Top Tauranga Day Trips

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.

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. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

On this half-day small-group hiking tour, discover natural hidden gems that most tourists never get to experience. Wander through the Bay of Plenty’s native forests, hiking through dense woodland and along serene lakes. Visit McLaren Falls Park, Te Puna, Puketoki Reserve, and much more, keeping an eye out for local wildlife as you walk.

Make the most of a short time on land with a handy shore excursion from the cruise port at Mt. Maunganui to geothermal Rotorua. Skip the big, impersonal group tours in favor of an intimate small-group tour. In Rotorua, spend the day at Te Puia, a park full of natural geothermal attractions, including the enormous Pohutu Geyser. Round-trip port transfers ensure you don’t get lost, or miss the boat.

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.

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

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.

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.

This half-day shore excursion from Tauranga offers a relaxed tour of the Bay of Plenty’s highlights, including fresh kiwifruit and manuka honey tastings. Travel through scenic farmland and native rainforest in McLaren Falls Park, visit historic sites such as Gate Pa Memorial Reserve, and enjoy hokey pokey-flavored ice cream. The tour includes round-trip port transfers and a stop at a cottage cafe for a freshly baked muffin and coffee.

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.

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 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.

Working within the Cruise Ship schedule, we shall meet you at the Port of Tauranga and look to commence our journey at a pre-arranged time. As we embark on the journey along the Mount Maunganui Coast we shall visit a Kiwifruit Orchard on the way to Rotorua. With official stop at the renowned Redwood Forest. It is here that you shall embark on the canopy tree walk which really is a step into paradise with Californian Redwoods and some of our local fauna. The second stop shall be at one of the longest running tourist destinations in the region. Whakarewarewa boasts thermal activity, mud pools and the largest Geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. A guided tour and cultural performance is included and followed by a light lunch cooked in traditional Maori fashion. Specializing in small group tours in Mercedes vehicles or similar. We provide refreshments and snacks plus Wi-Fi throughout your journey with us. This is a family friendly day tour of approximately 6.5 hours duration.

When your cruise ship docks in the Port of Tauranga, explore Rotorua, Te Puia, and the surrounding countryside, and see the best of the North Island’s geothermal landscapes with ease. With round-trip travel from the Port of Tauranga included, hit top attractions including the Government Gardens, Mt. Maunganui, and the Pohutu geyser. Along the way, watch a traditional Maori cultural performance, and learn of New Zealand’s rich native culture and heritage.

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.

Explore the unique blend of Māori culture and geothermal wonders on this full-day tour from Tauranga Cruise Port. Beginning with a scenic drive through the Bay of Plenty, you'll visit a kiwifruit orchard, stop for morning tea with local treats, experience traditional geothermal cooking, enjoy a guided tour of Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village. Witness the spectacular Pohutu Geyser and cultural performances by local Māori guides. Capture memories of your tour with professional cultural photoshoot, before enjoying your Hāngi lunch. The journey back includes stops in Rotoura and Tauranga before returning to your ship on time guaranteed. - Full-day tour from Tauranga Cruise Port, lasting 7-8 hours - Includes transport, admissions, morning tea, lunch, and refreshments - Hands-on geothermal cooking experience with traditional lunch - Small group size with local guides with generations of experience - 100% Māori owned and operated business - Guaranteed return to ship on time

DEPARTS TAURANGA - Experience a slice of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua on this scenic six-hour journey filled with coastal beauty, towering forests, geothermal parks, and local hidden gems. PLEASE NOTE: This tour does enter the geothermal valley for the geyser eruption. If you would like to see this please book the Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour

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

Make the most of a short time in Tauranga and Rotorua on a private tour for up to eight people. Travelers with varied interests will enjoy this customizable itinerary. Visit beautiful beaches, sample local kiwifruit, stroll through shady redwood forests, and explore Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. A mix of cultural and natural sights are offered for a personalized experience.

Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm. If your cruise ship arrives after 10.00am, we will depart approximately 60 minutes after the ship has docked. (we will confirm with you prior). On arrival into Port of Tauranga, a day of sightseeing, story telling & cultural connection awaits... Bound for Rotorua (appx 1.5hr), enjoy an array of our all inclusive snacks & bottled water, sit back and take in the many beautiful scenic views. We begin with a visit to the Government Gardens, you'll see the Whangapipiro Rachel Pool known for its therapeutic water. Come face to face with the big Californian Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest, over 55,000 hectares. Take a walk at Kuirau Park, discover hissing, roaring & bubbling geothermal activity. Take off your shoes & enjoy a warm foot spa in one of the foot pools (towels provided). Next stop Lake Tarawera, meaning burnt spear, one of the largest lakes in New Zealand. Time permitting, we may stop at Te Puia for souvenir shopping.

Let us take you on a tour to remember (up to 15-18 pax). We can offer some highlights to visit and you can add to or choose your own agenda for the day. You may like to visit the gondola and go for a luge ride or maybe a cultural performance. Many options available so let's talk and make it a day to remember. We will have you back at your ship at the Port of Tauranga well prior to your sailing time.

Experience all that the Hobbiton Movie Set has to offer free of time pressures on this full-day tour. Learn how “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” were created, and see one of the few film sets maintained long after shooting has finished. This tour is great for both diehard fans and those who just want to enjoy a unique day out. The tour departs from Tauranga.

This tour is start from Tauranga Port for the cruise passengers. It's a shore excursion tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It's the half private tour which means you will be joined at the Hobbiton movie set as they are doing only group tours. You will experience Middle Earth and the Shire on a 2.5 hour tour that is shared with other guests.