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Discover the natural beauty, learn local legend and explore the geothermal wonderland that make Rotorua so special on this full day tour.

• Pick up and drop off from city hotels
• Admission to Te Wairoa Buried Village and Museum.
• Refreshments throughout the day, morning tea and a delicious lunch.
• Full guided commentary on  the geology, flora and fauna, culture and history of Rotorua throughout the day.

Discover natural beauty, learn local legends and explore the geothermal wonderland that make Rotorua so special on this full day tour.

This charming day trip begins with a gentle downhill walk (3.5km) to the fascinating geothermal lakes and craters of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.  You will then cruise on serene Lake Rotomahana, a Scenic Reserve which is home to an abundance of wildlife and is the largest crater of the Tarawera volcano. 

You will travel past the site of the Pink and White Terraces which were acknowledged as the 8th Natural Wonder of the World before they were destroyed in the Tarawera eruption.  This tranquil experience will be followed by a short walk (1.5km) through fertile native forest and across the sacred Te Ariki Isthmus, to sparkling Lake Tarawera.  Here, you will board your second cruise and view fascinating Maori rock paintings while your skipper reveals some of the local legend surrounding the Tarawera eruption.

Your cruise takes you to the buried village of Te Wairoa where you can take a stroll through the partially excavated remains of this once-thriving colonial village.  Buried during the cataclysmic 1886 Tarawera Volcanic Eruption, the village and on-site Museum give you an insight into life in the late 1800’s when people the world over flocked to Te Wairoa for a visit to the Pink and White Terraces. 

Before your tour is over you will take in the breathtaking Blue and Green lakes before enjoying a leisurely soak in the thermal pools of the Polynesian Spa in the Government Gardens

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• Optional gratuities

Casual.

Please bring your own hat and weatherproof jacket in colder weather. 

Comfortable walking shoes which are suitable for 3 hours of gentle walking are recommended.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, or these are available for hire at the Polynesian Spa.

 

The walking part of the tour is suitable for most levels of fitness.

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