Tauranga Shore Excursion: Small-Group Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Tour

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Recommended by 96% of reviewers

| Tauranga, New Zealand

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4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

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Overview

*** 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.

What's Included

Tea and coffee Enjoy tea/ cofee and freshly baked muffin at cottage cafe.
Snacks Fresh Kiwifruit and Manuka Honey Tastings
Free Ice cream
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Port pickup and drop-off
Live commentary on board
Driver/guide

Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Salisbury Avenue
Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Mt Maunganui Main Beach (Pass By)

Mount Maunganui is voted New Zealands number 1 beach and seaside resort. With its iconic Mauao - a volcanic lava dome, 232 mtrs high standing proudly at the headland and the 22kms of beautiful white sandy beach, not forgetting to mention Marine Parade which showcases some of New Zealand most expensive and luxurious holiday homes - this is not a place to miss seeing.

Tauranga (Pass By)

We cross over the harbour bridge from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga City. View the inner city precinct and learn more about the heart of the region.

The Elms (Pass By)

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing a category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting. We will stop outside this property and learn some of its history. Entry is not inclusive to our tour.

Gate Pa Memorial Reserve

WE stop to visit one of the major Memorial sites on the region. The Battle was called "Battle of Gate Pa". On 29 April Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron ordered an attack upon Pukehinahina, commencing with an artillery barrage. Once shelling was seen to have breached the front palisade, an infantry assault followed. British assault parties broke through the palisades, engaging with concealed Māori who fired from a network of underground trenches. The British attackers suffered heavy casualties and soon retreated. A follow-up assault was equally unsuccessful.During the night, British soldiers lying wounded in the field were tended by Māori, notably Hēni Te Kiri Karamū, a young woman from the pā. Most of the Māori escaped during the night. When the British resumed their assault next day, they found that the pā had been abandoned. Thirty-five British regulars died during the engagement and 75 were wounded.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Te Puna

We will stop at a Kiwifruit Orchard, so you can get up close to the vines and fruit and see the growing stages

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Minden Lookout

One of the most scenic locations in Tauranga, possibly Bay of Plenty, is the Minden Lookout. A scenic viewpoint overlooking the city and beyond. It is 286 metres high, and offers a sweeping panorama of the city as a whole. From Tauranga to Mount Maunganui and as far as the eye can see. This is a great photo opportunity of the region and your cruise ship.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

McLaren Falls Park

McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren. We will first stop at a cottage cafe and serve you a cuppa and a freshly baked muffin before continuing your travels.One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Today we will enjoy a short, easy stroll along the edge of the stream to the picturesque waterfall. Enjoy the coolness of our native forest and learn some Rongoā – medicinal use of plants used by Maori.After our walk you will get to taste local grown and harvested kiwifruit and some New Zealand Manuka honey's.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Mount Maunganui (Pass By)

We will travel back towards the port by a different route. We will stop and treat you to a Hokey Pokey flavoured ice cream. New Zealand has the best milk in the world - so we can not let you leave our shores until you have tried our delicious ice cream. Your tour will end back at Mount Maunganui - either be dropped off at your ship or in the main street to peruse the shops.

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Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available

Please wear comfortable clothing, walking shoes
Please bring sun protection
Pricing is per person
There is some walking involved - optional
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tauranga Shore Excursion: Small-Group Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025