Hinterland Tours
Hinterland Tours
5
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Full view
About
Small group, fully escorted tours throughout New Zealand for mature travellers. From single day trips to multi day itineraries we operate late model vehicles with friendly professional guides offering a personal touch and fun approach to each and every day. Door to door pickup and dropoffs and detailed itineraries so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.
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5.0
184 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Roger
Auckland, New Zealand9 contributions
Apr 2021
The 14 day South Island Autumn Tour was an exceptional experience and our guide and driver Ian, provided professional, caring and attentive assistance throughout. The attention to detail and just the right amount of commentary gave us a wonderful holiday. Great value, in a beautiful part of the country.
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Larnach01, firstly let me apologise for our tardy response in acknowledging your review. This isn't our usual style and we have noted this so it doesn't happen again.
On the brighter side thank you for taking the time to pen such a glowing review. We are humbled and rapt that you enjoyed the tour and it provided you a wonderful holiday. That's what it's all about! Thanks again :)
Written 22 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
josh1711
Tauranga, New Zealand28 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Great company and run by a very efficient tour director Brad Coleman and his staff member Geoff. This was a 10 day South Island tour called Autumn Colours. We were picked up at our door and back at the end of the tour. The bus was very comfortable with 16 people. Accommodation was excellent along with good meals. We travelled mostly down the western side of the South Island and back up to Christchurch via Mt Cook. This was a great trip and well worth the money.
Written 26 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippa L
Tauranga, New Zealand67 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
The tour bus met me at my door and with others we drove to morning tea at The Kaimai Cafe, then on to Matamata where we spent time at the information centre and finally through lovely countryside to the scene of the filming of the Hobbit movies and Hobbiton. This was a very slick and professional tour through the Hobbit village ending at the Inn, where I enjoyed a cider Followed by a delicious banquet.Excellent value and very worth while day out.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreenThumb331
San Fernando, Philippines2,912 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We chose Hinterland tours to arrange our Tauranga port excursion for our New Zealand/ Australia cruise. We were picked up at the port and embarked on a full day tour. The memorable day started with a visit to a kiwi fruit orchard. Since this vitamin packed fruit was a few months away from harvest time. the hanging kiwis on the vine were unripe for the picking. Our next stop was a lunch stop at a café at Lake Rotorua
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After a drive by through the redwood forest, we were headed for the Maori living village. It is amazing to see how the Maori way of life was adapted to the geothermal environment that they lived in. Heating homes and cooking food through steaming was explained by the village guide. We had a treat watching the cultural performance of the locals.
All in all, it was a terrific day arranged by hinterland tours. Communication by email by Kae was excellent. Our driver/guide during the day was superb.
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After a drive by through the redwood forest, we were headed for the Maori living village. It is amazing to see how the Maori way of life was adapted to the geothermal environment that they lived in. Heating homes and cooking food through steaming was explained by the village guide. We had a treat watching the cultural performance of the locals.
All in all, it was a terrific day arranged by hinterland tours. Communication by email by Kae was excellent. Our driver/guide during the day was superb.
Written 16 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewJerseyNomad
New Jersey89 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Tauranga is the biggest and most important port in New Zealand; it is also beautiful as you sail into the harbor.
We had previously arranged a tour with Hinterland Tours for a small group and Andy, our driver/guide, was waiting for us. Andy took us on a comprehensive tour that included: stopping at a kiwi farm and learning about the production and shipping of this delicious fruit; walking through the area with the boiling hot springs and bubbling mud pools; drives through forests, stops for honey, etc. We also went to Rotorua and visited the ‘Living Maori Village” where we saw how people lived in this geothermal area, viewed the geysers and had the chance to see a cultural performance. The entire day of driving allowed us the opportunity to see the beautiful countryside. At the end of the day Andy gave us a tour of Tauranga.
Andy answered all our questions and provided us with a very interesting and informative commentary while driving. Andy was not only a safe driver but also courteous, informative and accommodating in every way.
Making the arrangements via email for the tour with Kae at Hinterland Tours was simple. She answered every email in a speedy, professional manner. Hinterland Tours gave us a wonderful program with a top notch guide and we highly recommend them
We had previously arranged a tour with Hinterland Tours for a small group and Andy, our driver/guide, was waiting for us. Andy took us on a comprehensive tour that included: stopping at a kiwi farm and learning about the production and shipping of this delicious fruit; walking through the area with the boiling hot springs and bubbling mud pools; drives through forests, stops for honey, etc. We also went to Rotorua and visited the ‘Living Maori Village” where we saw how people lived in this geothermal area, viewed the geysers and had the chance to see a cultural performance. The entire day of driving allowed us the opportunity to see the beautiful countryside. At the end of the day Andy gave us a tour of Tauranga.
Andy answered all our questions and provided us with a very interesting and informative commentary while driving. Andy was not only a safe driver but also courteous, informative and accommodating in every way.
