More activities to help you explore Tauranga

On this full-day tour from Tauranga, take a journey deep into Middle-earth—to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set—without the stress of driving yourself on unfamiliar rural roads. Be driven from Tauranga into the heart of the Waikato with a group and guide. Also spend some time in the secluded New Zealand bush at McLaren Falls Park and see the striking waterfall of the same name.

See, hear, smell, touch and taste on this full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Experience the unique and special natural beauty of The Bay of Plenty. You will visit some out of the way spots that not everyone knows about and will go where the big buses don't. This tour is not a shuttle and will not drop you off anywhere to explore on your own. It is a fully guided small-group tour with a knowledgeable, fun and friendly tour guide. Along the way you will see and learn about the uniqueness that is New Zealand and you will learn about the geothermal region of Rotorua and its significance to the Maori people. We do not visit the commercial geothermal reserves on this tour, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs, volcanic lakes and picturesque forests.  Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time, we will advise an updated time when you book the tour which may be different, this is the one to use.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. You’ll travel to one of New Zealand’s most famed places, Rotorua, where you’ll observe otherworldly geothermal landscapes, the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa, towering redwoods in the forest, Kaituna and Okere Falls, and the beautifully manicured Government Gardens. You’ll also receive a traditional welcome at a Māori cultural village, and more.

This day experience takes visitors to the famous geothermal sites of New Zealand, departing from Mount Maunganui and travelling to Rotorua, before returning to the former when the tour is over. Pass by Tauranga and the Harbour Bridge before stopping at the Pohutu Geyser and Okere Falls in Rotorua.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. Discover boiling mud pools and the Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve; learn about Māori customs at Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird. You’ll be driven back to Tauranga in time to re-board your cruise ship.

Visit an authentic Living Maori Village deep in the geothermal region of Rotorua on this full-day excursion including a light lunch of a hangi pie, salad and corn. Tour with a local Maori guide and learn about how the villagers have adapted to the harsh geothermal environment. You tour will also include visits to the famous Government Gardens and Rotorua Lake. This is a small group tour with a group size usually up to 18 persons. Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time. As the ships arrival time in port varies so much, we adjust the start and end times each day to suit the ships time in port. When your booking is accepted by us, we will confirm the true start time for the day, which overrides the time printed on your voucher. We use the correct times for the ship which we take from the Port of Tauranga web site.

Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down the 4 klm walk, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater. The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. On the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife, and stunning views across the lake at the imposing Mount Tarawera. You can also listen to the onboard commentary of the historic stories of the lake, and hear about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that covered and destroyed the pink and white terraces.

Pick up from Ports of Tauranga and travel 40 mins to Okere Falls. Walk down through our native forest to the waterfall that is on the Kaituna River – you may be lucky enough to see some of our local rafters coming over the fall. Next travel into town and head out to visit 3 of our lakes. Stop at the lookout between Blue and Green lakes. Stop at Tarawera Lake lookout for picture opportunities and visit Rangiruru Bay to take some pics on the jetty. Travel into town and walk through the Redwood Forest at your own leisure. At your own expense you can take a tour through the forest from above (this takes 45 minutes). Redwoods Treewalk offers suspended bridges high amongst the trees, adorned with intricate wooden lanterns and history of the trees on each platform between the trees. Head to Rotorua Lakefront/Sulphur Point, take a stroll through Government Gardens, wander through Kuirau Park, and have a foot soak in the heated foot pools and take in the bubbling mud pools.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, head out for a full-day tour of Mt. Maunganui and Rotorua. In Rotorua, learn about Maori culture, and see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa—The Living Maori Village. Sample New Zealand specialties such as manuka honey and kiwi fruit, and spend time checking out highlights including Lake Rotorua and Government Gardens.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this Hobbiton™ Movie Set shore excursion from Mt. Maunganui. Travel with your guide to Matamata, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton™, which featured in screen adaptations of Tolkien's epic novels. Also explore some natural highlights of the area, including McLaren Falls Park, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, and a kiwifruit orchard.

Get a close-up view of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine life on this half-day dolphin-watching tour from Tauranga. As well as graceful dolphins, you’re likely to spot penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and maybe even turtles. This is an ideal family activity, as the boat is small and your tour personalized. Learn about the marine environment from the crew, and also enjoy views of Mt. Maunganui and Moturiki Island.

