Top Tauranga Sightseeing Tours

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.

The vibrant blue-green waters of Tauranga Harbour are home to some of the area’s most popular sights. Relax aboard a two-deck boat on this boat cruise as you explore the harbor, taking in ocean views and the area’s beaches, forests, islands, and village settlements, contrasted by scenes of the Grand Kaimai mountain range and Mount Maunganui in the distance.

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.

Planning a day out that keeps everyone entertained can be a challenge. This all-access pass to Waimarino Adventure Park in Tauranga makes it easy, bringing a wide range of water-based activities together in one place. Enjoy unlimited use of the park’s rides, slides, and floating obstacles, bounce on the water trampoline, test your balance on the climbing wall, swing through the air on the Tarzan rope, or challenge friends on the gladiator platform.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Tauranga highlights from scenery to culture and history on a 1.5-hour trike excursion designed to maximize views. Bus trips can mean obstructed vistas, but the low-slung trikes offer plenty of fresh air and panoramas. You’ll cover plenty of ground, too, passing by or stopping at a long list of the top sights in Tauranga.

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.

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 fully guided, friendly and fun-filled small group tours ensure you get plenty of local knowledge and have fun with a more personalised approach. 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 our small town has to offer.

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.

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.

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.

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 meter vessel with 360° outdoor views. Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching. Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca. Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife. Photos of a lifetime!

Luxury Private Tour: Max 4 people. Our wonderful adventure begins as soon as I pick you up outside the port gates. I love seeing my fellow travelers fascinated by their experience of this amazing movie set where their favorite stories & characters were brought to life. Stand under the party tree, see all your favorites, and hear behind-the-scenes stories as you walk the meandering tracks past the Hobbit holes, Bilbo's House, Bag End, Gandalf's Cutting & The Mill. If you haven't seen the movie or read the books you still love it "Te Puia" Geysers - Rotorua Heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity and a center for Māori history and culture. See kiwi birds, Māori greenstone and wood carvers at work. Surrounded by a steaming volcanic landscape, see and feel the heat of boiling mud, and endlessly simmering hot pools, the thrilling sight of "Pohutu" geyser erupting boiling water and steam 100 ft high an amazing display of force. A full day of fun & adventure!

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 you choose between 2 locations: 1. The awe-inspiring Redwood Forest; Experience the cool and calm created by this unique ecosystem, either by taking a free ground walk, or upgrading to the Canopy Treetop Walk: Traversing the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest is one of our absolute favourites! 2. For those not so keen on heights, take time out in a private forest hot tub (extra charge), complete with drinks on tap! Alternatively just enjoy the free foot-soaks.. "shinny dips". Finally we make our way back to Tauranga, in plenty of time for your ship.

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.

An exclusive Private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Did you know The lush parks and golden beaches of Tauranga make a popular destination for lovers? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. What is so special about the mount of Maunganui? Why is it considered a favorite spot for couples? Tauranga has a good mix of modern amenities and nature, making it a favourable place to explore with your loved one. Many festivities take place on and around the main beach in the north of the suburb. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Explore many of the central North Island’s top attractions on a full-day private shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua. Sample kiwifruit en route, then travel past dense forests, shimmering lakes, and rolling farmland. Be immersed in Māori culture with a concert and marvel at geothermal activity at Whakarewarewa, including an optional guided walk to the Pohutu geyser. If time allows, stop at Okere Falls and the Redwood Forest.

Heading inland from Tauranga, you will pass through the beachside town of Mount Maunganui on your way to a 12 acre sheep farm in Matamata. This farm is one that Peter Jackson fell in love with, and we now know as Middle Earth. The Lord of the Rings director picked a spot of lush, rolling, green hills to create the Hobbiton set. Enjoy a guided tour through the hobbit holes, Bagshot Row, the Mill, the famous bridge and finish up the tour with a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. Even if you are not a 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 the Kaimai Ranges and don't 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.

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!