Making the arrangements via email for the tour with Kae at Hinterland Tours was simple. She answered every email in a speedy, professional manner. Hinterland Tours gave us a wonderful program with a top notch guide and we highly recommend them
Written 21 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Summerville, SC7 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
I led a group of cruisers from Holland America's Far East and Pacific 80 day Grand Cruise as we toured several New Zealand ports.. I worked with Kae and Brad before the tour using their very efficient and simple computer reservation and payment system (wish every other tour company had this system!). Kae communicated well and was very flexible as I added or changed participants. The tours were just as described and the vehicles used were reliable and clean. Each tour guide was friendly, entertaining and knowledgeable of the city or area toured. I would recommend using Hinterland Tours to anyone visiting New Zealand and everyone should as it is a magnificent country!
Written 5 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAVick63
Saint Paul, MN46 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
The tour guide (Julie) arrived on time to take us on tour and returned us on time to board our cruise ship in Tauranga.
We enjoyed the FULL day tour...Kiwi fruit Country, Maori Village, Lake Rotorua, Hot springs and a stop for ice cream at the Manuka Honey store.
We enjoyed the FULL day tour...Kiwi fruit Country, Maori Village, Lake Rotorua, Hot springs and a stop for ice cream at the Manuka Honey store.
Written 28 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
himandhermilperra
Sydney21 contributions
Mar 2017
We were a group of 7 couples travelling around New Zealand on Emerald Princess. At our destination of Tauranga we organised a small bus to take 14 of us on a combined trip to Rotorua and Hobbiton.
We were lucky enough to have Andy Ralph as our tour guide and driver. He was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Rotorua' s living Maori Village was very enlightening, capped off with a fantastic cultural show. After a quick lunch we were off to Hobbiton, a 90 minute drive away.
I have not seen the trilogy Lord of the Rings here the 1st movie was filmed and to be honest I was not really interested.
I have been converted after going to Hobbiton. From the first glimpse of the hills travelling down on the Hobbiton bus to meeting our delightful guide I could not have been more impressed. Hobbiton is fantastic. The tour was fantastic and I wish I could have stayed there forever.
If you are wanting to see both sites I would thoroughly recommend you go with Hinterland Tours and if you are lucky enough you will have Andy Ralph as your guide.
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We were lucky enough to have Andy Ralph as our tour guide and driver. He was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Rotorua' s living Maori Village was very enlightening, capped off with a fantastic cultural show. After a quick lunch we were off to Hobbiton, a 90 minute drive away.
I have not seen the trilogy Lord of the Rings here the 1st movie was filmed and to be honest I was not really interested.
I have been converted after going to Hobbiton. From the first glimpse of the hills travelling down on the Hobbiton bus to meeting our delightful guide I could not have been more impressed. Hobbiton is fantastic. The tour was fantastic and I wish I could have stayed there forever.
If you are wanting to see both sites I would thoroughly recommend you go with Hinterland Tours and if you are lucky enough you will have Andy Ralph as your guide.
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Written 24 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alvin E
Queens, NY6 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
We located our tour just outside the terminal. Our tour guide Richard greeted us, He was very knowledgeable. He took us to Kiwi farm, Hot spa and Maori. He showed us the Mudpools. He also brought us to a beautiful lake. Would recommend to friends..Thank You very much... :)
Written 12 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelmakesUrich
Winter Garden, FL3,899 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
All these great reviews tell you this is a great company to book with. What I can offer that's different is that they allowed me to customize our day. We booked sometime in advance for our cruise ship excursion by email. I explained before booking that I wanted to spend more time at the place where the sheep show was (they offered a farm tour that we wanted to do, and the organized tour didn't allow time for that) and was willing to give up the gondola ride and time at the restaurant to do it. They assured me they could do that, so we booked with that understanding.
Unfortunately our guide wasn't aware of those arrangements when we met up with her, but it didn't take long for her to work it out by calling the office. Our whole group (9 people?) went first to the kiwi farm, then to the Agrodome Sheep Show, and after the Sheep Show, the rest of the group went on to the gondola, while we stayed behind to do the farm tour (highly recommend!) and grab lunch on the run (I drank the kiwi juice I'd picked up at the kiwi farm, and we had snacks from a snack shack there). After the rest of the group was finished at the gondola and their lunch, they stopped back by to pick us up, and the rest of the tour (on to see the geothermal features and cultural show at the Maori village of Whakarewarewa.
To be able to do a custom tour at a group price was amazing. To have done a private tour that allowed us to choose how much time we'd spend at each place would have been cost-prohibitive, so Hinterland being able to work out this change for us was outstanding - I can't say enough about it.
Again, you'll read reviews of all the normal stops, but let me tell you what we got out of the day in addition. There's a guided tram tour of the farm where they take you out to visit all the animals (sheep, deer, draft horses, cattle, pigs, ostrich, llamas and alpacas) and do a honey tasting - YUM! (So good I went to the gift shop afterwards and bought some!) They brought pellets of food along on the tour so that we could feed some of the animals (even the deer with the large antlers!) and we weren't rushed in any way - we really enjoyed this part of our day.
