Top Tauranga Shore Excursions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the dramatic volcanic history and breathtaking geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this unforgettable full-day journey through one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural environments.

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.

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. Take a geothermal walk which takes between one and one and a half hours, as well as Māori carving. Then bathe in our world-famous mud baths and soak in the sulphur spas and cool plunge pool. TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty on this relaxing scenic hiking tour featuring native forest walks, tranquil lakes, panoramic viewpoints, and hidden local gems. RUNS SEPTEMBER TO APRIL ONLY

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.

Pass by kiwifruit orchards and lakes as we drive you to the nearby town of Rotorua. Learn about the real New Zealand as we explore the hinterland in a small group. Visit The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland-New Zealand's best geothermal experience! Be guided through this dramatic and unique park and witness the Lady Knox Geyser. Buy your lunch at the cafe here- "hangi" pasties recommended! Next we visit a secret spot where you will witness the best boiling mud pools in NZ. Next you choose between 2 locations: 1. The awe-inspiring Redwood Forest; Experience the cool and calm created by this unique ecosystem, either on the ground, or by upgrading to the Canopy Treetop Walk: Traversing the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest 2. For those who want something a bit more luxurious, there is also the option to take time out in a private forest hot tub (extra charge), complete with drinks on tap! Enjoy tasting kiwifruit, NZ sweets, brownie and cool drinks along the way.

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

Go First Class-Small Groups 1-4 People. “Return to Ship” Guarantee-On Board On Time. Your adventure starts the moment we meet at Tauranga port. Visit New Zealand’s best surf beach, travel through lush farmland, waterfalls, lakes district and pine plantations. We drop by a Kiwifruit orchard and spectacular waterfall, popular with white water rafters Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, (2.hrs) A remarkable geothermal area where Māori families have lived for generations among the earth’s geothermal power. Here, homes sit beside erupting geysers, boiling mud pools, steam vents, and naturally heated hot pools-using natural geothermal resources to cook and bathe See Pohutu the biggest active geyser in the southern hemisphere erupting boiling steam and water Explore Rotorua lake front, the wonderful Govt Gardens-an architectural gem, the Old Spa Bath House The final stop is the fun and fascinating Zorb Balls, a uniquely Kiwi attraction Return to port via a different scenic route

Go First Class - Small Group 1-4 people Return to Ship” Guarantee. On Board, On Time Step off your ship and straight into an adventure. Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland. Feel-smell this surreal steaming geothermal landscape. Wander past the famous Champagne Pool, Devil's Cave, Artist's Palette, Sulphur Cave & home to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool. Camera ready, record wonderful memories of these naturally colored hot pools-ranging in color from turquoise blue, rich green, gold to an almost olive / yellow make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see. Te Puia Geysers-Rotorua. Heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity & and Māori history and culture. A steaming volcanic landscape, see boiling mud, hot water pools, & steam vents. Witness Pōhutu geyser erupting, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere erupting boiling water & steam 100 ft high in a amazing display of force See the shy nocturnal Kiwi bird, traditional wood & greenstone carvers at work. An awesome day out

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.

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.

Our tours are all tailored for cruise passengers, and we will meet you at the port. We time our trips to fit your docking time, and will have you back with plenty of time to spare. Our small group tours ensure you get plenty of local knowledge and have fun with a more personalised approach. Ditch the impersonal big bus tours for our fully guided, friendly and fun-filled options. Enjoy treats and drinks along the way, and travel comfortably in our luxury vans with panoramic windows. Come join us as we show you the very best this region has to offer.

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.

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, explore New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a private shore excursion to Rotorua. Discover boiling mud pools and spurting geysers on a walk through Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, learn about Māori customs at Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and spot the elusive kiwi bird at the kiwi house. Return to Tauranga in time to re-board your cruise ship.

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.

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.

I will meet you 10 minutes prior to your advised start time at the Tauranga Port entry/exit gates 5 minutes walk from your ship. I will be waiting there with your name sign. Visit NZ's best surf beach, travel through lush green countryside, dairy farms, kiwifruit orchards, pine forests, and the scenic lakes district. Next stop, Rotorua and Te Puia Geysers for a 2.hr guided tour of this amazing geothermal park. Time for a lunch break. Finish our day with a relaxing 1.hr therapeutic soak in the Polynesian Mineral Spa. We return to Tauranga Port via a different scenic route. .