Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tauranga, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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 about local history and culture from your guide
- A small group tour ensures a personalized experience
- Includes Mt. Maunganui, one of the region's most popular beaches
- Ideal for travelers short on time in Tauranga
What's Included
- Tastings of kiwifruit, avocado, and locally sourced tea
- Professional local driver-guide
- Live commentary onboard
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Food and drinks (unless specified)
- Gratuities
- Fruit picking (samples only provided)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Port of Tauranga Ltd2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Pickup details
Meet at the WICKED WANDERS sign board on the grassy mound directly opposite the port gates.
Itinerary
1
Mount Maunganui
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Tauranga
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Te Puna
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Limited Mobility aid accessibility - Please discuss with tour operator at time of booking.
- Passengers must be able to embark / disembark with minimal assistance.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 169 reviews
Gordon_T, Apr 2026
A very enjoyable tour. We were 20 minutes early but the rest were even earlier, so we started the tour 15 minutes early. Covered a lot of the area from different spots around the coastline and viewpoints. Russel, the owner, obviously knew his stuff so was very informative.
The kiwi fruit tasting may sound underwhelming, but it capped the tour off. Tasted three different types, plus avocado and avocado oils, and local spicy sauces. All this at a kiwi plantation where you see them on the plants.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We couldn't be happier to hear about your positive experience. Thank you for choosing us and for your generous review.
Mary_B, Apr 2026
This was a very good tour with a small group. We enjoyed seeing the Kiwi farm and tasting 3 different kinds of Kiwi fruit.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us. Your positive feedback means the world to us.
Terry_G, Mar 2026
Very good tour. Our driver Russell was great. Very knowledgeable and informative. Tour was right on time.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us.
Julia_v, Mar 2026
Great tours guide with great experience of the area.Took us to see kiwifruit and tasting as well as the full history of kiwifruit and Taursnga.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Gail_G, Mar 2026
It was a beautiful drive. Our Guide, Russell, gave a wonderful history commentary.
He prepared a great sampling along with the history of Kiwi fruit. It was a great tour!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
It's wonderful to hear that you had a fantastic experience with us. We appreciate your business and your feedback.
Willie_B, Mar 2026
Good overall. Knowledgeable guide/driver. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Patricia_P, Mar 2026
We feel very let down and disappointed in this tour as we did not have the tea tasting nor did we stop at the cafe pointed out to us by the driver as we drove past as it was closed. I would expect a professional tour company to make sure the establishments we were meant to visit were in fact open for business and not closed.
After several requests to visit a souvenir shop we were dropped in Tauranga town and made to make our own way back to ship well before the conclusion of the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Patricia. Thank you for your review. My apologies the tea shop was not open. Although they are not officially open on a Monday they do normally let us through on our tours but the owners decided last minute that they weren't going to be able to that day. Something that was outside of our control. This was a very unusual day for us. This tour normally runs as a 4 hour tour from mid morning to early afternoon. Therefore we normally include a 30 minute cafe stop during the tour with 3.5 hours of content. Cruise ships usually arrive early to mid-morning but your ship did not arrive until 12:45pm so the tour did not depart until 2pm. Consequently it was decided that a cafe stop would not be necessary due to the late start, plus all cafes in this area are closed by 3pm so it was very difficult to try and accommodate this given the time. As such the tour ran to the 3.5 hour timeframe. I'm sorry that all this was not made more clearer to you at the time. If this situation ever happens again we will send out an amendment note prior to the tour starting. It appears from what you were saying that you were expecting this tour to be a shopping tour which it is not and we do not advertise as such. It is a sightseeing and local history tour with no souvenir shops along its route. What we do do is drop customers at the Mount Maunganui main street at the completion of the tour so they can browse the retail and souvenir shops before taking the short walk back to the ship. This is on a voluntary basis only and anyone not wanting to is dropped back at the port gates where the tour starts from.
