Private tour in Tauranga Toby L
5.0
(16) reviews
7 hours
30 minutes
1
7 hours
30 minutes
1
Toby L.
5.0
Guide rating
32
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
Gidday, My name is Toby, I am a young old New Zealander. I grew up on an isolated sheep farm in the middle of our unique country, that is unlike any other in the world. My passions are: *meeting people from other countries/cultures that have diverse views setting us up for robust conversations lol. *paddling my outrigger canoe on the seas and lakes that are just a stones throw from where I reside. * travelling to new and exciting destinations, or to ones that I have discovered before that I really like. In July I spent a month in California (and old faithful destination of mine) and the UK, a brand new and totally surprising destination in a positive way * I am passionate about our indigenous Maori culture and it's roots (Hawaiiki nui), the dynamic geology of this young piece of earth that us Kiwis live upon, the history of recent colonisation, mainly by the English and Scottish, and New Zealand in the present day. * I like to follow and support the lives and achievements of my two grown sons, both of whom have significant Maori blood coursing through their veins. *I am knowledgable about our economy, flora and fauna and conservation efforts with regards to these, our population diversity (mind you there is only 5 million of us in an area just tad bigger than the UK). I love to share my knowledge in an entertaining manner to visitors to New Zealand from overseas countries, as well as of course New Zealanders. Our Port of Tauranga, where cruise ships where once again will be visiting later this year is just 60 minutes drive from the iconic tourist destination of Rotorua, famous in NZ for Geothermal activity (Geysers, mudpools, hot mineral baths), beautiful lakes and Native Forests and the centre for Maori cultural performances. I live just 500 m from the terminal for the cruise ships making it easy for me to retrieve you and your family, partner and/or friends once you have disembarked. I am relatively young compared to many Tour operators bringing more energy and vibrancy (humour??) to the role of a tour guide. Undergraduate in Horticulture and Science. Current affairs nut. Coastal Yachtmasters ticket. Avid student of Polynesian/Maori history and legends P endorsement (i.e. I am licensed by the NZ Govt authority to drive vehicles that carry paying passengers.) Port of Tauranga induction for all zones of the Port. Extremely skilled waterman with lifesaving certificates. There are no restrictions on the New Zealand experiences that I can be a guide for you, except the time that we have available.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Toby L.
Firstly , we recommend you don’t request to customise this itinerary..we’ve finely tuned it for your enjoyment. This comfortable non physical tour takes in the beautiful sights of this region while you are given interesting tidbits on the history, culture, land development, natural environment and economy of the various areas that you pass through. We travel in a comfortable coach from Mt Maunganui 8 km up the stunning Pacific coast into the heart of the world's largest Kiwifruit growing region, then to the Rotorua Lakes region, the most iconic and original tourist destination of New Zealand. We will visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Maori village where you will be entertained local Maori, boardwalk over a mesmerising hot misty sulphuric (non-toxic) geothermal lake, immerse ourselves in a native Podocarp forest like the early settlers and Maori would've experienced, view the iconic Mt Tarawera and it's lake namesake for a perfect photo opportunity. Outside of summer, the Polynesian Spa is a winner
Toby has definitely figured out the best way to see the beautiful lakes of Rotorua and the geothermal Māori village. We saw a most popular region while avoiding the crowds and tour buses. We enjoyed beautiful off the beaten track short hikes into the forest and to glimpse the best views of the area. You’ll love your day with Toby as your guide!
We enjoyed our tour that we booked with Toby- lots of information . Would book again with Toby.
Toby was engaging, informative , and professional. Our cruise line shortened our time in port, and Toby did a great job in managing the time so we saw everything. He was sensitive to our needs and desires. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great experience.
This adventure took us from beautiful beaches to breathtaking lake vistas, across hot geothermal lakes and through a lush forest. Along the way we stood under the canopy of a kiwifruit orchard, journeyed through history with Māori storytellers, and hugged a Redwood. Toby is funny, personable, and well versed in many topics which made him a very engaging and informative guide. It was a fun experience for all of us.
Toby assisted us in curating a wonderful day in the Rotorura region! Our group of six all enjoyed our experience. The Waimangu volcanic valley was well worth the extra distance for exploring unique geology. Toby was very flexible, engaging, informative and personable, He shared interesting facts about topography, farming and Māori information along our route that was enhanced by a different route out and back.
Fantastic tour! One of the best guides who showed us beautiful New Zealand with amazing views of volcanic areas including lakes, forests and a stop to see an amazing Māori performance.
Mount Maunganui, Pilot Bay and Pacific coast drive Te Puke Kiwifruit Mangorewa Gorge - beautiful landscape and geological formations over 30 km Lake Rotorua northern lakeside drive Lake Okareka photo op from an elevated position of this magnificent and one of the most popular of the regions 14 stunning calderas/lakes, with ominous Mt Tarawera in the background. A short hike through either the authentic Native Podocarp forests at the Tikitapu nature reserve, or the Redwoods grove, if the day is too warm for a dip in the natural outdoor hot mineral pools at Polynesian Spa. Lunch at a highly rated cafe. Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village for a Maori concert and a mesmerising boardwalk over a hot geothermal lake If interested, shop greenstone(jade) pieces incorporating traditional Maori patterns (opt) Bathe at Polynesian Spa (opt) Okere Falls/ Kaituna River where many choose to raft these exciting rapids. Return to the Port via an alternative scenic route
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transportation is in one of 2 Mercedes coaches (for or 2 - 14 passengers) depending on the number of passengers. They are comfortable and the driver is experienced and careful of each passengers needs with regards to travelling by road
Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
If you are disembarking from the Cruise Ship wharf, we will be waiting to greet you on a grassy knoll just 20 yards outside the Customs controlled Port pedestrian gate 200 yards to the north of your gangway
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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
7 hours
30 minutes
1
7 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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