Mt. Tarawera

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.

Experience the majesty of Mt. Tarawera, infamous for its volcanic eruption in 1886. This guided trek encompasses the stunning landscape and unique history of the area. You'll follow a winding trail to the crater's edge for a panoramic view of the geothermal area. Travel by 4WD vehicle from central Rotorua hotels.

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the best way to appreciate the scenery of the Rotorua lakes district and learn more about the history of the land, the people, and the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. This unique 120 minute fully guided adventure takes place on land and water on-board in a genuine WWII Amphibious Duck. Visit 4 of Rotorua's stunning lakes and travel on 3 with the highlight being the stunning Lake Tarawera at the base of the mighty Mt Tarawera. Comfortable seating for all and great for families, couples and single travelers wanting to learn about our rich history and view natural landscapes. We pride ourselves on having tour guides that are highly knowledgeable and engaging. Our tours are done in a small group environment.

Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, and hear stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption. This guided tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors can take peaceful walking trails and discover the life stories of the inhabitants whose fates were intertwined with the volcanic eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Take a wild and wacky ride with ZORB – roll down the longest tracks in the world. Owned and operated by inventors of this iconic activity, you get to slide around inside the inflatable ball in a warm water bath for a new type of thrill. Before you set off, your instructor explains how to ride and enjoy the twists and turns as the ball rolls downhill – don't worry it's like a giant water slide, no tumbling involved! Choose from three different runs that promise lots of laughs and fun.

Follow the eruption trail of Mt. Tarawera on a helicopter tour that includes a landing on the volcano. Best viewed from the air, the rugged landscape of this geothermal wonder is set amid a series of crater lakes. You'll take off from Rotorua and soar above the Northern Lakes district, listening to commentary about the region’s history and geology from the pilot-guide. Then take a 20-minute walking tour for up-close photo ops of the volcanic scenery.

During your day's visit to Tauranga, experience the Geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. On the way there, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast, ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest – Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. Take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu) from our secret viewing spot beside the geothermal region of Whakarewarewa. We highly recommend you upgrade to our P5 tour – Geothermal Rotorua w/ Maori cultural performance, an additional USD35 each and you will be entertained by a famous Maori troupe known worldwide for their natural showmanship, and walk through a stunning steaming living geothermally active zone.

Voted our most popular Tour – This tour is perfect for people wanting a full day sightseeing this diverse area including Mt Maunganui and Rotorua with a focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa, "The living Maori Village." Enjoy a 40 minute concert emphasizing the deep and colourful Maori culture  with song dance and stories. On the way to Rotorua, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast slowly ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations (we plan to stop so you can see these vines full of fruit but not ripe yet) and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest – Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park, take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu)  

Explore The Lakes Tour – 9am to 1pm By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Explore The Lakes Tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, the largest fresh water spring in the North island. Okere falls and Tutea falls with Native forest walk. lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. • Highlights • Small group, relaxed atmosphere. •  Informative, outgoing driver-guide. • Breath-taking scenery. • No queues . • Half day tour.

Fly high over breathtaking volcanic landscapes on an unforgettable 30-minute seaplane flight from Rotorua. See New Zealand's world-famous volcanic scenery as you fly over spectacular Mt. Tarawera, the Blue and Green Lakes, and the gurgling geysers of Whakarewareewa Thermal Reserve. Flying at a time to suit you, this scenic air tour will fit into even the busiest of itineraries.

The tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 am. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colorful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am. Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park. Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser. Next, we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.

Spend an afternoon exploring New Zealand’s Maori culture with a guided tour of Te Puia and visit the beautiful lakes district. You will learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. See Kiwi birds, geysers, mudpools and much more. Visit the Blue and Green crater lakes and visit the Mt Tarawera volcano and lake. Learn of its history and the 1886 eruption.

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Rangitaiki River. Rapids are mostly grade 3 with one grade 4 rapid. The trip consists of fun bouncy rapids running through a beautiful river valley featuring stunning views of native and plantation forest.

As passionate conservationists we'll take you out of our way to discover birds you have never seen. A full day birding adventure checking out a few sites to maximize your chances to see a range of endemic New Zealand birds. We explore arguably New Zealand's finest forest, stunning estuaries, amazing wetlands and seek out rare birds in their natural habitat.

By Helicopter , combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera (for an approximate 20 minute guided walk with your pilot) with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown. In Rotorua we visit the iconic venue – Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of unique harmonious song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland, bubbling hot mudpools and springs and view some iconic geysers) Then we drive to the nearby holiday lakes of okareka and tikitapu/blue (and possibly Tarawera if time allows), Stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest…tranquil, serene and unique. Redwoods forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere falls are two more options, again if time allows.

Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape. From Mount Tarawera to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding Lakes district whilst enjoying informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide, continuing your experience on your floatplane scenic flight, fly towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting. Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next. Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Prepare for a day of wonder, fascination, and discovery as you immerse yourself in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, on this luxurious private day tour from Auckland. Get ready to witness stunning geothermal activities, see rare native birdlife, explore the raw beauty of the World’s Youngest Geothermal Valley by foot and on the waters of Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place and home of the lost Pink and White Terraces, also known as the eighth wonder of the world!