Top Tauranga Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join us on an epic day of culture, history and nature! See the best geyser in the southern hemisphere shooting 30M high, explore the Living Maori Village and enjoy a top quality cultural show, witness the majestic Redwoods Forest from the forest floor or high up in the trees! Enjoy a stunning bush walk to witness different levels of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! Entry to the Redwoods Forest and Okere Falls is included. Treetop Walk upgrade is possible on the day. Entry into Whakarewarewa Maori Living Village including Cultural Show and Village tour is included. Water, juice, NZ Made Lemon and Paeora drink, brownie, muesli bars and a gift of traditional NZ sweets included.

Join us for our over 16 years of age tour Private guided walking tour through Ohinemutu, a living Māori geothermal village situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. After the Māori Village tour we head to Waiariki Spa (adults only). Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua a world class spa awaits. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury Māori cultural wellness thermal retreat for adults. Wai Ariki is owned by Ngāti Whakaue and is built on their legacy of cultural traditions, healing practices and manaakitanga (warm hospitality). Wai Ariki meaning 'Chiefly Waters' is architecturally stunning and culturally authentic specialising in holistic health and wellbeing. The 2-hour Restorative Journey - Wai Whakaora is a 7-step multisensory experience blending Māori culture, traditional healing practices with the healing elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam. The Journey is unique in the world and has been purposefully curated to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Make the most of your time on land in Tauranga with a full-day tour to Rotorua, stopping at scenic points of interest en route. In Rotorua, see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and enjoy a Māori cultural performance. Sample New Zealand kiwifruit and visit highlights including Lake Rotorua, Mt. Tarawera, and Government Gardens throughout the day.

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

A day of excitement, culture and connection awaits… Approx a 1-1.5hr drive, during this time enjoy an array of our (all inclusive) snacks & water while you sit back and take in the beautiful scenic views. Te Puia is Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance centre. Experience a leading cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house. It will include a Traditional Māori Welcome, Song, traditional chant and Poi and Haka. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy the up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi, in the Kiwi Conservation Centre. We will make a stop so you can purchase lunch in Rotorua. TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS On our journey back to your ship, sit back & enjoy the memories you made today while you were exploring “our backyard”. We will have you back at your ship at the Port of Tauranga well prior to your sailing time.

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.

Take a walk around Tauranga and see the city’s landmarks and attractions on this self-guided audio tour. Instead of getting crammed into a stifling hot tour bus or waiting for other travellers, stroll along the waterfront at your own pace while learning about the history of local iwi (Māori tribe) Te Arawa, then visit significant sites like the Strand, The Elms Mission House and the old cannon at Monmouth Redoubt.

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.

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!

Make the most of a day on land without driving yourself on a full-day private shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua. Sample kiwifruit en route, then travel past native forests, shimmering lakes, and rolling farmland. Be immersed in Māori culture and marvel at the geothermal activity at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua. If time allows, stop at Okere Falls and the Redwood Forest. The itinerary is customizable to suit your needs.

The focus of this historical and cultural self-guided audio tour is the tales and myths that surround Mount Maunganui, also known as The Mount, including the arrival of the Maori in New Zealand. Perfectly suited for discovery on foot, our self-guided audio tour allows you to set the pace and explore at your leisure as you uncover the stories of this exciting city. Wander along white sand beaches while listening to the stories of the natives’ past. Learn about the battles that took place between the Maori and the European settlers, and the lore that brings the mountain to life. To discover this wonderful city in your own time and at your own pace just download this self-guided audio tour, pop in your headphones, open the map that comes with your download and start walking. The tour will take approximately two hours, but you can pause the audio guide when needed. Grab a bite to eat or do some shopping along the way. Please note that this tour is only available in English.

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.

Explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand on a guided eco tour from Whangamatā to Hauturu, renowned for its breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage. This low tide crossing allows you to engage with the island’s unique ecosystem while learning about its ancient origins. Experience the thrill of climbing nature’s staircase for panoramic views of the Coromandel Peninsula and contribute to the preservation of these pristine environments on the ecology track. This adventure promises not only a connection with nature but also a deeper understanding of the region’s history and future. - Guided eco tour from Whangamatā to Hauturu during low tide - Climb stunning nature trails for sweeping views of the Coromandel Peninsula - Tread lightly when walking the ecology track on this predator proof island - Learn about the ancient origins and cultural significance of Whangamatā - Take a breath at 'windows', share gratitude with the Tipuna Tree and marvel at historical feats along the way

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.

The Wai-O-Tapu & Champagne Pool Geothermal Explorer combines coastal scenery, volcanic landscapes, native forest, and unforgettable geothermal wonders into one remarkable Bay of Plenty experience.

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.