Things to Do in Tauranga

Join a full-day adventure from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula and Cathedral Cove. Experience scenic drives, pristine beaches, and breathtaking views with a picnic style lunch included.

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown. In Rotorua we visit the iconic Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of maori song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland and some bubbling hot mudpools and hot springs, or a guided walk incl. viewing the Pohutu geyser). Then we drive to the nearby holiday lakes of okareka and tikitapu/blue (and possibly Tarawera if time allows), Stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest...tranquil, serene and unique. Redwoods forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere falls are two more options, again if time allows.

Embark on a winter cruise and enjoy a hot drink, beautiful sunshine and fresh sea air. Discover the beauty of Tauranga Moana from the water and look out for local wildlife as you sail along the coast.

Gold Qualmark Operator ***** 2020–2026 Travellers’ Choice Award – Top 10% Attraction Worldwide Get ready for a world-renowned, one-of-a-kind adventure as we take you out on our custom-built V8 Chevrolet trikes through the stunning Bay of Plenty. Built in New Zealand and powered by 5700cc Chevrolet engines, these machines deliver raw power, sound, and excitement—balanced with a smooth, stable ride thanks to their low centre of gravity. Fully registered as cars with NZTA (no helmets needed, just seatbelts), our trikes are suitable for ages 2+ and all abilities, including guests with mobility needs. Pricing is per vehicle, not per person, with space for up to 4 passengers per tour.

Exclusive Cruise Ship (Shore Excursion) tour in Tauranga, New Zealand. Visit a private organic fruit orchard and some of the best locations Tauranga has to offer. Small group tour with VIP offering.

This authentic experience will provide interesting insights into the seasonal activities that keep the orchard thriving and make our avocados so delicious. You'll discover why this superfood is adored by so many. To top it off, you'll tantalise your tastebuds with some delicious guacamole and avocado ice cream, a true celebration of this versatile fruit. This experience is suitable for visitors young and old who have a love of avocados, or a desire to connect with local culture and food production in this region.

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.

Experience the magic of our orchard and see firsthand how seasonal practices keep our avocados at their best. Uncover why this superfood has such a devoted following and treat yourself to a tasting of inventive avocado dishes that highlight its unique flavor. Ideal for avocado lovers and those keen to dive into local food culture, this adventure promises excitement and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Explore Tauranga Harbour on a boat full of character. Enjoy the scenic views of Mount Maunganui as you cruise and search for local wildlife in the surrounding waters and shoreline.

Discover more than just Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders. With a private guide, you’ll explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, stroll through historic Government Gardens, enjoy a thermal foot soak at Kuirau Park, and visit cultural treasures like the Te Arawa Whare Waka. Along the way, you’ll see hidden gems including the Kaituna River Falls, kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke, and New Zealand’s most iconic beach at Mount Maunganui. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.

Soar over the waterfalls of the Kaituna river, flying through the native forest over four ziplines, and one swingbridge infused with Maori culture thats suitable for all ages and abilities.

Exclusive tour taking you to a private Kiwifruit and Avocado orchard. We provide you with a VIP experience, including modern European vehicles with snacks and refreshments during the day. We explore some of the best Tauranga destinations, offering a truly unique, informative, and special journey for all our guests. Visiting an organic orchard is unique alone; however, this orchard is operated by one of the industry leaders in the New Zealand growers network. A picturesque setting with our local 190 Hectare Park and a visit to our historical village make this day a special Tauranga excursion with the best bits on offer.

Embark on an outdoor adventure from Tauranga and admire wild common dolphins from the boat and, in some cases, get in the water with these beautiful creatures.

Pass by kiwifruit orchards and lakes as we drive you to the nearby town of Rotorua. Learn about the real New Zealand as we explore the hinterland in a small group. Visit The amazing Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland-New Zealand's best geothermal experience! Be guided through this dramatic and unique park and witness the Lady Knox Geyser. Buy your lunch at the cafe here- "hangi" pasties recommended! Next we visit a secret spot where you will witness the best boiling mud pools in NZ. Next you choose between 2 locations: 1. The awe-inspiring Redwood Forest; Experience the cool and calm created by this unique ecosystem, either on the ground, or by upgrading to the Canopy Treetop Walk: Traversing the swing bridges and walkways high in the forest 2. For those who want something a bit more luxurious, there is also the option to take time out in a private forest hot tub (extra charge), complete with drinks on tap! Enjoy tasting kiwifruit, NZ sweets, brownie and cool drinks along the way.

Swim with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty on a full-day adventure from Tauranga. Snorkel with a guide in a stunning bay, enjoy a BBQ lunch on a beautiful island, and relax on a comfortable boat.

Why Choose Our Gin Lab Experience? Personalised Gin Creation: Design a 500ml bottle of gin tailored to your tastebuds, selecting from an extensive range of botanicals, many of which are cultivated in our on-site permaculture garden. Educational Distillery Tour: Gain insights into our sustainable distillation process and discover how we harness the power of plants to craft our luxury gins and liqueurs. Award-Winning Tastings: After your session, enjoy a complimentary tasting at our Cellar Door, sampling our award-winning spirits, including New Zealand's Best Botanical Spirit. 36 x 5 star Reviews on Google... “What an amazing time we had! Our hosts were so welcoming and informative- the gin was delicious and there was plenty of it to try! All 3 of us learnt a lot about tasting notes and pairings, to improve our future gin drinking experiences." “A must-do for gin lovers. The setting is beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable, and the gin is outstanding.”

