All Tauranga Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)

(352)

Free Cancellation
6 hours

from $187

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.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

4.7

(184)

Free Cancellation
4 hours 30 minutes

from $65

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.

6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga

(318)

Free Cancellation
6 hours 30 minutes

from $128

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.

Hobbiton Transport & Tauranga Highlights Excursion from Tauranga

(232)

Free Cancellation
7 hours

from $96

Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Departs Tauranga

(149)

Free Cancellation
6 hours

from $157

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.

Rotorua Geothermal Living Maori Village Tour Whakarewarewa 6.5hours Tour

(161)

Free Cancellation
6 hours 30 minutes

from $157

White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

(1,336)

Free Cancellation
2 hours

from $79

Tauranga Harbour Scenic 1.5 Hour Historical Boat Cruise

(48)

Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes

from $23

250

Geothermal Mineral Bathing Hot Pool Experience

Free Cancellation
2 hours

from $12

Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

(329)

Free Cancellation
3 hours 15 minutes

from $155

4.8

(168)

Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

Free Cancellation
4 hours

from $62

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.

Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga

4.7

(106)

Free Cancellation
5 hours

from $102

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.

Tauranga City & History Scenic Tour – 2 Hours

(12)

Free Cancellation
2 hours

from $34

Minden Lookout View - stunning! (we use buses 18-40 seats) so sizes to vary.

4.2

(159)

TAURANGA City & Scenic Sightseeing 2-hour Local Bus Tour

Free Cancellation
2 hours

from $46

Scenic Short Hike Tour - Papamoa Hills and McLaren Falls

(15)

Free Cancellation
4 to 5 hours

from $75

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.

New Zealand Tauranga Tour with Transportation and Snacks

(10)

Free Cancellation
4 hours

from $73

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.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

4.4

(460)

Free Cancellation
7 hours

from $143

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.

Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs

4.8

(40)

Free Cancellation
7 hours

from $166

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.

Nature at its best Lake Tarawera Treetop Walk and Forest Spas

(2)

Free Cancellation
7 to 8 hours

from $131

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre 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!

Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters

(6)

Free Cancellation
5 hours

from $102

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” will enjoy this exclusive small-group private shore excursion from Tauranga to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Designed for cruise ship passengers, the tour includes port transfers and start times coordinated with ship arrivals. Enjoy a two-hour guided tour with behind-the-scenes insight into the movies. Even travelers who haven’t seen the films will appreciate the fantastical set and the guide’s stories.

Tauranga to Magical Hobbiton Movie Set - Private Shore Excursion

(7)

Free Cancellation
6 hours

from $620

Per group

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.

Rotorua Discovery Te Puia Tour

(24)

Free Cancellation
7 hours

from $157

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.

Hobbiton movie set tour and a lot more beautiful NZ sights

4.7

(18)

Free Cancellation
6 to 7 hours

from $250

Price varies by group size

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.

4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting

(19)

Free Cancellation
4 hours

from $62

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What are people saying about Tauranga

Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

Angela_M, Apr 2026

Really fun experience!...

Really fun experience! Going by kayak to see glowworms was fabulous. We did Waitomo caves the day prior and this tour did not disappoint or feel duplicative, I’m glad we went. I’m not an experienced kayaker and the guide was very patient and helped me with my form to make it easier for me, now I’m an expert kayaker ☺️.

Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)

Tony_B, Mar 2026

Hobbiton visit

Visiting Hobbiton was a highlight of our trip 'down under'. We had the most wonderful day starting with our tour operator, well organised, and very informative during our journey to Hobbiton. Whilst there, a place most magical. You have to see it to believe it. Highly recommended

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

Michael_C, Mar 2026

Great half-day tour and beautiful scenery.

A beautiful day in the Mt. Maunganuin, Bay of Plenty countryside. We headed inland into the Kaimai Range for a bush walk past native trees and waterfalls at McLaren Falls Park, visited historic sites as the Gate Pa Memorial Reserve, had spectacular views from Minden Lookout and the Bay of Plenty. We visited a kiwi orchard, tasted fresh kiwifruit, manuka honey, and hokey pokey-flavored ice cream. Great tour and tour guide.

Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs

Alfred_C, Mar 2026

Tauranga: 5 star tour and guide

We enjoyed a fabulous day with Robert who picked us up from the Cruise port. Very convenient and stress-free! He took his time to show us all the sights around Tauranga before starting us on the drive to the geothermal Valley. As a retired school, principal, Robert made the hike through the Geothermal Valley most interesting with knowledgeable insights about the region’s geological features, flora, and birds. He made many stops to allow us to take photographs of the landscape. The boat ride on the lake was the cherry on the day’s tour: the captain took us right up to the boiling furmoroles. We had great pictures!

Hobbiton Transport & Tauranga Highlights Excursion from Tauranga

David_A, Mar 2026

Easy peasy if your on a cruise ship

Came off the cruise ship and we were met right there! Super easy and so nice to be in a smaller group than the excursion groups and at half the price too. The WiFi on the van was a nice surprise and use it to download it the Hobbiton app so you’re all ready upon arrival. What a fun day. Our guide was informative, super sweet and accommodating in every way. We left on time and arrived back 10 minutes early. Highly recommend. Buy your Hobbiton ticket direct on their website.

6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga

Maria_L, Mar 2026

Great tour

This was a great excursion to see sights in the area. I'm sure our guide Richie made this even better, he was full of interesting information about the area and gave us enough time to enjoy the various stops. Loved the tree walk, glowworms, the stops at the thermal pools and lake and of course the kiwi farm.

White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

Kim_K, Mar 2026

WOWSA - A must do!

WOW! Just WOW. This was an amazing experience. Pablo, our guide, did a great job of instructing, communicating, and keeping us safe throughout. Like everyone else says, exhilarating and definitely bucket list worthy. A shout out to all staff here as each was friendly and they worked super well together as a team.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

mikesmith9, Mar 2026

Rotorua highlights tour. Really good experience. Great tour.

Full day seeing lots of different places. Tour guide and the driver were very knowledgeable and funny. They were really accommodating with our cruise ship docking and leaving times. Thoroughly enjoyed the Maori living village. A great experience. Highly recommended.

Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Departs Tauranga

Kristine_A, Mar 2026

Excellent and amazing tour and Guide!

Our tour guide Nicolle was absolutely amazing. Her knowledge of the area and her exuberance were incredible. She went above and beyond I'm sure what was expected of the tour. She made a couple of stops that were her favorite and not a usual part of the tour. HIGHLY recommend this tour and her in particular.

Ports of Tauranga/Rotorua/Tga - 6 Hours Rotorua Highlights Tour

Madeleine_M, Mar 2026

Lakes, forests, waterfalls and Māori legends.

An excellent guide with good knowledge of culture and geography. We were given a choice of activities including visiting lakes, waterfalls, high level walking in Redwood forests and thermal foot baths, plus coffee and bakery. Erin provided snacks and an informative commentary. The history she shared enhanced our tour. A good level of walking, it was most enjoyable in a very comfortable vehicle.

Rotorua Geothermal Living Maori Village Tour Whakarewarewa 6.5hours Tour

Donna_E, Mar 2026

Maori Village and geothermal site was amazing

Pros: Enjoyed the tour guide at Maori Village, especially the Village "guide" (Fay) and the provided lunch was tasty. Cons: Tour was so overbooked by Viator that my husband and I were split up between front with driver and very back of the van/bus where I sat next to very "openly ill" passenger who probably shouldn't have come. Very uncomfortable trying to "distance" and luckily, as of yet, not come down with it! Viator shouldn't fill van/buses to capacity and leave at least some "wiggle room" for passengers.

Hobbiton movie set tour and a lot more beautiful NZ sights

Linda_Z, Jan 2026

Highly recommend!

We had an amazing experience on our Hobbiton tour, thanks to Terrie and Toby! Terrie was an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable guide who made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped on board. He was a safe and smooth driver, kept us entertained with funny jokes, and taught us so much about New Zealand, Matamata, and even local fruits along the way. He was also very accommodating with our last-minute requests for coffee stops and photo opportunities. On the booking side, Toby was fantastic. When only five Hobbiton tickets were left but our group had six people, he was incredibly diligent and helped us secure the last ticket at a similar time slot, making the trip possible for us.