We were very pleased with every aspect of our day, and would highly recommend Hinterland (or use them again if we make our way back to the area!)
Unfortunately our guide wasn't aware of those arrangements when we met up with her, but it didn't take long for her to work it out by calling the office. Our whole group (9 people?) went first to the kiwi farm, then to the Agrodome Sheep Show, and after the Sheep Show, the rest of the group went on to the gondola, while we stayed behind to do the farm tour (highly recommend!) and grab lunch on the run (I drank the kiwi juice I'd picked up at the kiwi farm, and we had snacks from a snack shack there). After the rest of the group was finished at the gondola and their lunch, they stopped back by to pick us up, and the rest of the tour (on to see the geothermal features and cultural show at the Maori village of Whakarewarewa.
To be able to do a custom tour at a group price was amazing. To have done a private tour that allowed us to choose how much time we'd spend at each place would have been cost-prohibitive, so Hinterland being able to work out this change for us was outstanding - I can't say enough about it.
Again, you'll read reviews of all the normal stops, but let me tell you what we got out of the day in addition. There's a guided tram tour of the farm where they take you out to visit all the animals (sheep, deer, draft horses, cattle, pigs, ostrich, llamas and alpacas) and do a honey tasting - YUM! (So good I went to the gift shop afterwards and bought some!) They brought pellets of food along on the tour so that we could feed some of the animals (even the deer with the large antlers!) and we weren't rushed in any way - we really enjoyed this part of our day.
We were very pleased with every aspect of our day, and would highly recommend Hinterland (or use them again if we make our way back to the area!)
Written 20 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Donna, thank you for your Excellent Review.
Yes the New Zealand farm show is part of the Rotorua Ultimate Tour, and everyone who does this, loves it.
We did help you out on this day, as I had to run a vehicle back to collect you whilst the others carried on, as you wanted to spend more time at the Agrodome for the New Zealand Farm experience. We were happy to help on this day, even though we don’t normally do this as most wish to carry on and see as much as they can.
We are very good at what we do, and have a great team looking after everyone.
We provide 3 tours to help meet everyone’s different requirements;
1. The Rotorua Highlights Tour
2. Rotorua's Ultimate Tour (the one you were on)
3. Hobbiton and Rotorua Combo Tour
All provide very good days, and I am please you had a great day.
Thank you,
Brad
Written 23 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ada B
Ramos Mejia, Argentina317 contributions
Como reservo esta excursión ?
Es posible hacerla con guía en español ?
Hinterland Tours
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. Perhaps visit our website for bookings. You will have a great day with us, see and learn so much about our local area and Rotorua (The Rotorua Highlights Tour, the Rotorua Ultimate Tour. or the Hobbiton Rotorua combo tour). We are very good at what we do.
Chat soon.
Many Thanks & Kind Regards,
Brad
azippy
Florida11 contributions
I do not see any indication of how long this tour is !! since we are in port till 6PM - what else is available after the tour? thanks !!!
Jo T
Adelaide, Australia49 contributions
It was a full day trip and we got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare...approx an hour. We saw lots of things so no time for anything else after the tour and you really wouldn't need to.
JohnB4035
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Hi, I will be on the Sun Princess arriving in Tauranga on the 10th October for the day. My wife has some mobility restrictions and cannot handle steps, and I will use a wheelchair for her to move around at sites. Normal bus steps are no good, but she can manage normal vehicles. We want to visit Rotorua, but not have the restrictions of the cruise organised excursions. Can you recommend any options please.
Thanks
John Bayne
Hinterland Tours
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi John,
Thank you for your email, and it is nice to hear from you.
Yes we can meet your wife's needs and requirements for wheelchair access. So I confirm we can take yourself and your wife to Rotorua as requested.
Can you please email our office email address again outing your requirements and to confirm your booking (sorry we haven't been given your email address through TripAdvisor).
For all enquiries,
please email to the following email address;
Hinterland Tours Tauranga (please google us as Trip Advisor is not allowing me put in our email address or website in replying to this message).
Our website has enquiry forms to make it easier, or our email address is found on the "Contact Us" page.
We look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Many Thanks,
Brad
Hinterland Tours, Tauranga
luv2cruz41_123
Woodbury, NY84 contributions
Please tell me if you go te puis to see the geothermal activity? How many different places are there to see geysers and mud baths and geothermal activities? What is the difference between them? Also, how many different place are there to see the Maori shows and what are the difference places for tours from port of tauranga? Thank you!
Elaine L
Jackson, NJ7 contributions
I heard there is a beautiful blue lake in middle of volcano, do u go there?
Hinterland Tours
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi Elaine,
Thank you so much for your email, and it is nice to hear from you.
We go to Lake Rotorua and provide very good Rotorua Tours, however I am not sure of what lake you are referring to in the middle of a volcano. If we can help, we will.
Best to communicate via our booking and enquires email address to the office, which is info@hinterlandtours co nz
I am hoping we can help out one day soon.
Thank you again for your enquiry.
Many Thanks & Kind Regards,
Brad