Your local Maori historian Sonny Corbett will pick you up from your accommodation at 9.00am. He is well known and respected throughout the region as a guide of repute, and he will share with you stories, legends and history of his tribe, "Te Arawa" throughout your day.First stop is atop Mount Ngongotaha. An absolute breathtaking view over Rotorua city, Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, Lake Rotoiti, Mount Tarawera and Rainbow Mountain. From here you can clearly make out the giant crater that formed Lake Rotorua 200,00 years ago, and hear the wonderful stories of why his ancestors gave name to these areas. Then you will head south of Rotorua to watch The Lady Knox Geyser erupt, and take a short stroll through The Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand's most colourful thermal region, where you will discover New Zealand's largest mudpool, the spectacular Artists Palette, and the Champagne Pool.

After a short drive, you will arrive at the original settlement of the Maori people in the Rotorua region, Ohinemutu Village, where Sonny's people have been living for over 600 years. Here you will marvel at the famous meeting house, Tamatekapua, and visit St Faiths church, which features the window of Galilee, where it shows Jesus wearing a Maori cloak, and it appears as if he is walking on the water. Looking across the lake to Mokoia Island, your guide Sonny, will tell the enchanting forbidden love story of two of his direct ancestors, Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and sing the world renowned love song, Pokarekare ana.

After lunch at Capers Emporium in the city, you will meet more of Sonny's family at Whakarewarewa and see how his people still utilise the thermal waters for cooking, heating and bathing. You will experience a live cultural performance, comprising the poi dance, stick games, singing, and the mighty Maori war dance, "The Haka" which is performed by the reigning Rugby World Champions "The New Zealand All Blacks.''

A leisurely drive past the picturesque Blue and Green Lakes, Lake Tarawera and Mt Tarawera will conclude the day, arriving back at your accommodation at approximately 3.30pm.