Tauranga tours, things to do and tickets

Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft guides - so you know you'll be in great hands!! No where in the world can you raft down such a beautiful river that drops into a vertical walled canyon filled with raftable waterfalls and countless playful rapids. The water is deep and warm (most of the year) and is usually a highlight of peoples visit to NZ. All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We will give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river! This is also most definitely the best value for money rafting in NZ too. Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience. Cheers & see you on the river - Pete & Blue

Enjoy delicious locally sourced refreshments by the lake with your guide. Paddle your kayak into the night to discover the magic of an enchanting Glowworm canyon.

***ALL OUR TOURS START & END TO FIT THE CRUISE SHIPS' ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES*** Rotorua is the 2nd most visited city in New Zealand by all tourists. As you only have a small window of opportunity to visit we have created an itinerary to showcase some of what we think makes this place so special. The two main interests which make people visit is Maori Culture & Geothermal Activity. This tour showcases the area where your ship is docked (Mount Maunganui) before we depart for the city of Rotorua. Enroute we showcase all which creates the namesake of the Bay of Plenty. Arriving at Rotorua's only Living Maori Village of its kind - Whakarewarewa - you will receive a traditional welcome and invited by a local to join them on a guided tour of this unique place. A village which lives on top of an active geothermal valley and has learnt to harness the powers of mother nature to aid their daily living needs for 100's of year. See geysers, steaming fumaroles , bubbling hot pools and much more.

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are the central areas for this kayak tour - it uses double kayaks on the calm sheltered waters of Lake McLaren. The tour operates in the evening due to the visibility of the glow worms.. As the evening unfolds, begin your journey with a short scenic drive through rolling countryside, you’ll arrive at the breath taking Lake McLaren. Here, you’ll be welcomed with “Te Reka O Te Whenua- the Taste of the Land” a curated tasting session featuring flavours unique to Aotearoa. Savour the flavours of New Zealand Cheeses, sweet RewaRewa honey, and other artisanal delights, perfectly paired with locally brewed kombucha. In the cooler months, sip on warm, spiced 0% mulled wine to keep you warm.

Take the leap and Fall for Tauranga! You will start your experience with an incredible 20-25 minute scenic flight over the beautiful Bay of Plenty, offering up some of the most beautiful views in New Zealand. Take off to breathtaking views of The Mount and golden beaches expanding as far as the eye can see. Higher up, you’ll be able to see White Island, Mount Ruapehu, the Rotorua Lakes, The Coromandel and even Mount Taranaki. And if you still had some breath left after that, freefalling back towards Tauranga at 200km/h might help!

Soar Over Waterfalls, fly through trees, and be enlightened by local guides during this Māori culture-infused Zipline experience that will have all ages and abilities fizzing.

Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

Our vehicles and our tours are designed to provide you with the best possible comfort, exceptional value and mixed with personal interaction to ensure you can enjoy your day stress free knowing we have everything sorted for you! We are the only Tauranga based tour company with a Hobbiton trained tour guide. When you join us on tour you will also have free Wi-Fi and USB charging points in the vehicle. We are also provide refreshments and snacks during our tour. You and your travelling companions can experience the best of Tauranga and the renowned 'Hobbiton' with assurance of knowing we have you in mind.

*** We run ALL these tours to fit with cruise ships arrival & sailing times**** This half-day Tauranga Highlights Tour is designed especially for cruise guests who want to see more in less time—without feeling rushed. You’ll enjoy a guided, personal experience with plenty of local insights, immersive stops, and stunning scenery. This tour blends the must-see sights with authentic stories and hidden gems you won’t find on your ship’s excursions, offering exceptional value, relaxed pacing, and the warm hospitality that makes the Bay of Plenty so special. • Guaranteed to see plenty at this Idyllic seaside resort of Mount Maunganui • Interesting Tauranga city centre • Learn about and visit Historic Landmarks - • See the beautiful rose gardens - Nov/Feb • Kiwifruit & Manuka honey tasting • Walk in native rainforest to beautiful Waterfalls • Impressive Photo Opportunities Join the locals at a cottage cafe and enjoy a freshly baked muffin /scone and great coffee.

Join this tour for a must-do, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat! Admire wild common dolphins from the boat and, in some cases, get in the water with these beautiful creatures. This is a half-day trip departing from Tauranga Bridge Marina aboard the comfortable catamaran The Guardian, with an expert crew providing live commentary on the animals' behaviour and life history, as well as any support you may need throughout the tour. Our summer dolphin encounter tours operate from November to May, weather and passenger numbers permitting.

