Rotorua City and Lakes Duck Tour | Rotorua Duck Tours | Shaara Deals

There's only one way to see Rotorua from both the road and the lake in the same trip: aboard a genuine converted WWII amphibious vehicle. Rotorua Duck Tours runs the City & Lakes Tour through Shaara Deals, and it's exactly what it sounds like — a "duck" that drives through the city streets, then rolls straight into the water and keeps going, from $89.

Meet the vehicle

These are converted WWII amphibious vehicles, modernised and refitted for passenger comfort while keeping their distinctive vintage charm. Most have a roof for sun and rain protection but open sides for unobstructed views, with bench-style seating (some tours offer individual seats), steps and handrails for boarding, and life jackets provided for the water portion of the trip.

Tour Details

• Price: from $89 per person

• Duration: approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours

• Location: Rotorua, departing from a central lakefront or tourist area location

• Operator: Rotorua Duck Tours

• Product code: CITY

• Multiple departure times available throughout the day

City highlights

• Government Gardens — a historic area with Edwardian architecture and manicured lawns

• Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa) — the guide covers its history and significance while the building itself remains closed for earthquake strengthening

• Blue Baths — a historic Art Deco bathing house

• Sulphur Point — geothermal activity with steam vents and bubbling mud pools

• Ohinemutu — a living Māori village on the edge of Lake Rotorua

Then into the water

The highlight of the tour is when the duck drives straight into the lake. Trips typically take in up to three lakes: Lake Rotorua itself (the largest in the area, formed by a volcanic crater), Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake, known for its brilliant colour), and Lake Okareka, a smaller lake framed by native bush. From the water, expect views of native forest, volcanic peaks, lakeside communities and local wildlife such as black swans and other waterfowl — a perspective standard tour buses or boats can't match.

What the guide covers

• Rotorua's volcanic and geothermal history

• Māori legends tied to the lakes and land

• Local flora, fauna and conservation efforts

• The history and mechanics of the amphibious "duck" vehicles themselves

Good to know before you book

Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, and group or private bookings may be available for special events. Tours run in a range of weather conditions, though the route may be adjusted in extreme weather for safety, and the amphibious design gives the operator flexibility that a land-only tour doesn't have. This is a land-and-water sightseeing tour rather than an adrenaline activity — if you're after something more high-energy in Rotorua, Shaara Deals also lists the Kaituna River Grade 5 White Water Rafting trip with Rotorua Rafting.

FAQ

• How long does the tour take? Around 90 minutes to 2 hours, covering both a city drive and time on up to three lakes.

• Is it suitable for families? Yes — it's a sightseeing tour rather than an adventure activity, with life jackets provided for the water sections and steps/handrails for boarding.

• What will I actually see? Government Gardens, Sulphur Point's geothermal features, the Ohinemutu Māori village, and three lakes: Rotorua, Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Okareka.

• Does the weather affect the tour? Tours generally run in most conditions, though routes may be modified in extreme weather for safety.

See Rotorua from land and lake in one trip. Book the City & Lakes Tour with Rotorua Duck Tours through Shaara Deals now: https://shaaradeals.co.nz/deal/6a80108141a70aa1d604b23b