Top Tauranga Full-day Tours

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.

Explore New Zealand’s magical North Island on this 7-hour Tauranga shore excursion. See the golden sands of Mt Maunganui’s Marine Parade and stroll along Papamoa Beach as local fishermen haul in their catches. Learn about traditional Maori arts and crafts, culture and history in Te Puia, and watch a performance of the Maori war dance. Explore Rotorua’s geothermal valley, famous for its steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools, and admire New Zealand’s national bird in the Kiwi House.

When your ship pulls into port in Tauranga, explore Rotorua on a guided shore excursion. Your full-day itinerary includes a welcome concert at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia, where you’ll explore the extensive geothermal grounds, see a flax-weaving demonstration, and visit the nocturnal Kiwi House. Then tour Rotorua highlights such as the Government Gardens and stop at Okere Falls and Kiwi 360 for tastings.

Take a shore excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set and sightsee Rotorua with a guide when your cruise ship pulls into port at Tauranga. Journey to Middle-earth and The Shire of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame, featured in the popular LOTR trilogy and ‘The Hobbit.’ Then learn traditional customs at the Maori village of Whakarewarewa before strolling past the spouting geysers and steaming hot springs of thermal Rotorua. Numbers are limited to 19 participants in this small-group tour to the land of hobbits and hot pools.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. At the Te Puia Maori cultural center, discover boiling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley; learn about Maori customs at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird.

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).

This Tauranga shore excursion stands out from others by offering a 2-course lunch and a visit to a Polynesian spa. The basics of local shore excursions are included too: travel with a small group to the Rotorua geothermal geyser, mud pools, and steam vents, and then see a Maori dance performance. At the spa, soak in hot mineral springs with views of Lake Rotorua.

Spend a day off your cruise ship and get out of the city on this day trip to two popular North Island attractions, Whakarewarewa and Hobbiton. Save time hiring a car and getting used to New Zealand roads; your guide meets you at the port and heads straight into the heartland. Visit Whakarewarewa, a bubbling geothermal landscape and home to the local Māori iwi (tribe), then head across the Kaimai Ranges to Hobbiton, an authentic movie set from the Lord of the Rings.

Once your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, get the most out of your time in port with this combo trip to the Geothermal Valley and a local kiwi fruit orchard. With a guide teaching you about the geology and history, explore the geysers, hot pools, and steam vents in the valley, then head to the kiwi orchards to learn about New Zealand's most famous export. Tastings of jams, juices, and different kiwi varieties included.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, head out for a full-day tour of Mt. Maunganui and Rotorua. In Rotorua, learn about Maori culture, and see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa—The Living Maori Village. Sample New Zealand specialties such as manuka honey and kiwi fruit, and spend time checking out highlights including Lake Rotorua and Government Gardens.

While your cruise ship awaits in Tauranga, take a small-group shore excursion to Te Puia and Rotorua, stopping en route at Kiwi 360 and Okere Falls. A professional guide transfers you by minibus to Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, home to Pohutu Geyser. Walk by the bubbling mud pools and watch a Maori cultural show of traditional carving and weaving. Then set out for the sights of Rotorua and finish with a visit to Hamurana Spring. Numbers are limited to 16 people for a personalized experience.

Explore the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and see Pohutu Geyser blow its top at Whakarewarewa during this full-day private Tauranga shore excursion to the Rotorua region. Witness colorful thermal springs, hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools as your guide details the area’s geothermal activity, then discover traditional customs at New Zealand's only living Maori village. Port pickup and drop-off by private vehicle included.

Discover the prestigious food and drink purveyors of Tauranga and Karangahake when your ship pulls into port. Sip and savor a diverse array of tastings and two award-winning wineries. This shore excursion includes pickup and drop-off by minivan.

See two world-famous attractions in one day. Small-Group, Max 8 People. 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. HOBBITON ... A Visit to Middle Earth - Escape into the enchanting world of JRR Tolkien’s famous stories. A world of enduring fantasy where the amazing films were brought to life. Set across the 12 acres Hobbit Village. See Bilbo’s house, The Water Mill, Green Dragon Inn, the Arched Bridge, 44 Hobbit houses, gardens, wandering pathways, The Party Tree, lakes. If you haven’t read the books or seen the movies you will still love it.

