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.

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.

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.

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.

Join this tour for a must-do, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat!  Number 1 on Trip Advisor and Trip Advisor Award of Excellence 4 years in a row! We guarantee dolphins or whale sightings as we want you to have this amazing experience! Get up close and personal with playful dolphins who love interacting with people. You can stay dry and watch the magic from the boat or get in the water and swim with these fantastic wild dolphins. Our vessel Guardian is a fast, stable, full facility power catamaran with a 100 percent safety record over the last 14 years.  Our crew is the most experienced in the Bay.  Join us for the experience of a lifetime!! This is the perfect tour for everyone so book now and don’t miss out!

Departs 10:00am (Subject to cruise ship docking times). Enjoy this 4 Hour boutique tour of Tauranga. Picking you up from right outside the Tauranga port gates the local guide accompaning you will serve as your expert, connecting you with the natural beauty, history, culture, industry and people of Tauranga. See amazing views, beautiful beaches, historical sites, orchards and experience the taste of our world-renowned Kiwifruit and Avocado industries and sample teas sourced locally and from around the world. At the completion of the tour your guide will transport you back to the port gates. - RUNS OCTOBER TO APRIL ONLY

*** We run ALL these tours to fit with cruise ships arrival & sailing times**** Are you looking for a short tour where you get to feel the heartbeat of this region but still have time to peruse the shops near by? Step off your cruise ship and join us in exploring some of the fun things which makes Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty. Enjoy a short tour covering an extensive mix of attractions, activities, and places, pristine white beaches, arts and crafts, history, culture, & fine foods, some of which are unique to Tauranga. 4 Hours with a small group – guaranteed to see plenty. • Idyllic seaside resort of Mount Maunganui • Interesting city centre • Learn about Historic Landmarks - The Elms Mission station, • Visit Maori Battle grounds, to name but a few sights. • Beautiful rose gardens - Nov/Feb • Kiwifruit tasting • Walk in native rainforest • Beautiful Waterfalls • Impressive Photo Opportunities Enjoy a Freshly baked muffin and great coffee at cottage cafe.

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.

Our journey kicks off with a scenic drive around the Mount area, crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge and passing by historic landmarks like the Elms Mission House and the Old Post Office nestled in Tauranga's city centre.  Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes as we drive you past the Kiwi & Avocado orchards (time permitting a brief stop) before ascending to the breathtaking Scenic Lookout.

From there, soak in the sweeping panoramic views of the Coromandel, with the distant silhouette of Whakaari / White Island completing the sceneOn your return lies the charming township of Mount Maunganui, beckoning you to explore its delightful array of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Take a stroll around Mauao, the bay, or the picturesque
Mount Main Beach.

Throughout the tour, we'll make a single stop at the lookout for an unforgettable photo opportunity.

* Complimentary Wi-Fi on board *

Visit Te Puia home of the famous Pohutu Geyser. The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Your guide will take you on a tour of the natural bush, geysers and mud pools with a remarkable walk along the Te Whakarewarewa geyser terrace.

Visit Te Puia home of the famous Pohutu Geyser. The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Your guide will take you on a tour of the natural bush, geysers and mud pools with a remarkable walk along the Te Whakarewarewa geyser terrace.

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.

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 check out cool spots like the Elms Mission House and Old Post Office. We’ll pass 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 stunning Mauao or the main beach!

Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will explore the Bay of Plenty coastline where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca...even turtles! Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.
 The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

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.