Top Tauranga Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore two of the Coromandel’s most iconic islands with exclusive guided access into these protected sanctuaries. Your trip will begin by boat, cruising past the famous Whangamatā Bar surf break, before anchoring at Hauturu (Clark Island). A short climb up Nature's Staircase is rewarded with ocean views along the eco-trail. The adventure continues with an optional, guide-led entry into Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary (Donut Island). Floating your way into the hidden lagoon is an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand.

Paddling a Waka Ama (Outrigger Canoe) along the beautiful Pilot Bay beach, and taking a 90 minute guided walk through the stunning scenery of Mauao, brings together everything that attracts people to the area. Guests are bonded through collaboration on the water, experiencing paddling in unison to make the waka (canoe) glide. Then on to explore the mountain with local Māori guides who share ancestral stories, history, and insights about the environment and culture. This mix of water and land activities, teamwork, exploration, and cultural storytelling creates a fun, memorable, and immersive experience from mountain to sea.

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 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.

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.

Relax sit back to take in interesting and informative commentary about the harbour, region, local legends and history. The ancient Maori Legend of Mount Maunganui is retold as we cruise past the icons base. See the Statue of Tangaroa as he guards the Harbour entrance & learn of his place in Maori folk law. Cross the entrance of Te Awanui, (Tauranga harbour). Tuck into the picturesque shores of Matakana Island, the third largest island of the north. Continue through Tauranga harbours two inner islands, natural history, and orchards. Through the western channel to Sulphur point, and its relation to our active volcano. Tauranga port and industry working up close, with interesting facts on exports, history and ships.

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.

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.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. Watch from the boat or swim and snorkel alongside these playful marine mammals if you are a confident swimmer. Hear live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during summer months from November to May. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed; if none are seen, a complimentary return trip is offered.

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.