Location: Mount Maunganui
Top Things to do in Mount Maunganui
Countries
10 Cultural Tours in Mount Maunganui That You Shouldn't Miss
Mount Maunganui Māori pronunciation: [ˈmaʉŋaˌnʉi], locally /ˈmɒŋəˌnuːi/ is a major residential, commercial and industrial suburb of Tauranga, located on a peninsula to the north-east of Tauranga's city centre. It was an independent town from Tauranga until the completion of the Tauranga Harbour Bridge in 1988, which connects Mount Maunganui to Tauranga's central business district.
Restaurants in Mount Maunganui
1. Private Shore Excursion Rotorua/ Tauranga Maori culture, Geyser & concert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
THESE ARE some ideas to enjoy on a Private Tour ..........Enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mount Maunganui, beautiful sandy beaches and million dollar homes plus many Rotorua and Tauranga's highlights. Also visit Kiwifruit Country Store for a kiwifruit tasting, orchard tour and souvenirs, plus beautiful beaches waterfalls and much more. In Rotorua visit the Geothermal area at either the living Maori Village at Whakarewarewa or Te Puia and immerse yourself in Maori culture. See the bubbling pools and stunning Pohutu Geyser, plus the Maori Cultural performance including the famous "Haka." Other attractions can include soaking in the soothing mineral waters at Polynesian Spa and enjoy breathtaking views and thrill seeking rides at the Skyline Gondola.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Professional guide, Port pickup, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Claireg2007
We had an amazing day with Arrow tours. We were large getting off the cruise but the new owner Toby drove us to the first stop off point. Kerry was an excellent guide and made sure that we all enjoyed the day. I hope that the recent happenings in the world will clear soon and wish you every success.
2. Shore Excursion to the Maori Culture Centre: Kiwi birds, and Geo-Thermal Valley
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 99 reviews
I am your Maori Tour Guide. As a Maori Tour Guide I am here to give you a genuine understanding of my Maori Culture and to share with you some of our myths and legends. I will explain the protocols you must observe during the Maori welcome and before entering into the Meeting House. On this small-group shore excursion from the Port of Tauranga, you will take a walk on Papamoa Beach, visit the Kiwi House which houses the iconic, endangered Kiwi bird. I will guide you down into the geo-thermal valley to get up close to boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, I will take you into the carving and weaving schools where students learn these ancient skills so they in turn can teach others so our traditions are never lost. I will help you avoid the large bus tour groups and show you the best vantage points for your photos. I will also take you into the city where you will have time to purchase some lunch at one of my favorite cafes or to browse through some of the shops.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By NativeCA4
We had a group of 8 that toured New Zealand’s south island with Jim (of Jim Archer Tours) for 10 days in December 2019, and we highly recommend him! Jim was knowledgeable and flexible, and we felt well taken care of from our first contact through our last day of travel. The overall cost was reasonable and much less than another tour we were considering. During planning, we told him some of the places we wanted to see, and he put together an agenda with those and more. We later changed some details, and he happily accommodated us. Jim took care of all lodging and transportation, and even tickets for activities we needed to purchase in advance, making everything worry free. A week before we arrived, a mudslide took out the road to Franz Joseph, so he re-routed us to stay at Lake Tekapo (a gorgeous lake). If traveling on our own, we would not have known until we got to the road closure! We had 10 wonderful scenic days traveling the south island. The van was comfortable, the sites were amazing, and Jim was friendly and flexible throughout. By the time we got come, we were already talking about someday returning to see the north island – with Jim as our tour guide.
3. Shore Excursion: Rotorua and Te Puia including Maori Cultural Show from Tauranga
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 51 reviews
Join this 7-8-hour shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua which includes Kiwifruit Country, Okere Falls, Te Puia, Pohutu Geysers, a Maori cultural show, our native kiwibird, and traditional carving and weaving. Rotorua is in one of the most active volcanic areas of the world and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy geysers, boiling pools, bubbling mud, Maori culture and spectacular scenery all in the same place. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus that is designed to comfortably seat up to 14 people. Along the way, you will also get the chance to see spectacular rapids and waterfalls, rain forest, pristine lakes and stunning beaches.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, All activities, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Lunch, Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Bob H
My wife and I were on a tour and visited the various locations. The Glow-worm caves and Pohutu Geyser were very impressive as were the Hot Springs.
4. Tauranga Shore Excursion with Hobbiton and Rotorua Geyser
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 61 reviews
Your pick-up is just a short walk from your ship at the end of the wharf, where you board one of our modern small group mini van vehicles! All entrance fees, guides are included in the price. Experience geysers, mud pools and steam vents with Maori culture. Encounter a strange landscape of sights, sounds and smells. Marvel at the way the Maori's have tamed this land for their own purpose before traveling to the second venue of the tour. Experience the magic of Hobbiton! See Sir Peter Jackson’s iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton. You will have an official guide to guide you around the Hobbit holes including Bilbo's and Frodo’s home after which you can enjoy a drink in the green dragon (either alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer) included in your tour.
Inclusions: Tauranga port pick up - Pre-booked tour for cruise ship passengers only, Te Puia Valley Geothermal Valley entrance fees, The Hobbiton Movie set tour with official guide , Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Kerry G
Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.
