10 Sightseeing Tours in Bay of Plenty Region That You Shouldn't Miss

November 7, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

The Bay of Plenty (Māori: Te Moana-a-Toi) is a large bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay. The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to the earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay.
Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region

1. Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This two day trip covers the most iconic attractions in New Zealand! Ideal for travelers with limited time or as a pre or post cruise ship trip. Do not miss out on this amazing 2 day fully customized luxury adventure! • Pick Up & Drop off at anywhere in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua or Tauranga. • Luxury Mercedes Vehicle • Professional, friendly & knowledgeable tour guide • Admission & Guided Tour Inside Waitomo Glowworm Cave including a Boat Ride. • Admission to Te Puia Geothermal Valley in Rotorua. • 1 Night Accommodation in Rotorua. • Hobbiton Movie Set Admission & Guided Tour. • Complimentary Drink (Alcoholic or Non) at Green Dragon Inn inside Hobbiton Village. • 90min River Cruise at The Hamilton Gardens.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation., GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By AdiS491

The tour of the set was excellent. The place is a well oiled machine from ticket office to bus ride etc. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the movies and all other aspects . The movie set was awesome and the gardens amazing . Even if you’re not a movie buff the experience and sheer brilliance of PJ et al is totally worth it . Having a drink ( free) at the Green Dragon ???? was fantastic.

2. From Tauranga. Private Day Tour. Wia-O-Tapu Wonderland & Te Puia Geysers

1 The Mall, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Tauranga Cruise and Tour
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional local kiwi tour guide/driver, Full audio commentary

Exclusions: Admission fees & lunch excluded

Reviewed By Tourist808

We booked the Private Waitomo Caves and Hobbitton with Tauranga Scenic Tours. Both tours are must dos! I’m a Lord of the Rings fan, so I really enjoyed Hobbitton. Patrick told us how the kiwi fruit is grown, and pulled off the road so we could see a plant for ourselves, We were lucky enough to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, and Patrick found some excellent trees for us to stop and take photos with. That was an unexpected surprise - how many cherry blossom trees are on the route to Waitomo. We were a little pressed for time between our bookings for Waitomo Caves and Hobbitton, but we also spent more time in the gift shops than Patrick probably figured. Patrick got us his discounted tour ticket rates and let us decide how to pay. He was very accommodating. I would use him again if I were to return to Tauranga.

3. From Tauranga. Private Day Tour. Rotorua Geysers and Hobbiton Movie Set.

1 The Mall, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Tauranga Cruise and Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional Kiwi Tour Guide, Full audio commentary

Exclusions: Lunch, Excludes entry fees to Te Puia & Hobbiton

Reviewed By jasoncuray

I had a wonderful tour off the cruise with this wonderful guy, Pat! The trip was full of information, he'll be there to pick you up, our trip started with the drive to Rotorua and we had a wonderful time there and it is such a fascinating experience to witness Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal, HUGE KiwiFruit farm, and beautiful sceneries(falls, rivers, mountain) on our side trips(For Instagram lol)! The Living Maori Village experience is unforgettable, you get to sing and dance with them and witness the famous "Haka". The Maori people are just like all New Zealanders(Kiwis) and the most friendly and inviting people I have been around. You will appreciate going around with Pat, such an amazing guy I would say. Worth it!!!

4. Amazing New Zealand Itineraries & chauffeur-driven tours

Amazing New Zealand
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Our tours are personalised to suit your interests and time available, choose from 1 day to 21 days ! You can self-drive or have your own chauffeur-guide. Please contact us with your requirements.

Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Own meals or optional extras

Reviewed By Charlie S

We are just finishing a two tour of NZ. Amazing NZ helped us design our itinerary, made recommendations on things to see, booked our accommodations and car, and reserved various tours for us. We have had a great time. Good on ya, Amazing NZ!

