractions

Visitors can opt for an optional Skyline Gondola ride to the summit of Mt Ngongataha, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rotorua and the surrounding landscapes.

At the top, they can also enjoy a thrilling luge ride for an additional fee. This gravity-powered sled allows riders to zip down the winding tracks, with the option to control their speed and take in the stunning vistas.

Back in Rotorua, the tour includes a brief city sightseeing portion, highlighting landmarks like the Government Gardens and Rachel Pool.

The return journey takes guests through scenic gorges and farmland, crossing the Tauranga Harbour Bridge before reaching the port of Tauranga.

Kiwifruit Country Store Experience

As part of the Tauranga Shore Excursion, travelers stop at the Kiwifruit Country Store in Te Puke, where they can enjoy a tasting and learning experience that showcases the region’s renowned kiwifruit industry.

The store offers visitors the chance to:

1. Sample a variety of delicious kiwifruit, including unique varieties not widely available.

2. Learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of kiwifruit, providing insights into this essential component of the local economy.

3. Browse the selection of kiwifruit-based products, such as jams, juices, and even kiwifruit wine, allowing travelers to take a taste of New Zealand home with them.

This informative stop not only introduces visitors to the kiwifruit but also highlights the importance of this crop to the Tauranga region.

Geothermal Valley and Cultural Performance

After exploring the flavors of Tauranga’s renowned kiwifruit industry, the tour moves on to the mesmerizing Geothermal Valley, where travelers can witness the raw power of New Zealand’s volcanic landscape. At the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, guests will be captivated by the bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the breathtaking Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 meters high. As the finale, the tour provides a Maori cultural performance featuring traditional songs, dances, and the iconic haka – a powerful display of Maori heritage and pride. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique natural and cultural wonders of the Rotorua region.

Geothermal Attractions	Cultural Highlights
Bubbling Mud Pools	Traditional Songs
Steaming Vents	Maori Dances
Pohutu Geyser	Iconic Haka

Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride

For those seeking a thrilling addition to their Rotorua experience, the tour includes an optional Skyline Gondola ride to the summit of Mt Ngongataha.

The gondola offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, providing an exhilarating journey to the top.

Once there, travelers can enjoy a luge ride down the mountain’s purpose-built tracks. The luge ride allows participants to control their individual carts and navigate through a series of twists and turns, experiencing the rush of speed and the thrill of the descent.

With three luge track options of varying difficulties, this optional activity is sure to delight adventure-seekers of all skill levels.

City Tour and Return Journey

The tour then includes a brief city tour through Rotorua, showcasing the Government Gardens and the Rachel Pool, offering insights into the city’s rich history and natural wonders.

During this segment, guests will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Government Gardens, a well-manicured public space featuring landscaped gardens, scenic walkways, and historical buildings.

The Rachel Pool, a natural thermal pool, is also highlighted, allowing visitors to witness the geothermal activity that has shaped Rotorua’s unique landscape.

Following the city tour, the journey continues through the stunning gorges and farmland, culminating in a crossing of the Tauranga Harbour Bridge, providing breathtaking views of the harbor and the surrounding region before returning to the port.

Inclusions, Amenities, and Customer Feedback

This shore excursion provides a range of amenities and inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Snacks and bottled water are provided throughout the tour, ensuring guests stay refreshed during their explorations. Plus, all fees and taxes are covered, eliminating any unexpected costs.

The tour also includes admission to the Skyline Rotorua, allowing participants to enjoy the included gondola ride and luge activities (at an additional expense) atop Mt Ngongataha.

The tour is designed to accommodate a variety of travellers, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as infant seats available.

Based on the feedback, the tour hosts have demonstrated a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, with positive reviews highlighting the customized experience and accommodating guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food Included During the Tour?

Yes, snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at Kiwifruit Country Store for a tasting and learning experience as well. Full meals are not included, but the tour provides refreshments throughout the day.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for customers to change their plans without financial penalty, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes snacks and bottled water, but you’re welcome to pack your own items if you prefer. The tour operator encourages bringing necessary refreshments.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour offers discounted rates for seniors and children. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while children under 12 get a 20% reduction in the base price. However, the luge ride at the top of the gondola has additional fees that are not discounted.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized. The hosts are accommodating and open to modifying the itinerary to suit the group’s interests and needs. Travelers should discuss any special requests or preferences with the hosts prior to the tour.

Recap

The Tauranga Shore Excursion to Rotorua offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand.

From the thrilling Skyline Gondola ride and exhilarating luge experience to the captivating Maori cultural performance and exploration of the geothermal valley, this tour provides an unforgettable and well-rounded adventure that showcases the very best of Rotorua’s offerings.