5. Best of Rotorua Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
On our comfortable and modern Mercedes vehicles with experienced guides, we will take you to the best sights of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s living Maori cultural and geothermal centre and experience the stunning Pohutu Geyser, boiling mudpools and Maori arts. Then take a scenic drive via Government Gardens, Rachel's Pool, Rotorua Lakefront, Redwood Forest and coast. Tour Highlights • Te Puia • Maori Culture Concert • Geothermal Geysers • Government Gardens • Lakefront Views • Redwood Forest • Kiwifruit Country
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By deho67
too much time in the van and except for the kiwi farm, not enough time at the wonderful venues we visited: literally 2 mins at the lookout, no time at the honey farm & restaurant to browse or buy an ice cream. while our tour guide was very knowledgeable, he was difficult to hear as we had NO headsets as mentioned in the tour description.When asked to turn the A/C up, it was meant with a grumbled reply 'I can only do so much'. unfortunately, would not recommend.
6. WaioTapu, Pohutu Geyser and the Maori Geothermal village -Rotorua
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
Geothermal Highlights Tour If you have been to Rotorua before, or have seen geysers in Yellowstone or Iceland and want something slightly different, then this is a tour worth considering. Wai-o-Tapu (meaning Sacred Waters) is very different to all the other geothermal fields in New Zealand. Dissolved minerals have created spectacularly coloured pools and long silica terraces. Whakarewrewa Maori Geothermal Village This little village is unique in the World. The ancestors of the families that still live here, moved to this area after the 1886 eruption of nearby Mount Tarawera. Their houses are located in an amazing geothermal field of boiling bubbling pools which they use for cooking, heating and bathing.
Inclusions: All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Bottled water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By carolcS1763PG
We had a wonderful day with Guy as our guide. He was very knowledgeable about Kiwi farming, the Maori cultural area and Te Puia. He knew the geyser so well and timed our arrival in our walk around the park for its' eruption. The walk to see the Falls was refreshing and just the right amount of walking. The Maori Culture show was enjoyable and we got to see where the students learn their craft and about their culture. A perfect day and one of our best tours we booked before we left.
7. Shore Excursion: Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Experience from Tauranga
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 81 reviews
This Rotorua Tour is designed for shore excursions from Tauranga. Clients can be picked up from local accommodation (within the Tauranga/Mt Maunganui/Papamoa area) &/or from the Port of Tauranga. We visit the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center for a welcome concert and tour through its extensive thermal grounds. The tour also covers a variety of different scenery en route and visits Kiwifruit Country and the Government Gardens. Pick up times can be adjusted to fit with cruise-ship arrival times
Inclusions: Quality transportation, Local taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses
Reviewed By GKimb
We had a wonderful day exploring the Waitomo glow worm caves, kiwi sanctuary and the countryside of the Tauranga area. Our guide Bron was great. She is very informative and makes sure you get to see everything you want....including Hokey Pokey ice cream! Our tour was almost 7 hours long but the time flew as we enjoyed every minute of it. We would highly recommend this tour and company!
8. Explore Tauranga
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 7 reviews
Explore the beauty and history of Tauranga with our professional guides in our modern luxurious Mercedes vehicles. On this tour you will experience New Zealand's well-loved Kiwifruit and Honey industry with local tastings and tours. Take in breathtaking city views from the hillside and learn about the history of Tauranga's early settlers. Tour Highlights • Mount Maunganui Beach • Kiwifruit Tasting and Vine Tour • Honey Tasting • Minden Lookout Tauranga City • The Elms Mission House
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Sightseeing Tour, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinters
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By dianeslye
The trip was good free time at the village, the driver gave us a quick orientation then left us to wander. The site is amazing a nice mix of natural phenomena and old traditions.
9. Mount Maunganui Self-Guided Audio Tour
The focus of this historical and cultural self-guided audio tour is the tales and myths that surround Mount Maunganui, also known as The Mount. This includes the arrival of the Maori in New Zealand at this spot aboard the Arawa Canoe. Wander along white sand beaches and scale Mauao if you so choose, all while listening to the stories of the natives’ past. Learn about the local tribes, the battles that took place between the Maori and the European settlers, and the lore that brings the mountain to life. You will also receive a map detailing the area of your tour.
Inclusions: Zip folder of audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Self-paced, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map
Exclusions: Audio Device, Transportation, Food/drinks, Headphones
Reviewed By victoriapQ8059YG
Absolutely stunning scenery if the weather is right - and go to the loo before setting off on the trek! Also remember to download the audio prior to your visit so you don't have any connection issues and because it is far cheaper with no roaming charges. Brilliant commentary I thought and the Maori element was welcomed.
10. Day Excursions to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Cjays are one of the few operators that offer this tour and we will make it a Private day out for you and anyone else you would like to join you. We care that you enjoy your day out with us and that you will not be crowded by groups for your special shore excursion
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Lajic
I was greeted by Judy at the Tauranga Port she introduce us to Nora who was absolutely lovely and accommodating with where I and another couple wanted to go. I had originally booked the combo tour to Hobbiton and Rotorua but due to time constraints we elected Rotorua. On our way to Rotorua Nora made a few stops, the kiwi plantation and shop where we saw bees making honey. The highlight of our trip was a visit to the living Maori village Whakarewarewa. There we saw mud pools, geysers, kiwi birds and exhibition of Maori crafts. After a tour of the village we were entertained with a Maori concert steeped in tradition. On the way back to the cruise ship Nora showed us the city of Rotorua its spa and city of Tauranga. Nora possess a deep understanding of the Maori culture and the island. I had a wonderful day and would recommend this tour over the tours offered on the ships. Thanks Nora, your the best.