5. 3hr Tauranga Sun-downer History Tour COMPLIMENTARY Wine or Beer

Wicked Wanders
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Departs 2:00pm Winter 3:00pm Summer. A tour of Tauranga city taking in the sights of early european settlements, the battle of Gate Pa, views of the harbour, local history and how Tauranga grew to be the city it is today. Finishes with a complimentary glass of wine or beer at The Clarence boutique hotel.

Inclusions: 11 seater modern, clean air conditioned minivan for your comfort and safety, Live commentary on board, Local driver/guide, Tauranga CBD accomodation pickup and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By NZcitz

We had beautiful weather. This is a must to be able to experience the best views. Our guide was good and informative. Downside for anyone unable to walk unaided, not for wheelchair, steps quite steep. Pushchair can manage, money we'll spent. PS: I have both knees reconstructed but able to get around the hilly terrain.

6. Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland

H SHARMA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a Tour which is Good for your soul. Visit Nature & Natural Places in New Zealand. Book with us for a Flexible , affordable Private Tour. Take your break wherever you want, No Sharing or Group Tour. Enjoy your Privacy and Family Tour Time :)

Inclusions: Driver / Guide, Private Transportation , Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Drinking Water 1 bottle per person, Snack / Chips, Soft drink

Exclusions: Tour Guide Tips ($10 per person), Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By Isis_Pinto

The beaches are amazing and our guide and driver, Sharma was impeccable, a great guy. Also, he takes the best pics! ????????

7. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 190 reviews

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars. An unique experience for all your senses. Highlights • Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing. • New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness. • Small group, relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Nothing

Reviewed By triniboyinNZ

Stephen gave us a very knowledgeable, exclusive and friendly tour of major highlights around Rotorua. We were really appreciative of the information and the hot chocolate :-) It had amazing scenery , views of the lakes and great walks.

8. Best of Rotorua Tour

The Mall, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand Royale Coachlines
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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.

9. Private Tour: 8-Day North Island Tour from Auckland Including Rotorua and Wellington

The Road Trip New Zealand
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Venture from Auckland to the North Island on this private 8-day tour that takes you by private, luxury vehicle to Coromandel, Whitianga, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park and Wellington. Take guided sightseeing tours, discover natural hot springs, witness amazing geothermal activity, enjoy scenic nature walks through kauri tree forests, and admire views of majestic volcanoes and beautiful beaches, with plenty of free time to explore more on your own. Your private guide will teach you about Maori culture, as well as the history, geography and wildlife of New Zealand. You’ll experience North Island’s highlights as well as hidden gems not seen on normal coach tours. The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver) , Transport by private vehicle including fuel , Hotel pickup and drop-off, Sightseeing tours of Auckland and Wellington, 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)

Reviewed By Pipnruss

Fiordland Lodge and Doubtful Sound. Fantastic ferry ride across Lake Manapouri and bus ride over the Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator for 2 nights. 3 sunny, calm days to relax on board, spoiled by the chef's lovely food and Courtney's very knowledgeable commentary about the Sounds, history, wildlife, birdlife and little things like having complete silence in the Sound to enjoy the peace and look at the amazing mountains and their reflections in the calm water. An unexpected run out into the Tasman Sea was a bonus. The Fiordland Lodge is an American style Lodge built with lots of logs and wood and stone, very spacious. Friendly helpful staff. Located 6km from Te Anau. Our only concern was the lack of food choice for dinner, on a 3 course meal was offered, no light meals. The breakfast (included) was lovely, as was all the food, some interesting variations in tastes.

10. Private Tour: Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland

Legend Tours and Travels Day Tours
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a day trip from Auckland to Rotorua with the opportunity to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your chauffeur will pick you up from your desired place in Auckland city, and then get ready to enjoy the amazing Rotorua! Rotorua is New Zealand's ultimate holiday destination for locals and overseas visitors. The Waitomo Caves, one of the North Island's most popular attractions. With beautiful caverns and brightly lit glowworms, this sightseeing experience will be one you won't ever forget!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Light refreshments and water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Entrance Tickets

Reviewed By K7293HPjosephh

Wonderful day trip to the glow worms and the Hobbit farm Driver was the best and took great care of us Long day but worth the expense of a private car

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