Top Tauranga Half-day Tours

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

If dramatic views, stunning gardens, quirky sculptures and tasty food is your vibe, this is the tour for you! No worries about getting back to port on time, you are seeing the best this area has to offer without venturing too far afield.

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.

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.

Go First Class-Small Group 1-4 Travelers. “Return to Ship” Guarantee. On Board, On Time. Your adventure begins when we meet at Tauranga Port. We visit NZ's best surf beach, take a short walk to beautiful Moturiki Island see sweeping ocean & island views Travel through the lakes district, lush farmland, water falls & pine forests Along the way, enjoy stops at a Kiwifruit orchard a awesome waterfall popular with white water rafters In Rotorua the heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity and Maori culture you’ll experience bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, vibrant geothermal Landscapes. Visit a Maori ancestral house, the Govt Gardens, historic Old Spa Bath House & Rotorua lakefront. Take a stroll through the towering Redwoods forest, a serene & unforgettable moment. The final stop is the fun & fascinating Zorb Balls, a uniquely Kiwi attraction that always delights visitors. We return to Tauranga via a different scenic route, a relaxing finish to a rewarding day.

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.

Join us and experience the magic of New Zealand’s most distinctive geothermal destination. Relax in rejuvenating mud baths and soothing sulphur spas on an unforgettable journey to Hell's Gate Geothermal Park. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. Steeped in ancient myths and legends this extraordinary land has been a source of healing and wonder for generations. * Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship * Gold Qualmark ***** Tour Operator * Full refund if ship doesn't make it into port * Minimum of 6 passengers required to enable this trip to go ahead

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.

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

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.

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.

Make the most of a short time in Tauranga and Rotorua on a private tour for up to eight people. Travelers with varied interests will enjoy this customizable itinerary. Visit beautiful beaches, sample local kiwifruit, stroll through shady redwood forests, and explore Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. A mix of cultural and natural sights are offered for a personalized 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.

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.

Cruise passengers can make the most of their time on land with an easy private shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua. After being picked up from the port, travel inland to Rotorua, a hub of Maori culture that’s notorious for its sulfurous geothermal attractions. Stroll through the giant redwood forest; see the bursting Te Puia geysers and bubbling mud pools while learning about geothermal activity; observe New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, and much more.