Discover a truly special day and experience the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, along with a tour of a kiwi fruit orchard for your cruise ship shore excursion from Tauranga. Travel on a sightseeing drive of Mount Maunganui, where you will see the beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in New Zealand. See the abundant coffee shops, cafes, small boutiques and breathtaking scenery, not forgetting the infamous "mount" which this area is named after. After leaving the beachfront, head into the countryside as you make your way to Rotorua. Journey through lush countryside traveling by stunning lakes, deep forestry and the first hints of the geothermal area you are traveling too. In Rotorua, your friendly guide — a local Maori descendant of the early Maori guides — will take you on a tour to experience the geothermal valley of Te Whakarewarewa. Walk around a strange and unforgiving landscape and journey where history, culture, and nature collide; where local Maori will showcase their vibrant Maori culture. Even the architecture will tell a story with its Maori carvings and structures that hold deep cultural significance. See large mud pools, steam vents, boiling pools, and geysers including the largest in the southern hemisphere. Learn how the residents utilize and respect the ever-changing forces beneath their land. After leaving Rotorua, head to Te Puke — a suburb of Tauranga — where you will have the opportunity to visit a working kiwi fruit orchard. Have the opportunity to see the fuzzy little fruit growing while gaining some knowledge about why this fruit thrives here. Have the chance to walk under the vines and get up close to the growing fruit. Learn how this wondrous fruit became established here in New Zealand which, surprisingly, is not a native plant but an interesting story will explain it all. This will be a stunning opportunity for photographs. At the end of your tour, you will be invited to taste test different varieties of this fruit plus jams, juices and much more. Then, head back to the port, where you will be wished bon voyage.