Jeanne_B, Feb 2026
Friendly, knowledgeable guide. Comfortable easy to park van. Small group. Interesting local information and insights.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Barbara_M, Feb 2026
I had a fabulous excursion with Russel this morning. It was absolutely First Rate. There were several stops, including a splendid small greenhouse of tropical plants. The kiwifruit orchard was another outstanding part. There was NOT a lot of boring driving, it was thoroughly entertaining with multiple interesting stops.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us. Your positive feedback means the world to us.
Maryjane_L, Feb 2026
Excellent tour of area in 4hrs. Perfect for cruise excursion. Sightseeing, taste local treats, coffee, kiwi. Superb views and splendid conversations with Russell, our guide. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We're committed to excellence, and your review reinforces our efforts.
LARRY_B, Feb 2026
Went for the kiwi and found the history and current state of affairs in Tauranga very interesting as well. Russell C was a font of knowledge about the city, region and country combined with almost a horticulturalist level of expertise on kiwi introduction, production and economic impact for New Zealand. Kiwi, avocado, oils and local hot sauce for tasting. Kiwi skin tastes OK and has most of the nutrients. Good job
Response from Host, Feb 2026
It's wonderful to hear that you had a fantastic experience with us. We appreciate your business and your feedback.
Andrea_W, Feb 2026
An informative few hours for those who have limited time but want to get an overview of Tauranga. In addition to history, the local economy, natural history and cultural information was shared.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We're committed to excellence, and your review reinforces our efforts.
maacuna, Feb 2026
Easy sightseeing in Tauranga that included a kiwi and tea sample tasting. Enjoyed the kiwi orchard and the views.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Mercedes_S, Feb 2026
Interesting history telling. Russell appeared to be well informed and answered all questions. The kiwi, avocado and avocado oil tasting was great!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
geoffrey_B, Jan 2026
Every minute well spent on this excellent tour. Russell‘s broad knowledge of the history, culture, local community, plants, and animals made for a great half day tour. He could answer every question in a very pleasant manner. The visit to the Kiwi Orchard to learn about growing, harvesting and marketing the fruit was fascinating, along with the samples. Made a nice lunch stop at a local café/coffee shop with interesting local menu. We were unable to climb Mt. Maunganui, due to the recent landslides, which will close the area for the near future.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us. Your positive feedback means the world to us.
Jeannie_B, Jan 2026
Went to special places, had a kiwi “tasting” in the orchard, had tea at a precious place and learned a lot about Tauranga
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Sophia_H, Jan 2026
It’s a good experience to get to know the area if your here for a short time.. I think it could be done on less than 4 hours but Russell didn’t want to rush they. He was pleasant.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Vicki_D, Dec 2025
Good tour if you're interested in the culture. Wish they had a better snack/coffee stop. Especially like kiwi tasting stop
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Vicki,
Thank you for your review. The cafe we stop at has a variety of options, caters for all meal types and has great coffee and drinks. They are also happy to prepare separate meals on request for people with specific food allergies. We consistently get great feedback from our customers about the location, the coffee and the food so I'm a little surprised at your comment. You had no food requirements on your booking and I did check in with you after you appeared from your wander. We would have been more than happy to assist you at the time had you said something.
Joshua_L, Dec 2025
This is a great activity if you want to explore the local port area and region and not spend all day on a bus. Exploring Tauranga and getting a great insight into its history and how it operates today. Visiting a local Kiwi Orchard and taste testing local kiwi and avocado and related products like local avocado oils and kiwi hot sauces were a great way to experience this part of New Zealand. This tour leaves you with plenty of time to explore Mount Maunganui, the local beaches and town. Russell did a great job and was very informative.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
It's wonderful to hear that you had a fantastic experience with us. We appreciate your business and your feedback.
Andrea_M, Dec 2025
A fabulous highlight tour of Tauranga with our guide Russell who was super friendly and knowledgeable. Comfortable and safe transport to all destinations. Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
It's wonderful to hear that you had a fantastic experience with us. We appreciate your business and your feedback.