Discover the stories, flavours, and scenic beauty of Tauranga on this immersive four-hour journey combining coastal highlights, fascinating history, and local food experiences. RUNS SEPTEMBER TO APRIL ONLY

Visit the authentic Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village in the geothermal region of Rotorua on our full-day excursion which includes a guided tour, cultural concert and a light lunch. A Maori villager will guide you through the village, explaining how they make use of the harsh geothermal environment to their advantage. The famous Pohutu geyser can also be viewed from a safe distance as it erupts naturally during the day. Walk among the natural geothermal springs and steaming lakes, to see how your lunch is cooked in the traditional Hangi method. You will also enjoy a 30-minute Maori cultural performance of singing, dancing and warrior demonstrations, including the famous Haka. You tour also includes visits to Rotorua Government Gardens and other highlights of Rotorua, passing by 2 beautiful lakes, forests, kiwifruit orchards and the stunning coastline and beaches of Mount Maunganui. Please note that the tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted.

Experience a fascinating journey through the culture, geothermal wonders, and natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua on this immersive six-hour adventure.

The Ultimate 2-Hour Tour of Tauranga & Mount Maunganui! Jump on for a quick, fun-filled ride exploring Tauranga and Mount Maunganui’s hidden gems! Kick off with a scenic drive around the Mount, cruise over the Harbour Bridge and pass by cool spots like the Elms Mission House and Old Post Office. We’ll also cruise by lush kiwi and avocado orchards before heading to the Scenic Lookout, your perfect photo stop with epic views of the Coromandel and White Island. After the tour, you’ll have free time to wander the charming shops, cafes, and beaches of Mount Maunganui or take a stroll along the beautiful boardwalks or the main beach! This tour has only 1 stop (5-10 mins) which is at the lookout!

PRIVATE TOURS HAVE FLEXIBLE START / END TIMES TO MEET SHIP ARRIVAL & SAILING TIMES. Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and authentic Māori culture on a private, time-efficient shore tour. Departing from Tauranga, this private shore excursion takes you through rolling farmland and kiwifruit orchards to Rotorua, home of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Discover steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and soothing thermal waters before immersing yourself in the world-renowned Te Puia Māori Cultural Centre. Experience the power of the haka, explore authentic Māori traditions, and witness geothermal marvels up close. Blending culture, scenery, and comfort, this exclusive excursion is truly a “must-do” experience.

Watch wild dolphins swim and play right beneath your feet! That is the magical, close-up encounter we specialize in. We don't just look for marine life, we actively help protect it. Every cruise features a dedicated marine biologist crew who log wildlife sightings for scientific study, giving you a deeper, hands-on understanding of our local ecosystems. Our spacious 18-metre vessel is built specifically for open-ocean comfort and exceptional stability, ensuring a relaxed journey for all ages. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from our open top deck, or relax out of the weather in our fully covered lower lounge. To keep your journey intimate, we purposely limit passenger numbers so you always have room to move, and you can enjoy a cold drink from our fully licensed onboard bar as you cruise the beautiful Bay of Plenty coastline. Spaces fill up quickly. Book your authentic Kiwi marine adventure online today to secure your spots on the bow!

Bring your family, swimsuits, barbecue supplies or picnic and make a day of it with our supreme adventure park pass options, or if you’re short on time, come down and rent a kayak by the hour.

Kia Ora! Welcome to V8 Trike Tours, New Zealand Gold Qualmark Operator ***** 2020-2025 Traveler's Choice Award - Top 10% Attraction Worldwide! As seen on Travel Guides NZ · TV Programme 2021 Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Designed and built in New Zealand, our awesome trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It’s the ultimate in power and excitement. With a low centre of gravity, our trikes provide a smooth ride with an impressive grip around corners. Suitable for ages 2+ and all abilities including disabled. Registered as a car with NZTA and not a motorbike therefore seatbelts are compulsory not helmets. Suitable for age 2+ and all abilities, special needs, disabled or those with mobility issues. Note: price is per vehicle not per person so a max of 4 people can take the tour

A day of Epicurean delights, visiting a boutique brewery, travelling through scenic countryside to Rotorua, then up on the gondola to a cellar door with spectacular views and great wine! The tour finishes with a cocktail (or coffee) and dessert at our last venue, overlooking our beautiful harbour. Clients enjoy the diversity of venues and the variety of tastings. A chance to treat your palate! This approximately 6-hour small group tour has a range of great sights to see on the way and the starting time can be adjusted to accommodate variations in ship arrival time.