Top Tauranga Shore Excursions

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.

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 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.

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.

Learn more about the geothermal landscapes surrounding Rotorua and in Waimangu Volcanic Valley than you could by relying on guidebooks with this full-day small-group tour. Hop aboard a minibus in Tauranga and journey through dramatic scenery, marked by volcanic craters and bubbling geothermal mud pools, stopping at white sand beaches, hot springs, and redwood forests along the way.

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.

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.

On this half-day small-group hiking tour, discover natural hidden gems that most tourists never get to experience. Wander through the Bay of Plenty’s native forests, hiking through dense woodland and along serene lakes. Visit McLaren Falls Park, Te Puna, Puketoki Reserve, and much more, keeping an eye out for local wildlife as you walk.

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

This tour is start from Tauranga Port for the cruise passengers. It's a shore excursion tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It's the half private tour which means you will be joined at the Hobbiton movie set as they are doing only group tours. You will experience Middle Earth and the Shire on a 2.5 hour tour that is shared with other guests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get up close to New Zealand’s natural beauty on this scenic Lake McLaren tour by kayak or canoe. Discover wildlife native to the region and gain insight into the ecosystem from your guide—something you'd miss on your own. Gaze up at sheer cliff faces towering overhead and enjoy panoramic views over the dense, sun-dappled bush. Paddle along the lakeshore and through Mangapapa Canyon. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.