Things to do in Tauranga, North Island: The Best Bus Tours

August 14, 2021 Hector Krause

The lush parks and golden beaches of Tauranga make it a popular destination for outdoorsy folks and watersports lovers. Here on New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find a variety of opportunities for surfing, white water rafting, kiteboarding, hiking and golfing. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming holes by Kaiate Falls, which cascade beautifully over the bluffs. Families might like to visit one of Tauranga’s amusement park, take a guided nature tour or swim with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty.
Restaurants in Tauranga

1. Private Shore Excursion Rotorua/ Tauranga Maori culture, Geyser & concert

Tauranga, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island Arrow Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
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. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Maori Geothermal Village & Kiwi Fruit Orchard Tour

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Visit a genuine Maori village! Unique in the world it is the only place in the world where the people live and utilise geothermal activity for there every day cooking and bathing! Ancestor's of the guide have been guiding here for over 130yrs ----------------------- +THIS EXCURSION IS PRE-BOOKED ONLY SO THERE ARE NO SALES ON +THE DAY WAITING FOR OTHER PASSENGERS! +THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES! +INCLUDES CULTURAL SHOW! You will be picked up directly from the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more flexibly & efficiently and enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka, The Redwoods & Kiwi Fruit Orchard, Along with a Sightseeing tour around Rotorua city!

Inclusions: Offical private Maori guide included for your group at Whakarewarewa geothermal valley!, Driver/Tour escort/host, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by modern air-conditioned vehicle, Food tasting at the Kiwi fruit orchard of different types of kiwi fruit products!

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.

3. Tauranga Port Shore Excursion: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Take a journey of discovery and experience the real Middle earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in  The Lord of the Rings and  The Hobbit trilogies. The Hobbiton Movie Set is a wonderful opportunity to see the original location, which was rebuilt for the latest hobbit films An Unexpected Journey and the original setting for Peter Jackson’s famous film trilogy The Lord of the Rings. There is time for lunch at the Green Dragon Pub and a little souvenir shopping. This small-group tour is approximately 6.5 hours, leaving and returning from Tauranga Port.

Inclusions: Driver/Tour escort/host, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by modern air-conditioned vehicle, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Complementary drink in the Green Dragon Pub, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

4. Private Luxury Tour Anywhere in NZ - Choose any number of days & destinations

Auckland & Beyond Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Travel New Zealand in luxury with an experienced local guide. We pick you up from any airport or Cruise Ship Port and take you on a private trip for your group. Let us make an itinerary for you or plan your own and tell us where you would like to go. Book 1 day or multiple days, we will stay with you throughout your vacation and give you an authentic unforgettable Kiwi experience.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Light refreshments, Snacks, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Accommodation, Meals

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.

5. Geo Thermal Rotorua Tours

BOP Trips
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Rotorua(Geo Thermal Valley) is less than 50 miles away from coast and is one of the most beautiful attractions in Bay Of Plenty. Our Guided tour will take pick you from the gates of Port Of Tauranga  take you to see the biggest Geyser of Southern Hemisphere at Te Puia( Maori Village) You will be welcomed to the Maori Cultural Show in Traditional way. You will see Natural boiling water pools and boiling mud pools.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

6. 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
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

7. Te Puia Geothermal Experience: Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Tauranga Rotorua Port

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Discover & experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Witness erupting geysers, hot steam vents and bubbling mud pools on this cruise ship shore excursion from Tauranga. This valley has many stories just waiting to be shared with you. Learn about the Maori culture at the fascinating Te Puia Thermal Reserve, the magnificent Pohutu geyser, boiling mud pools, and the National carving and weaving schools. Visit the kiwi bird encounter where you can see the elusive kiwi bird. Upon leaving Te Puia, we take in the highlights of what Rotorua has to offer. The magnificent Rotorua museum building with its Tudor style design, the government gardens bursting with colour & fragrance then Rotorua lake front! Experience a working kiwi fruit orchard to learn all about this wonder fruit with taste testing of an assortment of different types of kiwi fruit products before your final journey back to your ship in plenty of time to board with this 6 hr Shore Excursion.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees, Port pick up & drop off, Driver guide with full commentary onboard

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

8. Private Tour Rotorua Shore Excursion up to 8 Passengers

4 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Independent Tours Tauranga
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Take a tour in your own private minivan with an experienced local guide. This Private tour is for a group of up to 8 people. Your day will vary from stunning white sandy beaches, to boiling mud pools and beautiful forests. There is so much to see and experience in this stunning part of New Zealand. Choose an attraction to visit or enjoy all the "Freebies" this area offers. I can customise your day. Do as much or as little as you choose. Its "Your Day Your Way". Have a great day out with your own Private guide. "FREEBIES": - Sandy Beaches and beautiful countryside - Honey and Kiwi fruit tasting and orchard visit - Lake Rotorua and the Redwood Forest - Rotorua City Government Gardens - Kuirau Park Geothermal area with bubbling mud, hot springs and a footbath OPTIONAL EXTRAS: - Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village - Te Puia Geotherrmal Park and NZ Maori Atrs & Craft Institiute - Skyline Gondola & luge - Agrodome Sheep show - Waiotapu

Inclusions: Private transportation, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions as specified, We will stop at a local cafe., Snacks

Reviewed By MYSPACE-71

Wendy is a wonderful guide - friendly and informative. There's lots to see and do around Tauranga. Highly recommended.

9. Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 56 reviews

THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES We will meet you at the port gates and board one of our modern small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more efficiently to enjoy a more personal and friendly tour. Explore the Living Maori Village, where you'll hear from a local descendant about Maori history, customs, and craft traditions. Discover and experience a truly special day of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with geysers, steam vents, hot pools, Maori culture and a performance show not to be missed including the world famous Haka. We then take a leisurely drive around the highlights of Rotorua, Walk among the giant tree at the Redwood forest a real favourite stop on this tour. Visit the Tudor style design museum, the government gardens, the lake front and a tour through the kiwi fruit orchards to finish.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Entrance Fees

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.

10. Hobbiton & Tauranga Highlights Shore Excursion from Tauranga

1 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Adventure and Cultural Tours Bay of Plenty
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 6 reviews

Our vehicles and our tours are designed to provide you with the best possible comfort, exceptional value and mixed with personal interaction to ensure you can enjoy your day stress free knowing we have everything sorted for you! Entrances are included so no hidden charges or expenses. You and your travelling companions can experience the best of Tauranga and the renowned 'Hobbiton' with assurance of knowing we have you in mind.

Inclusions: Bottled Water and Snacks are included in all of our tours. Complimentary Ice Cream available at Mossops Honey Shop., Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch is available for purchase at The Shires Rest or The Green Dragon Inn

Reviewed By mhinman2018

Stephen Appleton picked us up from our apartment in Tauranga for a tour to Hobbiton. A fantastic experience from a highly knowledgeable diver / guide.. Because we were one couple Stephen took us to places on the journey that maybe larger groups would not have had the opportunity to see. A thoroughly enjoyable day. Book with this company if you are wanting to be treated special.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.