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Things to do in Tauranga & the Bay of Plenty

Discover Shore Excursions & Activities for Cruise Ship Passengers visiting the Port of Tauranga. 

City & Scenic Sightseeing
2-hour Local Bus Tour

Discover Tauranga and Mount Maunganui through the eyes of a local with our short tour. Free Wi-Fi on our vehicles.   This tour is only offered on cruise ship days, as it’s specifically scheduled to align with cruise arrivals.

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Experience

A vehicle and a driver will be provided for your trip to Rotorua where you will visit the Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa.  This tour is only offered on cruise ship days, as it’s specifically scheduled to align with cruise arrivals.

V8 Trike Tours

Discover Tauranga in a thrilling V8 Trike with a driver guide. It's family-friendly, and there are a range of tours to choose from.   

Good news.. this #1 Attraction is available to book all year round!!

Vehicle Hire with Driver

Contact us to book a luxury minibus or coach with driver. Our experienced driver/guide will help you map out your day's adventures. 

Hobbiton Express LOTR Movie Set

Step into Middle Earth on an unforgettable tour by Shore Trips & Tours to Hobbiton Express Lord of the Rings (LOTR) Movie Set.

Te Puia & Explore Rotorua

Custom Day Tours provide personalised itineraries, with our Rotorua Tour being a favourite for cruise ship passengers.

Hobbiton Day Tour

Custom Day Tours provide personalised itineraries, with the Hobbiton Day Tour being a favourite for cruise ship passengers.

Mana Māori Experiences

Authentic Māori guide takes you on a journey of cultural discovery of significant sites, stories and ancient tribal customs.  Available on cruise ship days only.

Learn to Surf!

Learn to surf in the beautiful bay with Hibiscus Surf School. Suitable for all ages. A range of packages available. 

Scenic Helicopter Flight

Book your scenic helicopter flight with Adventure Helicopters on their website and mention Things to Do in Tauranga.

Mount Hot Pools 
(temporarily closed)

Soak & relax in heated salt water pools. Book on their website and mention you found them on Things to Do in Tauranga!

Massage Therapy

Enjoy a relaxing massage at Mount Hot Pools (temporarily closed) or Baywave. Book on their website and mention Things to Do in Tauranga!

Things to do in Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal city located in the stunning Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. It's a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures as well as a place to relax and explore with picturesque beaches, lush forests, and a diverse range of wildlife.

When visiting by Cruise Ship, there are many things you can do in and around Tauranga while on your shore excursion. We’re on a mission to share with you exciting day tours and attractions. If you need help booking or arranging your itinerary contact us. 

Following a recent extreme rainfall event, parts of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty have been affected by landslips and weather-related damage. Recovery and safety operations are ongoing at some locations, and a small number of visitor attractions and businesses are currently closed.  Click this link to find out more: Latest official information

Here is a link to the retailers of Mount Mainstreet - they would love your support! 

Scenic or Relaxing Experiences

If you're seeking a scenic tour or relaxing activity, there is something for everyone. Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are home to picturesque beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Hire a driver and guide to see the sights.

Adrenaline-pumping Experiences

For thrill-seekers, Tauranga offers a range of adrenaline-pumping experiences and an exhilarating way to experience the region's stunning natural beauty. Experience skydiving, helicopter tours, or take a V8 trike ride.

Shore Excursion Booking Assistance

If you're a cruise ship passenger that needs assistance with booking or planning a shore excursion, Contact Us and we can help you with booking or planing your itinerary so you can return to the ship on time for departure. 

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions for the Port of Tauranga

Did you know? The Port of Tauranga isn’t actually in Tauranga, it’s in the vibrant town of Mount Maunganui.

While Tauranga is known as one of New Zealand’s top cruise destinations, the real magic happens the moment you step off your ship. You’ll find yourself right in “The Mount” a lively beach resort that buzzes with energy, sunshine and that laid-back Kiwi holiday vibe.

There’s so much to see and enjoy here. Sadly, our treasured Mauao (mountain) and the Mount Hot Pools are currently closed following recent tragic events. You’re still very welcome to take a stroll along the shores of Pilot Bay, Mount Main Beach or wander into Downtown Mount where you’ll find boutique and souvenir shops, local eateries, relaxed bars and restaurants and cozy cafés all just a short walk from where your ship is docked. Our local retailers would truly appreciate your support 😇

Meanwhile, Tauranga itself is the Bay of Plenty’s business hub, thriving with commerce and trade.  But most visitors can’t resist spending their time soaking up the atmosphere at 'The Mount', where the beaches, views, and coastal charm steal the show.

Insider tip: A fantastic way to explore the area is on the City & Scenic Sightseeing 2-hour Local Tour at only $60 NZD per person. It’s the perfect introduction to this stunning slice of New Zealand!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Things To Do in Tauranga?

Things To Do in Tauranga is a locally owned and operated website representing local tour operators in the Bay of Plenty. We offer shore excursions for cruise passengers visiting the Port of Tauranga.

Are these tours suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, all tours are designed specifically for cruise ship passengers docking at the Port of Tauranga, offering experiences in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty area.

Are the tours listed on your site by independent local operators?

Yes, all tours are provided by independent local operators, so there are no third-party booking fees. We ensure all tours are suitable for cruise ship passengers before advertising them on our website.

Are tour details, pricing, and terms set by each operator?

Yes, each operator sets their own details, pricing and terms. Full booking information is available on their website, by contacting them directly or by contacting us through the Booking Assistance button on our website.

How do I book a tour listed on your website?

Click the Book Now button under each tour on our home page or on the individual tour operator’s page and complete the booking process. 

Do you handle bookings directly, or do some operators use their own booking system?

While many operators use our booking system, some manage their own. When you click the Book Now button, you’ll be redirected to the appropriate booking system.

Can I contact the operator directly before booking?

Yes, you can. Click the tour image or the in-text link to visit the operator’s page, where you’ll find their phone and email contact details. If you have specific requirements, we recommend contacting the operator before booking or using the Booking Assistance button on our website to contact us.

Is this website affiliated with the cruise lines?

No, we are independent from cruise lines. Things To Do in Tauranga represents local tour operators in Tauranga and Rotorua, including smaller operators who may not be widely represented elsewhere.

Are the tours Qualmark accredited?

Yes. All the operators listed on our website are Qualmark accredited which is the New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality.

Do the tours include Port of Tauranga pick-up and return?

Yes, all tours include pick-up and return to the Port of Tauranga.

I am a local Bay of Plenty tour operator. How do I advertise on your website?

Click the Advertise button in the menu area to submit a request, and we'll contact you.

Have another question? Contact us

Things to do in Tauranga is the place to book cruise ship shore excursions and exciting outdoor and indoor activities. If you need help, contact us and we’ll do our best to find you exactly what you’re looking for or assist you with booking our tours.

Things To Do In Tauranga is all about making sure you have the best time while visiting Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and the beautiful Bay of Plenty!

Link to Mount Mainstreet