Rotorua Duck Tours - Tarawera & Lakes
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
What better way is there to explore the rich and scenic history of Rotorua, than in a 'duck' amphibious vehicle. The WW11 Military landing craft are great fun, and with the famous 'conducktor', you'll have the time of your life exploring the many lakes and estuaries Rotorua city has to offer.
This two hour tour will have you in amazement from start to finish. In this tour, you'll head straight into the action of the 'splashdown' on Lake Okareka. From there, you will journey to the sacred Lake Rotokakahi (green lakes), before seeing the spectacular views of the volcanic domes of Mount Tarawera. While there, you will be entertained with an informed story on the destructive eruption of Tarawera in 1886.
The trip back takes you through an alternate journey and first on the list is the history of Te Wairoa (the buried village). Then, head in for another "splashdown" on Lake Tikitapu. This tour is very history driven and you will learn a large amount about New Zealand’s interesting past, including the Māori Migration to New Zealand and then Rotorua.
Location
What you need to know
- 2 hour ride on board a WWII amphibious vehicle
- Informative commentary covering Maori Migration to New Zealand & the history of tourism in this geothermal centre
- Entry of the Duck "splashdown" into Lakes Tikitapu & Okareka
- Sacred Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lakes)
- View Lake Tarawera
- View the magnificent volcanic domes of Mount Tarawera
- View Te Wairoa
- Pick Up / Opening
- 1 Oct 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 1241
- Fenton St Rotorua 3:30PM
- Summer October - April store opening times are 9am to 5pm
- Phones will be answered between 8am and 8pm
- 1 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
- 1241 Fenton St Rotorua 2:15PM
- Winter: May - September store opening times are 9am to 4pm
- Drop Off / Closing
- 1 Oct 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 1241 Fenton St Rotorua 5:30PM
- 1 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2026 1241 Fenton St Rotorua 4:15PM
- This experience is two hours in duration
- Tarawera & Lakes Tour: 3.30pm (summer only, October to April)
- Departs from the Rotorua Information Centre, 1241 Fenton St
- Operates daily all year
- Please dress to the conditions. Please also bring a camera
- Child rates apply ages 2-16
- Infants under 2 years old are free of charge. Please advise at the time of booking if an infant will be travelling with you
- The Tarawera & Lakes Tour operates in the Summer months only
- Family rates available (2 adults + 2 children)
Recent reviews
Really loved the tour and the guide was funny and informative.
This tour was very suitable for family active.
Very goof for kids
