Top Tauranga Day Trips

Experience all that Hobbiton has to offer free of time pressures on this full-day tour. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie set was created, and see one of the few film sets maintained long after shooting has finished. This tour is great for both diehard fans of The Lord of the Rings and those who just want to enjoy a unique day out.

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.

Visit an authentic Living Maori Village deep in the geothermal region of Rotorua on this full-day excursion including a Hangi Lunch. Tour with a local Maori guide and learn about how the villagers have adapted to the harsh geothermal environment. You tour will also include visits to the famous Government Gardens and Rotorua Lake. This is a small group tour with a group size up to 18. Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time. As the ships arrival time in port varies so much, we adjust the start and end times each day to suit the ships time in port. When your booking is accepted by us, we will confirm the true start time for the day, which overrides the time printed on your voucher. We use the correct times for the ship which we take from the Port of Tauranga web site and details provided to us by the ships booking agent as we also provide some of the official tours to the ship, so trust us.

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.

Make the most of your time at shore and explore the beautiful Tauranga Harbour during this half-day tour. 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 even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocado.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this 6-hour ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie set shore excursion from Mt Maunganui. Travel with your guide toward the town of Matamata. Discover the sheep farm selected by Peter Jackson as the site for Hobbiton, home to Bilbo Baggins and friends in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘The Hobbit’ movie series. See top sites from the box office hits and visit the Green Dragon pub. Stop at a local honey center and winery, and enjoy panoramic views from Minden Lookout.

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.

This half-day shore excursion from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty highlights the rural riches of the Tauranga region. Enjoy samplings of manuka honey in this tranquil corner of the North Island where rolling farmlands dot the landscape. Head into the Kaimai mountains and follow your guide on an easy walk to the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park. A maximum of 19 participants ensures a small-group experience.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, head out for a full-day tour of Mt. Maunganui and Rotorua. In Rotorua, learn about Maori culture, and see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa—The Living Maori Village. Sample New Zealand specialties such as manuka honey and kiwi fruit, and spend time checking out highlights including Lake Rotorua and Government Gardens.

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 one of the North Island’s most impressive natural wonders and see the national symbol of New Zealand on this shore excursion from Tauranga. Walk through the caves to see stalagmites and stalactites before boarding a small boat to the incredible Waitomo Caves, filled with glittering glow-worms. Then visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to learn more about the native birds. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

Private Tour: Max 4 people. Our wonderful adventure begins as soon as I pick you up outside the port gates. I love seeing my fellow travelers fascinated by their experience of this amazing movie set where their favorite stories & characters were brought to life. Stand under the party tree, see all your favorites, and hear behind-the-scenes stories as you walk the meandering tracks past the Hobbit holes, Bilbo's House, Bag End, Gandalf's Cutting & The Mill. If you haven't seen the movie or read the books you still love it "Te Puia" Geysers - Rotorua Heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity and a center for Māori history and culture. See kiwi birds, Māori greenstone and wood carvers at work. Surrounded by a steaming volcanic landscape, see and feel the heat of boiling mud, and endlessly simmering hot pools, the thrilling sight of "Pohutu" geyser erupting boiling water and steam 100 ft high an amazing display of force. A full day of fun & adventure!

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.

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.

Make the most of a short time in Tauranga and Rotorua on a private shore excursion for up to eight people. Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this varied itinerary, which can be customized to suit your needs. Visit beautiful beaches, sample local kiwifruit, stroll through shady redwood forests, and be amazed at Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. A mix of cultural and natural attractions are offered.

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” will enjoy this private transfer service to the Hobbiton Movie set from Tauranga. It has been especially designed for cruise ship passengers, with port transfers and start times coordinated with ship arrival times. Get behind-the-scenes insight into the movies on the two-hour guided tour. Even travelers who haven’t seen the films will enjoy the fantastical set and the guide’s stories.

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.

Private Tour: Max 4 people The Redwoods Forest with its century-old trees offers tranquility as you traverse the worlds longest canopy walk. The gentle redwood giants, towering up to 75 feet are complemented by the forest floor's native flora & sweeping silver ferns. If you are not a nature enthusiast you will enjoy the stunning beauty from a birds-eye view as you navigate the 700-meter trail, pause on one of the 55 eco-suspended bridges & platforms to take a peek at the wonderful sight's surrounding you. "Te Puia Geysers" heartland of New Zealand's geothermal activity, Māori history & culture. See the historic sights of pre - European village, nocturnal Kiwi bird, wood & greenstone carvers at work. Surrounded by a steaming volcanic landscape, you'll see & feel the heat of boiling mud, hot water pools, & steam vents. Feel the force of "Pōhutu" geyser erupting, an awe-inspiring sight of the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere shooting boiling water & steam 100 ft above you.

Private tour: Max 4 people Two of New Zealand's most spectacular Geothermal Parks. See kiwifruit & avocado orchards, lakes district, lush farmland, waterfalls, native bush, and pine forests. Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. A self-guided tour following demarcated tracks through a stunning variety of volcanic phenomena. You’ll see fantastic naturally colored hot and cold pools, the world-famous Champagne Pool, massive craters and New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool formed over thousands of years of continuous volcanic activity. Te Puia Geysers. Heartland of Rotorua's geothermal activity & Maori culture. See and experience 'Pohutu' geyser the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere in action rumbling away as it erupts boiling water and steam up to 100 feet. An awesome sight. See & smell boiling mud pools, hot water pools, steam vents, a steaming volcanic landscape. See the famous Māori Haka, carving & weaving skills. Plenty to see and do on this tour.

Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down the 4 klm walk, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater. The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. On the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife, and stunning views across the lake at the imposing Mount Tarawera. You can also listen to the onboard commentary of the historic stories of the lake, and hear about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that covered and destroyed the pink and white terraces.

Private tour: exclusive to your group only. The amazing Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves. Want to do something different? Take this awesome day trip to explore these deep underground glow worm caves that will take your breath away. After an early start from the Port, we travel over the Kaimai Ranges into the Waikato region through New Zealand's best farmland, dairy farms, horse studs, and hydro dams - plenty to see on this trip! As you descend into the world-famous caves you can only marvel at the thousands of tiny glow worms and the wondrous display as your boat glides silently along the subterranean river. In the dark of the cave, their radiant luminescent lights give the impression of an amazingly clear night sky. An awesome sight! On the return journey, we stop at the rural township of Otorohanga to view our iconic national bird, the Kiwi at the Otorohanga Kiwi and Native bird sanctuary. Please note there is an approx. 2 + hour drive each way through wonderful picturesque country side.

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. Visit Te Puia, a geothermal park where you’ll see the spurting Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, a Maori village, and New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi.

Private tour: Max 4 people. A living Māori village. The villagers have built their homes amongst erupting geysers, boiling mud, steam vents, & hot pools. They use natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes. Walk amongst the wonders of the Whakarewarewa Valley, our guide explains the history of the village, where the Tuhourangi / Ngati Wahiao tribe has lived for over 200 years. See Pohutu the biggest active geyser in the southern hemisphere erupting up to 100 feet. Amongst this steaming volcanic landscape, generations of villagers have made Whakarewarewa there home. On this tour, you will see NZ’s best surf beach, stunning scenery, kiwifruit orchards, the scenic lakes district, beautiful farmland, native bush, pine plantation & dairy farms. We take a short stroll through the breathtaking, giant, 70 ft high, 120 year old Redwood Forest & wonder at the natural beauty. We explore Rotorua’s lakefront, hotspots and pristine Government Gardens before returning to port