Top Tauranga Art & Culture

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this Hobbiton™ Movie Set shore excursion from Port of Tauranga. 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—something that other Hobbiton™ tours miss out on.

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.

Discover the history, scenery and delicious food produce of Tauranga on this guided tour. Take in stunning views of the area’s natural beauty, from Mount Maunganui to the sandy beaches. Visit important historical sites and discover the area’s rich local industries including kiwifruit and avocado produce. Taste delicious, locally grown fruit and meet the people behind these world-renowned industries.

Learn about early European settlements and gorgeous nature on this evening sundown tour of Tauranga. Drive through the hills of Mount Maunganui while admiring gorgeous beaches and viewing the township from above. Visit some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand and develop your understanding of the New Zealand Land Wars and their relationship with the indigenous Māori people. Finish at The Clarence Hotel to enjoy a complimentary beverage.

Join us on an epic day of culture, history and nature! See the best geyser in the southern hemisphere shooting 30M high, explore the Living Maori Village and enjoy a top quality cultural show, witness the majestic Redwoods Forest from the forest floor or high up in the trees! Enjoy a stunning bush walk to witness different levels of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! Entry to the Redwoods Forest and Okere Falls is included. Treetop Walk upgrade is possible on the day. Entry into Whakarewarewa Maori Living Village including Cultural Show and Village tour is included. Water, juice, NZ Made Lemon and Paeora drink, brownie, muesli bars and a gift of traditional NZ sweets included.

Learn more about the geothermal landscapes surrounding Rotorua and in Waimangu Volcanic Valley than you could by relying on guidebooks with this full-day small-group tour. Hop aboard a minibus in Tauranga and journey through dramatic scenery, marked by volcanic craters and bubbling geothermal mud pools, stopping at white sand beaches, hot springs, and redwood forests along the way.

Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. 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 storyteller guide will take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with significant 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, it's an immersion. Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our 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. A minimum of 4 guests is required for this tour to proceed.

Discover the Health Benefits of Pure Mineral Hot Pools in a Natural Oasis Bathe in Pure Mineral Waters Amidst Spectacular Native Bush Scenery Experience the Serenity of Natural, Chemical-Free Hot Pools in a Tranquil Setting. Pools are drained and refilled every day. Hot Pools in a Tranquil Setting

Take in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui’s scenic views on this 2-hour city sightseeing coach tour. Enjoy a scenic drive around the city, driving over the Harbour Bridge and checking out tourist hotspots like the Elms Mission House and Old Post Office, before heading to the Minden Lookout to snap photos of the Coromandel and White Island.

Exclusive tour taking you to a private Kiwifruit and Avocado orchard. We provide you with a VIP experience, including modern European vehicles with snacks and refreshments during the day. We explore some of the best Tauranga destinations, offering a truly unique, informative, and special journey for all our guests. Visiting an organic orchard is unique alone; however, this orchard is operated by one of the industry leaders in the New Zealand growers network. A picturesque setting with our local 190 Hectare Park and a visit to our historical village make this day a special Tauranga excursion with the best bits on offer.

Make the most of your time in port at Tauranga. This full-day tour takes you past the beautiful beaches and mansions at Mt. Maunganui, inland to the North Island’s pastoral and geothermal center of Rotorua. Admire natural wonders such as Okere Falls and Wai-O-Tapu, walk through native bush, and see the mighty Mt. Tarawera. Fit a lot into just one day and still make it back to your ship in good time.

Experience the magic of the Bay of Plenty on this evening glow-worm kayak tour of Tauranga’s Lake McLaren. Avoid getting lost as day turns to night by kayaking with a guide. Marvel at the bright green glow worms clinging to the towering cliffs and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm (we will confirm with you prior). Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand, extending over 18-sq. km. TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the authentic Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village in the geothermal region of Rotorua on our full-day excursion which includes a guided tour, cultural concert and a light lunch. A Maori villager will guide you through the village, explaining how they make use of the harsh geothermal environment to their advantage. The famous Pohutu geyser can also be viewed from a safe distance as it erupts naturally during the day. Walk among the natural geothermal springs and steaming lakes, to see how your lunch is cooked in the traditional Hangi method. You will also enjoy a 30-minute Maori cultural performance of singing, dancing and warrior demonstrations, including the famous Haka. You tour also includes visits to Rotorua Government Gardens and other highlights of Rotorua, passing by 2 beautiful lakes, forests, kiwifruit orchards and the stunning coastline and beaches of Mount Maunganui. Please note that the tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted.

Experience the magic of our orchard and see firsthand how seasonal practices keep our avocados at their best. Uncover why this superfood has such a devoted following and treat yourself to a tasting of inventive avocado dishes that highlight its unique flavor. Ideal for avocado lovers and those keen to dive into local food culture, this adventure promises excitement and discovery for visitors of all ages.

A day of excitement, culture and connection awaits… Approx a 1-1.5hr drive, during this time enjoy an array of our (all inclusive) snacks & water while you sit back and take in the beautiful scenic views. Te Puia is Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance centre. Experience a leading cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house. It will include a Traditional Māori Welcome, Song, traditional chant and Poi and Haka. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy the up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi, in the Kiwi Conservation Centre. We will make a stop so you can purchase lunch in Rotorua. TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS On our journey back to your ship, sit back & enjoy the memories you made today while you were exploring “our backyard”. We will have you back at your ship at the Port of Tauranga well prior to your sailing time.

Join us and experience the magic of New Zealand’s most distinctive geothermal destination. Relax in rejuvenating mud baths and soothing sulphur spas on an unforgettable journey to Hell's Gate Geothermal Park. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. Steeped in ancient myths and legends this extraordinary land has been a source of healing and wonder for generations. * 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 * Minimum of 6 passengers required to enable this trip to go ahead

Make the most of your time on land in Tauranga with a full-day tour to Rotorua, stopping at scenic points of interest en route. In Rotorua, see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and enjoy a Māori cultural performance. Sample New Zealand kiwifruit and visit highlights including Lake Rotorua, Mt. Tarawera, and Government Gardens throughout the day.

Explore the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu on this full-day private Tauranga shore excursion to the Rotorua region. Witness colorful thermal springs, hissing steam vents, and bubbling mud pools as your guide details the area’s geothermal activity, then discover. Port pickup and drop-off by private vehicle included.

Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Travel to one of New Zealand’s most famous places, Rotorua. Spend the day exploring the otherworldly geothermal landscapes, visiting the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa, towering redwood trees, and the beautifully manicured Government Gardens. Also receive a traditional welcome at a Māori cultural village, and more. Guaranteed return to your ship at the end of the day.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during the summer months from November to May.