Location: Bay of Plenty Region
Top Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region
Top Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
Countries
Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island: The Best Cultural Tours
The Bay of Plenty (Māori: Te Moana-a-Toi) is a large bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay. The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to the earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay.
Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
1. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Maori Geothermal Village & Kiwi Fruit Orchard Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Visit a genuine Maori village! Unique in the world it is the only place in the world where the people live and utilise geothermal activity for there every day cooking and bathing! Ancestor's of the guide have been guiding here for over 130yrs ----------------------- +THIS EXCURSION IS PRE-BOOKED ONLY SO THERE ARE NO SALES ON +THE DAY WAITING FOR OTHER PASSENGERS! +THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES! +INCLUDES CULTURAL SHOW! You will be picked up directly from the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more flexibly & efficiently and enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka, The Redwoods & Kiwi Fruit Orchard, Along with a Sightseeing tour around Rotorua city!
Inclusions: Offical private Maori guide included for your group at Whakarewarewa geothermal valley!, Driver/Tour escort/host, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by modern air-conditioned vehicle, Food tasting at the Kiwi fruit orchard of different types of kiwi fruit products!
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Kerry G
Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.
2. Te Puia Geysers, Kiwi bird, Redwood Forest & Highlights Drive: Rotorua Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Explore a land where steam rises all around you, geysers erupt high into the air, hot mud bubbles and jumps, and the Maori people share their stories from past generations. Enjoy a spine chilling live Haka performance. Be enchanted at the Redwood Forest. This tour is specially designed for guest who only have a short amount of time, and would like to to visit the best, of what Rotorua has to offer, on a fully guided tour. With hotel pick up's and drop off's for more convenience.
Inclusions: Pickup and drop off in Rotorua, Official Professional driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Luxury minivan, Entrance fees & Guided tour
Exclusions: Lunch is not Included
Reviewed By Kerry G
Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.
3. Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided Tours through New Zealand’s iconic Maori village. Our village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa.
Inclusions: Entry Ticket
Exclusions:
Reviewed By stut254
The self-guided walk was pretty good but overall we had a sour taste due to the false advertising. The web page for the self-guided walk states that you'll "find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools, Geysers and native manuka bushlands". It also specifically mentions the Pohutu Geyser and has a photo of it. But it turns out the Pohutu Geyser is not included in that tour. Only the more expensive guided tour. So we left disappointed and annoyed. It was the attraction we wanted to see most of all. We noticed a number of people with the yellow self-guided stickers were coming back from the geyser path. They obviously decided to go anyway. But we're the type of people who stick to the rules, even when the rules are wrong. The rest of the attractions were ok and we enjoyed it enough. If they fix up the website then we would've been much happier, or paid more to see the geyser.
4. Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour. Highlights: • Hobbiton Movie Set • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour doesn't rush you, with time and options to add extra activities if you choose. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry tickets - stated activities only, Bottled Water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Taupo
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
5. Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia fully and participate in the activities there, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
6. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
7. Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 56 reviews
THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES We will meet you at the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more efficiently to enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Explore the Living Maori Village, where you'll hear from a local descendant about Maori history, customs, and craft traditions. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka. We then take a leisurely drive around the highlights of Rotorua, Walk among the giant tree at the Redwood forest a real favourite stop on this tour. Visit the Tudor style design museum, the government gardens, the lake front and a tour through the kiwi fruit orchards to finish.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Entrance Fees
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Kerry G
Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.
8. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 91 reviews
Enter a world of hobbits and hot pools when your cruise ship is in port in Tauranga. This shore excursion to Middle Earth takes you on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which featured in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, and witness the astounding thermal activity of spouting geysers and steaming hot springs. If time allows, play dress ups and pose as Bilbo or Gandalf when you stop for an impromptu photo shoot in a lovely redwoods forest. With a maximum of 19 participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks & bottled wwater, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By sheree59
This tour was the highlight of our trip. Zealandier Tours were fantastic from start to finish. We booked this tour directly rather than through the cruise ship, and we had inadvertently got the start time wrong from our cruise ship by 1/2 hour, but Jan the director of the company was there to meet us and then drive us to meet the rest of the group at the first stop point - Mossops Honey. I can not speak highly enough of Jan and the way she looked after us and made us feel comfortable and de-stressed the situation. We stopped at McLaren Falls which was a lovely walk in the NZ bush, the driver took pics of everyone in front of the falls - Thanks Then onto Hobbiton - this is amazing in itself and is not to be missed, even if you do not know anything of the movies, the scenery is a photographers paradise - you could not take a bad photo even if you tried - Hobbiton have their own guides that take you through the movie set and you end up in Green Dragons Pub for a drink. The tour then continued back to the ship. I cannot recommend Zealandier tours enough, they are professional and very informative and organised and willing to accommodate any requests. They also get you back to the ship in plenty of time Thanks Jan for your company and service - outstanding
9. Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour with Optional Extra Activities from Auckland
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 40 reviews
Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Rotorua with the freedom to add the activities and attractions you want to see there (unique to our Rotorua day trip) all on this one day fully guided tour from Auckland. Highlights: • Lake Rotorua • Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & Rotorua Museum • Free time with options activities • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Led by our famously passionate tour guides notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Entry tickets (purchased activities only), Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenirs (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
10. Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 222 reviews
Discover Rotorua on a unique 90-105 minute sightseeing adventure on-board a WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water! Our tours leave at regular intervals from a central city location and explore Rotorua's most stunning scenery. We have 18 lakes in the Rotorua region all set within lush native New Zealand bush. Our tours are fully guided as well with our tour guides covering everything from Maori migration, geothermal history, history of Rotorua and much more.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, 90-minute tour on authentic World War II amphibious vehicle, Free "duck caller" for every passenger
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By JollyJolene
This was a great experience. Marcus was our guide and was both informative and humorous He related his tour to all the people on the vehicle. I highly recommend this tour even if you are local as you learn lots of interesting information about Rotorua.
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