Top Tauranga Sightseeing Tours

On this full-day shore excursion, take a journey deep into Middle Earth without the stress and strict scheduling of a large group tour. Drive from Tauranga into the heart of the Waikato with a small group and guide, also spend some time in the secluded New Zealand bush at McLaren Falls Park and see the striking titular waterfall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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 * Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship * * Gold Qualmark Tour Operator *

Discover the history, scenery and delicious food produce of Tauranga on this guided tour. Take in stunning views of the area’s natural beauty, from Mount Maunganui to the sandy beaches. Visit important historical sites and discover the area’s rich local industries including kiwifruit and avocado produce. Taste delicious, locally grown fruit and meet the people behind these world-renowned industries.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

This popular and relaxing cruise journeys through the beautiful inner harbour of Tauranga with the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a stunning backdrop. The KEWPIE has two cruise decks and plenty of room to soak up the amazing views. It also boasts a fully licensed lounge bar and bar snacks are also available. Scenic highlights of this great value cruise include: The Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance A diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive highly developed port infrastructure Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise like blue penguins, sea birds or NZ fur seals

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!

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.

Enjoy wet’n’wild adventure with the family at the Waimarino Adventure Park in Tauranga, New Zealand. Inside the park, choose from a whole host of exciting rides, slides and chutes. Bounce on the water trampoline, test your head for heights on the climbing wall, fly through the air on the Tarzan swing or challenge a friend to a gladiator duel. Hire kayaks and pedalos, or simply soak up the rays at the water’s edge. With all activities included on the pass, enjoy excellent value for money all day long.

See and do the best of Tauranga on this easy private shore excursion that is especially designed to make the most of a short time on land. Pick and choose from the included activities, such as beaches, orchards, and bushwalks, and add on some optional extras if you like. Receive personalized attention on a private tour for up to 8 people.

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.

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.

Cruise around beautiful Mount Maunganui on a Harley Davidson. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the immediate area.