About Tauranga

Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui (a famous beach town and paradise for surfers) where you will also find hot saltwater pools. Mount Maunganui is identifiable by the extinct volcano by the same name which is a well known landmark and provides stunning views of the area.

Offshore you will see the active volcano White Island (New Zealand’s only active marine volcano) which is accessible by helicopter or boat.

The Bay of Plenty region, of which Tauranga is the main city, is well known for producing the best kiwifruit in the world, it’s volcanic landscape, fabulous beaches and numerous water activities.

If you are visiting Tauranga on a cruise ship, there are many Shore Excursions to choose from.

Being the sunniest region in New Zealand, the ‘Bay’ (as it is locally referred to) lends itself to outdoor pursuits and activities. Walking and hiking trails worth considering are Papamoa Hills Regional Park, Mt Maunganui summit and Kaiate Falls (accessed via a forest).

Guided cycle tours are available and Blowkarting is definitely worth a try!

There are plenty of water based activities to choose from as well including kayaking, jet boating, sailing, marine adventures and fishing charters.

If you would rather get a ‘birds eye’ view of it all then maybe consider a tandem skydive above Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Discover and book activities in Tauranga . . .

Fishing in the Bay of Plenty:

Extending from Waihi Beach in the north to Whakatane in the south, the coastline  of the Bay of Plenty is extensive and provides anglers with some of the best fishing opportunities in New Zealand. Established fishing charter operators are based out of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Whakatane.

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions in Tauranga:
Choose from a variety of Shore Excursions specifically designed and created for cruise ship passengers visiting Tauranga.

Swim with dolphins:

Experience swimming with dolphins in their natural environment. With an estimated 40,000 common dolphins making the Bay of Plenty their home, it wont be difficult to find a friendly dolphin to swim with.

Soak in a salt water hot pool:

Enjoy a soak in a salt water hot pool at the base of Mt Maunganui.

Blokart adventure:

Papamoa is home to a purpose-built blowkart track for on land sailors. This locally invented and inspired activity is exhilarating and fun for all ages.

Kayak experiences:

Enjoy a guided kayaking adventure on the Tauranga Harbour or Wairoa River. For something a little different, consider the unique experience of a glow-worm kayaking trip on Lake McLaren. You kayak at dusk to a rock lined canyon, where you’re greeted by thousands of glow-worms who literally light up the night.

Giant kiwifruit and theme park:

Board a KiwiKart and tour through kiwifruit orchards at Kiwi 360 and through to a horticultural theme park. You’ll learn why kiwifruit, the world’s healthiest fruit, grows better here in the Bay of Plenty than anywhere else in the world.

Jet boating:

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat adventure on the Kaituna River as your jet boat sprints through 12 kms of narrow gorge with native New Zealand bush clinging to the sheer rock faces on either side of the river.

Learn to Surf:

Learn to surf at Mount Maunganui (one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand). The special surf break at Mt Maunganui draws surfers from everywhere year round and is the perfect place to learn the art of surfing.

White Island Volcano tour:

Take a guided tour out to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, either by boat or view this amazing feat of nature from the air with a fixed wing plane or helicopter tour. See steaming vents and crater lakes that change their colour and size almost daily.

White water rafting:

For an exhilarating adventure, take a white-water rafting excursion on the bustling Wairoa River, which includes several grade five rapids.

Mountain biking:

For those seeking an adrenalin-charged  mountain bike experience, ride the Oropi Gorge – a cycle adventure for thrill seekers.

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