Take a trip through Middle Earth on a small-group shore excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga. You’ll duck into hobbit holes, learn the secrets behind the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, then belly up to the bar at the Green Dragon Inn. With round-trip, climate-controlled transport from the Port of Tauranga, this is a convenient way to experience one of New Zealand’s top sites, and group size is limited to 15 people for personal service from the guide.

Visit two of the North Island’s top attractions in one day with this tour to the Hobbiton movie set and the geysers of Te Puia and Rotorua. Take a 2-hour guided tour of Hobbiton that includes plenty of ‘Lord of the Rings’ trivia. Then see Pohutu Geyser and other geothermal wonders in Te Puia Whakarewarewa Valley. You’ll also hear commentary about Maori culture, and view lots of stunning scenery.

Two of New Zealand's most spectacular Geothermal Parks. Small Groups, Max 8 people. 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; Wai-O-Tapu was 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.

This small-group shore excursion from Tauranga is designed to maximize cruise passengers’ time on land and skip the lines, as all tickets are pre-booked. Visit two of New Zealand’s must-see attractions—the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set—in an easy day trip. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour by private minivan rather than a big, impersonal tour bus.

When your cruise ship docks in the Port of Tauranga, explore Rotorua, Te Puia, and the surrounding countryside, and see the best of the North Island’s geothermal landscapes with ease. With round-trip travel from the Port of Tauranga included, hit top attractions including the Government Gardens, Mt. Maunganui, and the Pohutu geyser. Along the way, watch a traditional Maori cultural performance, and learn of New Zealand’s rich native culture and heritage.

Learn how New Zealand’s Maori people have adapted to life among the geothermal activity of Rotorua on this small-group shore excursion from Tauranga. At the Living Maori Village, see how residents integrate natural elements like bubbling geysers, mud pools and steam vents into daily tasks, and watch a live cultural performance. You’ll also drive past gorgeous beaches, walk through an ancient redwood forest, and taste local kiwi fruit fresh from the farm on this immersive Bay of Plenty highlights tour.

Discover golden sand beaches, kiwi fruit orchards, historic buildings and traditional New Zealand culture on this Tauranga shore excursion including Mt. Maunganui. Travel along Pilot Bay with your guide and gaze across Tauranga Harbour to Matakana Island. Discover evidence of ancient Maori settlements near Mt. Maunganui. Soak up the sunshine at Mt. Ocean Beach, admire the affluent Marine Parade and visit a kiwi orchard. Then, head into the hills for panoramic city and harbor views.

This Tauranga shore excursion allows cruise passengers to explore Whakarewarewa and Wai-O-Tapu—one of New Zealand’s most colorful and diverse geothermal attractions. With a guide in the lead, there’s no need to worry about navigation, just take your time visiting geothermal landscapes and famous geysers. After a morning in Wai-O-Tapu, visit the Living Maori Village, and take a drive through Rotorua—also known as “Sulphur City” for its sulfur-rich air.

Take the opportunity to explore the countryside of the Bay of Plenty region on this relaxed short tour. Escape the city and see local horticulture at work at one of the thousands of local kiwifruit orchards. Learn about the pre-European history of the area, and find out why James Cook named it the Bay of Plenty. A delicious fish and chip lunch at a seaside cafe is included. Tie this all in with other scenic stops on this popular value for money tour. About us: Our team has been delivering world-class Shore Excursions for over 16 years - we have over 100 years combined tour guiding experience so you know you are in capable hands. Travel in a modern, air conditioned vehicle with a passionate local as your host. We specialise in small groups to allow an intimate and personalised experience. Every tour is commentated from start to finish - we delight in showing off our little corner of the world. And, we guarantee to have you back to the ship on time!

Explore traditional Maori culture and discover movie history in the New Zealand hills on this full-day Hobbiton and Te Puia combo shore excursion from Tauranga. Travel through the breathtaking Kaimai Mountains in Waikato. Explore the Hobbiton movie set with your guide and discover famous sites such as the party tree and the hobbits’ dwellings. Head through the forests of the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, and admire top attractions like the Bath House and Government Gardens. In Te Puia, see the famous Pohutu geyser and learn of Maori traditions and culture.

Explore the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this 6-hour shore excursion. Visit the city’s top attractions such as Government Gardens, Rachel’s Pool, and the Ohinemutu Maori Village. Then head to the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and discover the bubbling mud pools and the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere before heading back to your cruise ship.