Experience the magic of the Bay of Plenty on this evening glow-worm kayak tour of Tauranga’s Lake McLaren. Begin with refreshments beside the lake. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow worm canyon at the lake’s head. Marvel at the bright green glow worms clinging to the towering cliffs and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

The Ultimate 2-Hour Tour of Tauranga & Mount Maunganui! Jump on for a quick, fun-filled ride exploring Tauranga and Mount Maunganui’s hidden gems! Kick off with a scenic drive around the Mount, cruise over the Harbour Bridge, and check out cool spots like the Elms Mission House and Old Post Office. We’ll pass by lush kiwi and avocado orchards before heading to the Scenic Lookout – your perfect photo stop with epic views of the Coromandel and White Island. After the tour, you’ll have free time to wander the charming shops, cafes, and beaches of Mount Maunganui or take a stroll along the stunning Mauao or the main beach!

Go white-water rafting on the Kaituna River for a thrilling outing from Rotorua. Your guide leads you on an action-packed ride down 11 rapids and Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 23 feet (7 meters). This rafting trip takes place in a gorgeous jungle canyon and is suitable for active people, with no prior rafting experience required.

This half-day shore excursion from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty highlights the rural riches of the Tauranga region. Enjoy samplings of manuka honey in this tranquil corner of the North Island where rolling farmlands dot the landscape. Head into the Kaimai mountains and follow your guide on an easy walk to the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park. A maximum of 19 participants ensures a small-group experience.

Immerse yourself into the heart of New Zealand with a one of a kind experience visiting Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village. As you make your way to Rotorua, you will smell it before you see it, a geothermal wonderland that is still home to Tuhourangi and Ngati Wahiao people. Wander the trail network circling around bubbling mud pots and spouting geysers while learning about the heritage of those that have inhabited the area and lived off its features for over 200 years. We recommend the optional Cultural Performancel to see the famous Haka live! We will also visit The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures. Important to have comfortable shoes, sunhats, swimming gears, drinking water. You will head back to sea with a new appreciation for the land and a smile on your face!

Discover the prestigious food and drink purveyors of Tauranga and Karangahake when your ship pulls into port. Sip and savor a diverse array of tastings and two award-winning wineries. This shore excursion includes pickup and drop-off by minivan.

This popular and relaxing cruise journeys through the beautiful inner harbour of Tauranga with the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a stunning backdrop. The KEWPIE has two cruise decks and plenty of room to soak up the amazing views. It also boasts a fully licensed lounge bar and bar snacks are also available. Scenic highlights of this great value cruise include: The Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance A diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive highly developed port infrastructure Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise like blue penguins, sea birds or NZ fur seals

Heading inland from tauranga, you will pass trough the beachside town of Mount Maunganui on your way to a 12 acre sheep farm in Matamata that Peter Jackson fell in love with, and we now know as Middle Earth.The Lord of the Rings director pickeda spot of lush rolling green hills to create the Hobbiton set, where you will get guided through the hobbit holes, Bagshot Row, the Mill, the famous Bridge and finish up the tour with a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. Evenif you arenta Lord of the Rings fan, the landscape of the area is magical enough, and you will get to see a working New Zealand sheep and beef farm. Soak up the atmosphere of Kaimai Ranges and dont forget to grab some movie set souvenirs on your way out. The remaining hours of the total hour duration of the tour is allotted to Travel time.

If you’d like to experience something really unique, very special and only available in Rotorua, New Zealand – then let us guide you on an amazing journey to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park. Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this 3 hour package. Take advantage of the self-guided interactive geothermal walk (map is provided on arrival) before indulging in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget! * Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship * * Gold Qualmark Tour Operator * * Full refund if ship doesn't make it into port *

You don’t have to stay in Tauranga during your shore excursion – this tour package takes you inland to experience the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Discover more of New Zealand’s culture and see more of its natural highlights than you could on the coast: visit Te Puia, home to the significant Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the volatile Pohutu Geyser. See the rare brown kiwi bird in a purpose-built habitat, enjoy a traditional Māori kapa haka performance and feast on a meal cooked traditionally in the nearby hot pools.

Make the most of your time onshore in Tauranga on a half-day tour, offered in season (October–April). Visit beautiful beaches, orchards, historical landmarks, and more as you listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history and culture of the region. You'll even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocados.

Your hosts are a Māori whānau (family) business, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty tribes. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures. Your authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, geared to take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with culturally signigficant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD. This is not just a window to our culture, you are immersed in it. This is an experience of a life time. In your small van group, your warm friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Rotorua/Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning.