Top 10 Tours in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island

February 27, 2022 Janette Largent

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. 4WD Bush Safari at Off Road NZ

193 Amoore Road, Mamaku 3072, New Zealand Off Road NZ
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

The ultimate 4WD adventure that puts you in control. Buckle up and take on an off-road adventure deep into native New Zealand forest. Back in the early 1900's the area Off Road NZ is set on, was used by logging pioneers who logged our native timbers until closing up in the 1970's. The tracks that the pioneers used back then are the same tracks that you will be diving on today. This is an unforgettable self-drive 4WD adventure using high-performance 4WD Suzuki Jimny's with automatic transmission and power steering. From 45 minutes to 1 hour this experience is suitable for the whole family, with children under 5 going free! No previous 4WD experience necessary, drivers require a valid driver's license.

Inclusions: 4WD Suzuki Jimny with CB Radio, Professional Guide/ Instructor, Full Safety briefing and all safety equipment, Umbrella (if required), no other wet weather gear required

Exclusions: Available for purchase on site, Available for purchase on site

Reviewed By GeorgiaMay137

My partner and I visited Off Road NZ during our stay in Rotorua, and it’s definitely one of the best activities we did! For anyone who wants something a bit different, this is definitely a must. We did the Freak of Nature package which included the 4WD Bush Safari and 4x4 Monster Thrill Ride. The 4WD Bush Safari was amazing. You drive the vehicle yourself and a guide walks around the track and communicates via radio to tell you where to go. You go through deep water, mud, up hills, steep drops and there are a few challenges which were heaps of fun! The tracks are well made but still make you feel like you’re actually off-road. “The Luge” drop was definitely a highlight. You also go through some really deep water and on a steep My partner has owned trucks before and done a lot of 4WDing and still had a great time. Obviously you have to go relatively slow around the track but there are some more technical and challenging bits to make it exciting! Our guide was Cory and he was amazing at explaining everything and made the trip lots of fun! He was a great guide and also had plenty of knowledge about the area etc The Monster Ride was great fun too! As someone who has done plenty of adrenalin activities, I thought this might be a bit mundane for me - but it was very thrilling and loads of fun! The 4x4 was crazy and the track has lots of twists and turns. Overall an amazing experience! All the staff were super friendly and it was a great facility, I can’t wait to come back one day!

2. Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride at Off Road NZ

193 Amoore Road, Mamaku 3072, New Zealand Off Road NZ
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Strapped into your seat with helmet and protective gear on, brace yourself for the power and brute force of an all-terrain monster 4X4 truck. No roof, no doors – there’s nothing between you and great outdoors. Your professional driver will tackle local terrain in the 4X4 monster jeep with custom built chassis and suspension. The V6 Holden engine will propel you through our private native bush using all of its front & rear steering abilities

Inclusions: Professional - highly trained 4x4 driver, Full Safety briefing and all safety equipment, Wet Weather Gear Provided, Custom Built 4X4 vehicle - all wheel steering

Exclusions: Available for purchase on site, Available for purchase on site

Reviewed By BPN4

Self-drive of their 4 wheel dive vehicles though off road tracks and water hazards was the best activity we did in Rotorua. Particularly awesome was the 6metre vertical drop. My partner and I were able to take turns at driving. Oud guide Dom was real friendly and helpful too.

3. Mornin Lakes Tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Morning Lakes Tour – 8.30am to 12.30pm daily ($85) By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Lake Morning tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, Okere falls, 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 or entrances fees. • Half day tour.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 845larissae

This was an amazing experience, stephen was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot, the sights he showed us were spectacular which brought home the miracle of nature. The best hot chocolate we have ever tasted and shortbread was a great ending to a magical night

4. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 190 reviews

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars. An unique experience for all your senses. Highlights • Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing. • New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness. • Small group, relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Nothing

Reviewed By triniboyinNZ

Stephen gave us a very knowledgeable, exclusive and friendly tour of major highlights around Rotorua. We were really appreciative of the information and the hot chocolate :-) It had amazing scenery , views of the lakes and great walks.

5. Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua

Rotorua Canopy Tours, 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand Rotorua Canopy Tours
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5.0 based on 1,008 reviews

See New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk, built around a volcanic rock, floating staircases and a 400m tandem Zip-line that you can race your loved ones down…just to name a few! An amazing engineering feat that allows the exploration of an ancient indigenous forest! You will be taken to another world, full of ancient giants and lifeforms you can’t see anywhere else in the world! Since we opened in 2012 we have been protecting this special place and when you come along, you will be too! A portion of your entry goes straight back to our conservation project to help us continue to rescue and look after this magic place. We take photos for you and they are FREE after your tour via an email link.You are welcome to take as many videos and photos as you like too – you’ll be wanting to share this experience with everyone!!

Inclusions: Safety gear included, Amazing Kiwi guides, Shuttles included, Complementary photos, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Wet weather and warm gear (if needed)

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Reviewed By Jamie_ratlidge

Such a cool tour and so much fun! The different types a zip lines keep it interesting and different every time! You get to race people down and see some amazing views at the same time! Our tour guides Luke and Tenaya were so friendly and funny! They definitely made the experience that much better! I would absolutely recommend the ultimate tour to anyone and everyone!

6. White Water Rafting - Kaituna River

18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand Kaituna Cascades
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5.0 based on 578 reviews

Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, a long standing goal achieved and one we are very proud of. Experience the thrills and spills of the Mighty Kaituna River as we take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy a 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon. This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st timers rafters alike! All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We strive to give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river! Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience.

Inclusions: Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets, Local, professional & highly trained guides

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By dionnemartin12

Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the man Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful

7. Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua

Rotorua Canopy Tours, 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand Rotorua Canopy Tours
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5.0 based on 2,384 reviews

Nowhere else in the world can you soar through an untouched New Zealand forest, stand on ancient giants and become a part of a conservation success story all in one! Since James and Andrew opened our doors in 2012, we have been working hard to preserve one of New Zealand’s most unique and untouched indigenous forests. We created this experience to transport you into a Jurassic world, showcasing New Zealand’s unique plants and wildlife (you may even get to feed one of our birds). You help this project, your entry contributes back to our conservation efforts to save this ancient world. Thank you for your support! You will be part of a small group (<10) with two of our knowledgeable kiwi guides who will delight you, making sure you safely enjoy every moment. Ask as many questions as you'd like and capture the moments with pictures and videos (although we have free photos of your experience for you after the tour). There’s good reason we are award winners – come and see for yourself!

Inclusions: Safety equipment, Two professional guides, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if needed), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Photos available for download, Wet weather clothing and warmer garments

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Nana3650

I had the most amazing experience yesterday with Natalie and Nui who guided the group through the beautiful forest. Nothing was left to chance , everything was explained and I felt very safe. The course is spectacular, the zip lines were fabulous. The trip from start to finish was a blast!

8. White-Water Sledging Adventure

1135 Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand Kaitiaki Adventures
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4.9 based on 44 reviews

Regardless of skill level, you are bound to have the experience of a lifetime on this white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. White-water sledging — also called riverboarding or hydrospeeding — lets you take charge of your own vessel as you twist and turn down the rapids while propelled by the flippers on your feet. Trained guides are available on the Okere River to encourage, motivate, and help you when necessary.

Inclusions: Amazing Kaituna Sledging (3hr round trip), Professional Kiwi Guide, Professional Adventure Photographer, Free Hotel pickup and drop-off, All River/Safety Equipment Provided

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Cclovestt

The 7 metre waterfall drop was awesome Absolutely priceless We had dan the man as our travel guide He was really funny and we felt very safe

9. Kaituna White-Water Rafting Adventure

1135 Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand Kaitiaki Adventures
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4.9 based on 343 reviews

Raft through 14 rapids including cascades ranging from 3 to 22 feet (1 to 7 meters), including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Pass through steep, bush-clad canyons and New Zealand native forest, ideal for rafting enthusiasts and first-timers alike. River guides provide a full safety briefing with quality clothing and equipment for this 3.5-hour white-water adventure on the Kaituna River.

Inclusions: 100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting! (3hr round trip), Professional Adventure Photographer , Professional Kiwi Guide, Free Hotel/Motel Transfer

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Chuds2004

An amazing adventure with a group of teens for a birthday. The guides give clear instructions, are professional and make the trip fun for all. A slick and efficient operation. Highly recommend

10. Rotorua Glow Worm Kayaking Tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Paddle Board Rotorua
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4.9 based on 39 reviews

Explore Rotorua's Lakes as the sun sets at twilight hour on an amazing scenic kayak tour as you are guided to an incredible cavern home to a galaxy formation of glow-worms. One of Rotorua's premium experiences that you will never forget.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), All equipment

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Amck777

Awesome twilight kayaking tour to see glow worms. We did 4-5 caves and tunnels with lots of glow worms, great guide, lots of info, well paced. The experience was even more special as we had an almost full moon. Our kids are 9 & 11 and we all loved it. Recommended!

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