Bay of Plenty and Lake Rotoiti Cruise

At Maketu Beach a short stop will be made to admire the views and to see the stone monument that denotes the site where the first Maori canoes arrived into New Zealand. Learn how the Hongi Hika warriors hauled the giant war canoes from the coast to conquer the tribes of the lakes. From here, you’ll drive towards Lake Rotoiti to embark on a leisurely boat cruise around the lake. Upon arrival, you’ll stop at the wishing tree to commence a walk through untouched native forest. The track follows the very line used by the dragged war canoes and brings you to the shore of Lake Rotoiti, where your boat awaits. On board, a light lunch will be provided as you head westwards passing by steep cliffs, sandy coves and the lakes edge geothermal activity. As your boat ride draws to an end, you’ll re-join your coach for a drive to view Mokoia Island, which is situated in the centre of Lake Rotorua, before taking the return drive to the port.