Christine_A, Dec 2025
Very informative, Russell and Arwen very accommodating
Would definitely do again
Great small group tour
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us. Your positive feedback means the world to us.
Ruth_S, Nov 2025
Fab tour with Wicked Wonders!
Russel was great and had interesting historical stories and loved the kiwi tasting.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
It's customers like you who make our job so rewarding. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing us.
felix_d, Nov 2025
Tauranga is very nice. However, the tour spent too long driving out of the harbor, going to a park, driving by parked containers from ships. The stop at a beach was nice, but really short. It was a nice sunny breezy. There was another stop at a park that overlooked the harbor. The most interesting stop was at the Kiwi farm.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Felix,
Thank you for your review. Not a response to this tour that we normally get. We try and include a little bit of everything in this tour so I'm sorry to hear that it wasn't for you. Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are two peninsula's in the harbor with the port in the middle so getting anywhere requires driving around the port. With that said it takes no longer than about 10 to 15 minutes of the 4 hour tour and we talk about the commerce of New Zealand and the development of the port of Tauranga which most people find interesting. The length of the stop at Robbins park is dictated by our customers and how long they want to spend looking at the tropical display house, rose gardens and view of the harbor, plus we also do a talk about our colonial history. We never stay for longer than what the majority of the group wants. As with all our stops as soon as most people are done we move on. In regards to the beach stop we normally stop for about 10 to 15 minutes which is more than enough time for most people. We sometimes get asked to drop people back there at the end of the tour so they can spend more time as it is only a short walk back to the ship, which we would have been more than happy to do.
Linda_B, Apr 2025
Great!! Russell was so informative and friendly. The kiwi/avscado tasting 8n the kiwi orchard that he set up, was just the best!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to host you for the day.
Ann_C, Mar 2025
Excellent tour! Russell was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable. We particularly enjoyed the kiwi fruit orchard.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
We're over the moon to receive your glowing review! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Kathleen_N, Mar 2025
Very interesting and a good way to see the beautiful area. The kiwi farm and tasting was really cool. Russell our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us.
Lynn_B, Feb 2025
Very interesting, lots of history. Guide certainly knows his stuff.
Russell was fun and gave us plenty of time in each stop to do photos and absorb the atmosphere.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We're ecstatic to read your review! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're delighted to have met your expectations.
lipierce, Jan 2025
Had a great time, Emile was a great guide. Very informative and friendly. Really knowledgeable about local plants, birds, etc. Wonderful tour, highly recommend Emile as a guide.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with us. Your review serves as motivation for our team to continue delivering great service.
Maureen_S, Jan 2025
Not much to see here that really warrants a 4 hr tour, Although the guide was great. Lots of driving around, some interesting history if that’s what you are looking for…a stop at a small but beautiful little tropical greenhouse and a view of the 24 km of beach. Kiwi orchard was amazing but only 10 people shared 2 kiwi and 1/2 an avocado so truly was a just a taste.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for your review. I'm a little confused as to why you gave this review a three. The tour is what it says on the box. Generally everyone has a fantastic time and from what you've said you did too so I'm not sure what you were expecting. On this tour we only go to the edge of the city so there's not that much driving for a four hour tour. The longest you were in the van would have been approximately 25 minutes. If it was the getting in and out of the van then this probably wasn't the tour for you. There are 2 hour tours available where you just sit in the van the whole time but it doesn't have the depth of experiencing the area that you get on this tour. In regards to the tasting; Again, what it says on the box. It is just a taste but there was more Kiwifruit and Avocado available as well as the oils and sauces that were out also. I always ask if everyone has had enough before packing away, so again a little confused as to what the issue was here.
Paul_L, Jan 2025
Russel is a highly organised tour operator with a wealth of knowledge that he is able to share with appropriate humour.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We're humbled by your positive review. Thank you for being a valued customer and for sharing your experience with others.
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