Discover the beauty of Lake Tarawera, relax at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, explore the Redwoods Forest and see the mighty Okere Falls on a guided tour from Tauranga Cruise Port.

Join our local driver guides for a fun filled good old Kiwi Day out! Start the day as strangers and end as friends is our motto. We are sure you will have a fabulous day out and get to experience a "taste of Rotorua". Join us in experiencing Te Puia which is home to Pohutu Geyser which erupts multiple times in a day, bubbling mud, the kiwi conservation centre and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you will see the craftsmen/women at work weaving, wood and bone/ponamu carving. Dine in Pataka Kai for lunch. Next stop Redwoods Treewalk which is a breathtaking view of our Redwood Forest from above on a 700 metre track suspended amongst the forest. Venture into a breathtaking 70-metre eco cave at Redwoods Glowworms - filled with dramatic rock formations and a dazzling display of over 5,000 glowworms. Lastly a soak at Hells Gate in the mud bath followed by a mineral pool which is great for soothing any aches and pains. We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of New Zealand.

Take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Plenty. Choose from 3 flight options and enjoy views of Mount Maunganui, Omanu Beach, and the Tauranga Harbour.

- Learn to surf at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand’s most iconic and beginner-friendly beach. - Enjoy small group sizes (max 8) for personalised guidance from expert, certified instructors. - Perfect for beginners, with step-by-step lessons in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. - All equipment provided, including surfboard and wetsuit—just bring swimwear and a towel. - Gain ocean awareness and master essential techniques, from paddling to standing on your board. - Create unforgettable memories as you connect with the ocean and ride your first waves. - Experience the thrill of surfing while surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.

Discover the best of Tauranga & Mount Maunganui on a 2-hour local sightseeing tour. Beaches, harbour, iconic landmarks, kiwifruit orchards, scenic views and even deer (if you're lucky) at the lookout!

Relax sit back to take in interesting and informative commentary about the harbour, region, local legends and history. The ancient Maori Legend of Mount Maunganui is retold as we cruise past the icons base. See the Statue of Tangaroa as he guards the Harbour entrance & learn of his place in Maori folk law. Cross the entrance of Te Awanui, (Tauranga harbour). Tuck into the picturesque shores of Matakana Island, the third largest island of the north. Continue through Tauranga harbours two inner islands, natural history, and orchards. Through the western channel to Sulphur point, and its relation to our active volcano. Tauranga port and industry working up close, with interesting facts on exports, history and ships.

Experience two of Rotorua’s greatest destinations in a small group with VIP offering. Redwood Canopy Treewalk and Maori Village with Geyser in addition to local destination stops during your journey.

Heading inland from Tauranga, you will pass through the beachside town of Mount Maunganui on your way to a 12 acre sheep farm in Matamata. This farm is one that Peter Jackson fell in love with, and we now know as Middle Earth. The Lord of the Rings director picked a spot of lush, rolling, green hills to create the Hobbiton set. Enjoy a guided tour through the hobbit holes, Bagshot Row, the Mill, the famous bridge and finish up the tour with a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings fan, the landscape of the area is magical enough, and you will get to see a working New Zealand sheep and beef farm. Soak up the atmosphere of the Kaimai Ranges and don't forget to grab some movie set souvenirs on your way out. The remaining hours of the total hour duration of the tour is allotted to travel time.

Embark on a private tour of Rotorua, a region where natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and unique wildlife come together to create an unforgettable experience —stunning nature & culture! Awaits you!

Our tours are all tailored for cruise passengers, and we will meet you at the port. We time our trips to fit your docking time, and will have you back with plenty of time to spare. Our small group tours ensure you get plenty of local knowledge and have fun with a more personalised approach. Ditch the impersonal big bus tours for our fully guided, friendly and fun-filled options. Enjoy treats and drinks along the way, and travel comfortably in our luxury vans with panoramic windows. Come join us as we show you the very best this region has to offer.

Bespoke, tailored surf coaching to advance your surfing as quickly as possible. Suitable for all levels, beginner to elite.

Join us for our over 16 years of age tour Private guided walking tour through Ohinemutu, a living Māori geothermal village situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. After the Māori Village tour we head to Waiariki Spa (adults only). Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua a world class spa awaits. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury Māori cultural wellness thermal retreat for adults. Wai Ariki is owned by Ngāti Whakaue and is built on their legacy of cultural traditions, healing practices and manaakitanga (warm hospitality). Wai Ariki meaning 'Chiefly Waters' is architecturally stunning and culturally authentic specialising in holistic health and wellbeing. The 2-hour Restorative Journey - Wai Whakaora is a 7-step multisensory experience blending Māori culture, traditional healing practices with the healing elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam. The Journey is unique in the world and has been purposefully curated to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Discover a blend of adventure and natural wonder on a canoe tour in Tauranga. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the enchanting world of Glowworms from the comfort of your Big Kanu.

