Whakarewarewa Tour
The Living Maori Village, Whakarewarewa sits on an active geothermal plateau where people live on a daily basis. Within the geothermal valley you have the chance to see active mud-pools, bubbling waters and the geysers from the viewing areas, as well as experiencing a Cultural Performance and learning something of the Māori people, history and culture.
Whakarewarewa Tour itinerary
From your Tauranga cruise ship you will join Scott Tours for a day tour to Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most interesting destinations.
Enroute while we travel to Rotorua passing through farmland, bush, pine forest and beautiful lakes you will have the opportunity to learn about our important industries and exports and a quick stop at the impressive Okere falls.
On the outskirts of Rotorua you’ll pass through a Redwood Forest, a tree not indigenous to New Zealand, but provides an interesting point of interest to discover why they were planted there. Time permitting we’ll also pass by some of Rotorua city’s iconic sights; the government gardens, Rachel’s pool (212 Degrees), the historic bath house and a lakefront drive.
Then it is time to spend some time at this Rotorua tour’s key attraction; Whakarewarewa…
Whakarewarewa
On arrival at Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village you will meet your guide from the village who is a descendant from the guides who guided at the world-famous Pink and White Terraces prior to the eruption in 1886. Your guide will explain to you the uniqueness of Te Whakarewarewa Valley, of its history and significance in geothermal terms and how the people in the village live on a daily basis, cooking in the steam and bubbling pools, bathing in the geothermal waters and heating their homes.
You will then be entertained by one of Rotorua’s leading Kapa Haka groups – Te Pakira. The cultural performance includes waiata (songs), Patere (rhythmic chants), performance of the world-famous HAKA (performed by NZ sporting teams), an audience participation set which is always a fun time, with photo opportunities at the end of the show.
“Whakarewarewa is ranked no. 276 in the Lonely Planet’s Top 500 Ultimate Travel Destinations.”
While at the Whakarewarewa try the sweetcorn on the cob cooked in the bubbling pool, or the Hangi pie at Ned’s Café. Browse the shops which include a pounamu (greenstone) shop with a resident carver, a Ta Moko (tattoo) shop with a resident tattooist and various souvenir shops. The Village also has a Kohanga Reo (early childhood education centre), two old churches (Anglican and Catholic) dating from the early 1900s, along with various privately owned homes, coloured lakes and a fully operating and functional Marae
Whakarewarewa Tour Gallery
Whakarewarewa Tour Duration
Tour duration 5 to 6 hours.
Whakarewarewa Tour departure points
Pickups can be arranged from cruise ships at the Port of Tauranga, Tauranga airport or your Tauranga or Mount Maunganui accommodation.