Shore Excursion: Hobbiton & Rotorua Sightseeing Tour

Seize the opportunity to explore 2 of New Zeland's must-see locations: Hobbiton and Te Puia in Rotorua. This revealing shore excursion takes you to the breathtaking farms used in films and into a unique geothermal valley that doubles as a cultural centre for the Maori people.

Disembark your cruise at Port Tauranga and board a bus that takes you over rolling hills and fields to Hobbiton. During a guided tour, explore the scenic sheep farm that was used as a set in the Lord of the Rings films. Your guide points out the area's most famous locations as you pass by facades and sets still laid against the grassy knolls.

From Hobbiton, continue on through the city of Rotorua, getting a glimpse of its charming personality and landmarks, and arrive at Te Puia. A living centre of Maori culture, Te Puia is famous for its geothermal valley, Visit volcanic wonders like bubbling pools of mud and steaming springs of boiling-hot water, We will visit a carving school and see craftsman fashion traditional wood carvings, then move on to watch Maori women demonstrate flax weaving. A short walk takes us through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to view the mud pools, the famous Pohutu geyser and hot pools that make Te Puia unique. See New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose built Kiwi-house. Explore the recreated traditional Maori fortified village.

We then depart Rotorua for the return to Tauranga to rejoin the ship.