Rotorua - Geysers and Maori Culture
Duration: 8 3/4 hours
Tour Code: tau-002
Price:
$299.00 per person
$179.00
Explore a thriving center of breathtaking thermal activity and traditional Maori culture during this scenic, full-day visit to the historic spa town of Rotorua.
Depart the pier for the drive south from the early-1900s town of Tauranga to Te Puke, the world's largest kiwifruit growing region. Upon arrival in Rotorua, a visit will be made to the Agrodome to watch the country's best-trained champion rams parade on stage, and a sheep-shearing demonstration. The highly-trained sheep dogs will finish the show with a display of sheep mustering.
Drive past the Rotorua lakefront where you may see a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and graceful black swans as well as several local landmarks before arriving at one of Rotorua leading hotels for a buffet-style lunch consisting of hot and cold dishes, several salads and a dessert tray. Your meal will be accompanied by a rousing Maori concert featuring the action songs and dances of the Maori people.
After lunch, you will visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori apprentices learn the ancient crafts of woodcarving and flax weaving.
Your tour will conclude with a walk through the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Here, you will witness vivid images of the earth's molten core as your Maori guide escorts you past steam hissing from the ground, bubbling mud pools and geysers shooting columns of scalding water skyward. A strong sulfur smell, a product of the intense thermal activity, will fill the air. Remember to bring your cameras on this exciting geothermal experience.
Following your tour, you will re-board your coach for the 1.5-hour return drive to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves approximately 3 hours of total driving time. The order of sites visited may vary.