Top Tauranga Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a 5-hour dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks and muffins on board. Tour operates during summer months from November to May.

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.

A unique experience to explore our beautiful harbour by waka ama (outrigger) canoe and hear the cultural stories of our mountain, Mauao, guided by Māori people of local tribes. Learn to paddle a waka ama before joining our local crew on the ocean. Our experienced steerers safely transport you to the mountain, Mauao, while sharing stories of how our ancestors travelled these waters. You are also guided on a walk around the mountain. Seeking inspiration on how to be a better guardian of our earth? Hear how the local tribes take care of the mountain, how the community keeps it's clean green status, and what values are upheld in the Māori culture. We are 100% local and 95% tangata whenua (indigenous people of the area).

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.

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.

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).

Get a close-up view of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine life on this half-day dolphin-watching tour from Tauranga. As well as graceful dolphins, you’re likely to spot penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and maybe even turtles. This is an ideal family activity, as the boat is small and your tour personalized. Learn about the marine environment from the crew, and also enjoy views of Mt. Maunganui and Moturiki Island.

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 meter vessel with 360° outdoor views. Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching. Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca. Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife. Photos of a lifetime!

When your ship pulls into port at Tauranga, take a shore excursion to Waimarino Adventure Park for a kayaking adventure on Lake McLaren. Paddle on the serene lake with an expert guide and look for myriad birds within reach. Peer at gentle streams that lap the tranquil water’s edge and find photo ops against the scenic backdrop of steep-walled Mangapapa Canyon.

Discover the beautiful Mt Maunganui from the ocean. This is a cultural experience on stand up paddle boards, delivered by tangata whenua (people of the land) of Tauranga. This experience is around 2 hours long, with approximately 1 hour on the water.

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views. Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching. Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
 Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife. Photos of a lifetime!