Top Tauranga Cultural Tours

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.

Easily explore the area outside the Port of Tauranga during this guided tour that includes port pickup and drop-off. First visit a New Zealand kiwi orchard, and get the chance to taste the native fruit yourself. Catch sight of natural wonders such as Okere Falls, Blue Lake, and Whakarewarewa Forest before going to taste New Zealand honey at a local farm (time permitting).

Explore New Zealand’s Maori culture, and marvel at geysers and mud pools beneath Mt Maunganui on this full-day Rotorua tour. Travel from Tauranga Port by coach with your guide and discover some of the North Island’s top attractions. Admire pristine beaches and million-dollar homes in Mt Maunganui. Visit the Kiwi 360 Visitor Centre to sample homegrown wine and fruit. Discover dense forests, shimmering lakes and rolling farmland, and immerse yourself in Maori culture in Rotorua. See bubbling mud pools and shooting geysers, and gain insight into traditional Maori crafts.

Local tour run by locals...this is an enjoyable, educational, and light-hearted tour of what we consider to be Tauranga and Mount Maunganui's "best," which is what other tourists miss while taking the lengthier excursions to Rotorua. The Historic Elms Mission House, Old Post Office, Tauranga Waterfront, Harbour Bridge are all highlighted in the City area before we drive out to show you the Kiwi & Avocado orchards. We then take a beautiful drive up to the Scenic Lookout from where you can see stunning panoramic views as far up as the Coromandel with Whakaari / White Island visible in the distance. This being a shorter non-stop 2 hour tour offers you time to return, if you'd like, to the Elms Mission house for a longer look or the Mount Hot Pools, which are amazing and only a 10 minute walk from where the cruise ship is moored. • Photo stop at the lookout • Complimentary bottle of water

See, hear, smell, touch and taste on this full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Experience the unique and special natural beauty of The Bay of Plenty. You will visit some out of the way spots that not everyone knows about and will go where the big buses don't. This tour is not a shuttle and will not drop you off anywhere to explore on your own. It is a fully guided small-group tour with a knowledgeable, fun and friendly tour guide. Along the way you will see and learn about the uniqueness that is New Zealand and you will learn about the geothermal region of Rotorua and its significance to the Maori people. We do not visit the commercial geothermal reserves on this tour, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs, volcanic lakes and picturesque forests.  Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time, we will advise an updated time when you book the tour which may be different, this is the one to use.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. You’ll travel to one of New Zealand’s famed regions in the North Island, observing otherworldly landscapes and Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa’s thermal springs. Visit Okere Falls at the Bay of Plenty; receive a traditional welcome at an authentic Maori village where you’ll watch a 'haka' (war dance); and view the Government Gardens, a historic bath house and more in Rotorua.

Experience the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this evening glow-worm kayak tour in Tauranga. Begin your tour with refreshments and delicious New Zealand cheeses on the banks of Lake McLaren. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow-worm canyon at the head of Lake McLaren. Marvel at the millions of bright green glow-worms clinging to the towering cliff sides, and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

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.

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.

With a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Why is Tauranga known as a lifestyle and tourism destination? Tauranga has many outlying islands and reefs, which make it a notable tourist destination for traveling scuba divers and marine enthusiasts. You will be surprised how many stories are in hidden streets, buildings, and corners of Tauranga. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. It is perfect for people visiting the city for the first time and who want to get the most out of it. * A local and charismatic guide will guide you. * You will hear the stories and legends of the city. * You will visit charming places.

At the heart of the beachside Mt Maunganui community is Mauao, an extinct volcano who has captured public imagination since the very first Māori waka entered the Tauranga Habour. Join your guide for a guided hikoi (a walk) up or around the mountain. Take in the breathtaking view along the Bay of Plenty coastline and gain a unique view into the significance of this mountain to the local Māori.