Immerse yourself into the heart of New Zealand with a one of a kind experience visiting Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village. As you make your way to Rotorua, you will smell it before you see it, a geothermal wonderland that is still home to Tuhourangi and Ngati Wahiao people. Wander the trail network circling around bubbling mud pots and spouting geysers while learning about the heritage of those that have inhabited the area and lived off its features for over 200 years. We recommend the optional Cultural Performancel to see the famous Haka live! We will also visit The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures. Important to have comfortable shoes, sunhats, swimming gears, drinking water. You will head back to sea with a new appreciation for the land and a smile on your face!

Skydive over Mount Maunganui and the beautiful Bay of Plenty on a trip from Tauranga. Experience a 20- to 25-minute scenic flight and up to a minute of thrilling freefall.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. 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.

Enjoy a scenic cruise from Tauranga and explore the pristine Bay of Plenty waters. Search for dolphins, seals, whales, and other marine wildlife, and purchase refreshing drinks from the onboard bar.

This tour is start from Tauranga Port for the cruise passengers. It's a shore excursion tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It's the half private tour which means you will be joined at the Hobbiton movie set as they are doing only group tours. You will experience Middle Earth and the Shire on a 2.5 hour tour that is shared with other guests.

Paddle to the ancestral mountain of Mauao on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure. Hear stories of ancient and recent times, enjoy a snack, and take a short walk on the mountain.

What sets this SUP Adventure apart is the opportunity to connect with our local Māori instructors and hear stories of our ancestors, their traditions, and how they lived on Mount Maunganui. Guests paddle along the coastline, explore a nearby beach, and take a short guided walk on Mauao while learning about the local environment and our values of caring for the land and sea. This combination of activity, storytelling, and cultural insight creates a personal, meaningful, and memorable coastal adventure.

Showcasing New Zealand's most stunning & varied harbour, every Sunday afternoon. With live commentary & onboard bar just sit back & relax with stunning views, history & ancient Maori legends.

This unique walking tour allows guests to enjoy their experience by learning about the ancient history of Mount Maunganui dating back to the arrival period of our Māori ancestors to current day. A highlight is the ancient pohutukawa tree that was used in tribal rituals. This tree is believed to be one of the oldest in New Zealand. The stories told at the locations are not well-known by many locals, and definitely not by visitors to our community. The stories told are generally from the ancient Māori tribal perspective which leaves guests with a greater understanding of this city. Min of 3 guests for tour to proceed.

Learn to surf in the stunning setting of Mount Maunganui Beach with a Group Beginner Surf Lesson. Get personalised tips from expert instructors in a small group setting.

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

Soar above Mount Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty coastline. Stunning aerial views of some of New Zealand's best beaches, Mauao / Mount Maunganui, and Matakana Island, an unforgettable scenic flight.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour no longer operates in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga. All other days will operate as normal. Step into the magical world of Middle-earth on this unforgettable journey from the Bay of Plenty to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, combined with scenic coastal views, native forest walks, and beautiful countryside landscapes.

Discover New Zealand's hidden gems on a guided day tour from Auckland. Visit the Waihi Gold Mine, admire Katikati's murals, McLaren Falls, and walk along the Blue Springs before returning to Auckland.

Take a tour in your own private minivan with an experienced local guide. This Private tour is for a group of up to 8 people. Your day will vary from stunning white sandy beaches, to boiling mud pools and beautiful forests. There is so much to see and experience in this stunning part of New Zealand. Choose an attraction to visit or enjoy all the "Freebies" this area offers. I can customise your day. Do as much or as little as you choose. Its "Your Day Your Way". Have a great day out with your own Private guide. "FREEBIES": - Sandy Beaches and beautiful countryside - Lake Rotorua and the Redwood Forest - Rotorua City Government Gardens - Kuirau Park Geothermal area with bubbling mud, hot springs and a footbath OPTIONAL EXTRAS: - Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village or - Te Puia Geotherrmal Park and NZ Maori Atrs & Craft Institiute - Skyline Gondola & luge - Agrodome Sheep show - White water rafting - Zorbing - Polynesian pools

Explore Middle-earth and Rotorua on a private NZ adventure: wander Hobbiton, feel geothermal power, and stroll the Redwoods treetop walk—stunning nature, culture and movie magic! Awaits you!

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.

An easy pace, fully guided scenic kayak tour upon the wonderfully calm Lake McLaren on this 3-hour experience. Gently paddle a kayak past, multitude of birdlife and into the stunning Mangapapa canyon.

Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures. Your authentic Māori storyteller guide will take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with significant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD. This is not just a window to our culture, it's an immersion. Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning. A minimum of 4 guests is required for this tour to proceed.

Take off from Tauranga to Mount Ruapehu, the tallest mountain in the North Island of New Zealand. Fly over Rotorua Lakes, Lake Taupo, the iconic Tongariro Crossing and the mighty Mount Doom.

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