Frequently Asked Questions

Information and frequently asked questions on our tours.

What days do your tours depart?

We operate every day that a cruise ship arrives into port. If you are not a cruise passenger you can book a tour any day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

What time do tours depart?

If you are a cruise passenger, our tour departure times are flexible around cruise ship arrival and departure times. If you are not joining one of the tours departing on a cruise ship day then you choose the departure time!

What are your pick up and drop off points?

All tours start from Tauranga. Pick ups can be arranged from cruise ships at the Port of Tauranga, Tauranga airport or your Tauranga or Mount Maunganui accommodation.

What is included in the cost of the tours featured on your website?

The cost of the tour includes transport, guiding, and visits to all the attractions listed in the tour itinerary. Lunch and other refreshments are at your own cost.

Do you offer tours other than those featured on your website?

Yes, we are happy to provide you with your own customised tour.
We would provide you with a quote when you have told us your requirements.

What if I’m late back to the cruise ship?

This has never happened in the time we have been operating tours. If for some unforeseen reason this does happen we would ensure that you are provided transportation to catch up with your cruise ship at its next New Zealand port. The cost of this would be incurred by Scott Tours.

Is smoking allowed in your vehicles?

We do not permit smoking onboard our coaches, but regular stops are made.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is an additional cost.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?

Our tours depart rain, hail or shine. In New Zealand we often have four seasons in one day. Be prepared for all weather conditions when you join our tour.

What do I need to bring on the tours?

There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments en-route. We do however suggest you bring a hat, sunscreen, a raincoat and warm clothing as New Zealand’s weather can be very changeable. As many of our attractions have the ability to walk around, please ensure you bring comfortable enclosed walking shoes.

Further Questions?

If you have any further questions please contact us.

Chris H

2024-04-17

Outstanding Service My wife and I travelled to Rotorua yesterday with Geoff from Scott Tours. Not only was he professional, understanding, and friendly, he went above and beyond to ensure our day was fantastic. A side stopover to visit the Redwood plantation and a cheeky Hokey Pokey ice cream topped off an amazing day. Thanks Geoff for helping us to make lifetime memories of your part of the world. It was a day that Therese and I will be talking about for years to come. Outstanding service from an experienced tour guide that takes the time to ensure your day is memorable. 11/10. Thank you for an awesome day!!

Jerry M

2024-02-27

The Best Tour Service in Tauranga Our guide Geoff was knowledgeable and very personable, his narratives while driving entertained us while filling us in on local knowledge and lore. We did two tours with him, the first to the Whakarewarewa living Māori Village and the second to Hobbiton. Both were outstanding days giving us memories we will keep for a long time.

nelnsteve

2024-02-19

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Brilliance If you want to see Wai-O-Tapu, do yourself a huge favour and go with Geoff and Trixie. Geoff was our guide for the day and he was brilliant....he walked us around the various stunning sights of Wai-O-Tapu explaining things as we walked and answering our many questions. It was all at a very laid back pace, before we headed off to see Rotorua, the beautiful Redwoods and a stop for an ice cream on the way back to a quick drive around Mount Manganui. The whole trip was a highlight of our NZ cruise and we cannot recommend Geoff and Trixie highly enough.

Anon

2024-02-12

A lovely day Husband and I joined a small group tour of Wai o Tapu with Geoff. First we stopped to look at a kiwi plantation, then at a mud pool near Rotorua, then at Wai o tapu, a true geothermal wondrous park. Geoff walked with the group offering insights and information and generally took care everybody was ok. From there we had a look at Rotorua, its landmark and its parks, walked in an amazing redwood forest, stopped for hoke poke ice cream and had a drive around Tauranga and its Mount Maunganui . It was a lovely, relaxed and pleasant day in which we saw many lively sites and learned a lot, wishing we had more time to explore with Scott's tours. Very well recommended.

Dave S

2024-01-31

Scott Tours is the way ONLY way to experience Tauranga and Tororus All I can say is WOW!! I cannot say enough about Geoff and Scott Tours. My partner and I went to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with him as a guide, and he met and far exceeded whatever expectations we may have had. Geoff is a true ambassador of Tauranga and Rotorua. We were expecting to be dropped off at Wai-o-Tapu and sent on our way; however, he walked through with us, offering his knowledge, expertise, and insights into the area. Afterwards, he took us to a swimming area where we were able to experience a swim where the thermal water meets with the cold stream water - what a thrill!! From there, he took us on a road trip to the highlights of the area, such as the Redwoods Forest and the Rotorua Town Centre, where we were able to experience the friendliness and hospitality the town has to offer. If you have the chance to use Geoff’s services, we highly recommend it.

Voyage57645843213

2024-01-10

Scott Tours provided a great day out We booked a private charter tour for our family of 9. Our personalised itinerary included Hells gate, Zorbe and Red woods. We enjoyed everything about Hells gate and will definitely return, had amazing fun zorbing and Scott tours also suggested an amazing stop Red Woods which was breath taking. We would highly recommend this company, They communicated well, very fair pricing, reliable, prompt and provided us with a wonderful day out. Thank you Scott's Tours.

2024-01-05

Your First Chhoice We used Scott Tours twice during our stay in the area and both times had an excellent experience. Geoff makes you feel welcome and like one of the family, providing a safe and complete time. His knowledge of the area compliments the sights you see and the places your visit. Should we return here we will definitely use Scott Tours again.

2023-03-20

A Brilliant Day! This was our favourite day out of our 2 month holiday! Geoff picked 6 of us up at the cruise terminal and took us to Wai-O-Tapu in a small air conditioned coach. He was friendly, very informative and an excellent driver. He never rushed us and gave a running commentary throughout our tour. We visited the Te Puia geyser (amazing!), and boiling mud pools, plus a sequoia forest. He would have shown us more, but several people wanted to return to the ship-we had had a busy day and they were tired, but it was a FANTASTIC day! We thoroughly recommend Scott Tours, for ease of booking and a first class service. Thank you Trixie and Geoff. Steve and Geraldine Elliott

franki242

2023-01-23

Perfect Day I chose Scott Tours from their website and read reviews. I was not disappointed. Geoff was a great tour guide and all round nice guy. We weren’t rushed and we enjoyed all the information that was given to us. As well as the tour we booked Geoff also took us around the area showing us the sights and finished the day with and amazing stop at the Redwood forest. I would recommend Geoff and Scott Tours.

Anne K

2023-01-13

Wonderful day in Rotorua with Geoff and Scott Tours! Geoff organized an absolutely wonderful day in Rotorua for us! He was waiting for us at the cruise ship dock and took us to the amazing Te Puia site, where we saw the erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, kiwi sanctuary, crafts center, and excellent Māori Cultural show. He also stopped at the Redwood Trees forest and took us on a lush, magical walk through the giant trees. The day was everything we hoped it would be. Geoff and Trixie were easy to work with and were prompt and professional. The small group tour was such a welcome alternative to the impersonal, large-group bus tours! Geoff told wonderful stories, gave us lots of interesting information, and even sang a lovely song for us. We highly recommend Scott Tours!!