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

July 5, 2021 Layne Dawes

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
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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: Private Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Whakarewarewa Maori Cultural Village

Zealandier Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Visit two of Rotorua’s most famous sites, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Whakarewarewa (The Living Maori Village), on a private tour with an informative guide when your cruise ship docks in Tauranga. Marvel at geothermal wonders such as steaming volcanic vents, boiling mud ponds and natural hot pools in an otherworldly range of colors. Then learn about Maori culture and history, and see landmarks including the Pohutu and Prince of Wales geysers during your visit to Whakarewarewa village.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Sabrina D

They were there at the ship and easy to find .. they were fun and friendly always mindful of the time so that we were never worried about getting back to the ship on time. very informative and even gave us a goodie bag of food so we can see everything.. loved the tour and guide and would do it again with them

3. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Maori Geothermal Village & Kiwi Fruit Orchard Tour

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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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!

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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. 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
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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.

5. Shore Excursion to the Maori Culture Centre: Kiwi birds, and Geo-Thermal Valley

1 The Mall, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Archer Tours
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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.

6. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Geothermal Geyser Tour and Polynesian Spa

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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4.9 based on 64 reviews

Join us on a luxury journey of discovery with this full-day combo tour from Tauranga. This tour is conducted in a small group mini van/bus vehicle with full UV protection tinted glass and dual air conditioning. Experience geysers, mud pools and steam vents with Maori culture! Not to forget the infamous Haka War dance. This is performed by one of Rotorua's leading Maori cultural performance groups. Encounter a strange landscape of sights, sounds and smells. Marvel at the way the Maori have tamed this land for there own purpose. Next the Polynesian Spa. An internationally acclaimed spa facility, so you can pamper yourself in hot mineral pools, Enjoy this unique lakefront thermal spa experience - offering a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, spa therapies and picturesque views of Lake Rotorua.

Inclusions: Te Whakarewarewa! The geothermal valley with cultural show! (entrance fee's included inc show), Polynesian Spa Resort (entrance fee's included), Official Maori guide in the Geothermal Valley of Geysers, This is a Tauranga port pickup only tour designed for passengers off ships arriving in Tauranga Port, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Kerry G

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

7. Rotorua Maori Geothermal Geysers Tour with Highlights

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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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

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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. Shore Excursion: Rotorua and Te Puia including Maori Cultural Show from Tauranga

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand Cruise Tauranga
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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.

9. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing

Zealandier Tours
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4.8 based on 91 reviews

Enter a world of hobbits and hot pools when your cruise ship is in port in Tauranga. This shore excursion to Middle Earth takes you on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which featured in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, and witness the astounding thermal activity of spouting geysers and steaming hot springs. If time allows, play dress ups and pose as Bilbo or Gandalf when you stop for an impromptu photo shoot in a lovely redwoods forest. With a maximum of 19 participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks & bottled wwater, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sheree59

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Zealandier Tours were fantastic from start to finish. We booked this tour directly rather than through the cruise ship, and we had inadvertently got the start time wrong from our cruise ship by 1/2 hour, but Jan the director of the company was there to meet us and then drive us to meet the rest of the group at the first stop point - Mossops Honey. I can not speak highly enough of Jan and the way she looked after us and made us feel comfortable and de-stressed the situation. We stopped at McLaren Falls which was a lovely walk in the NZ bush, the driver took pics of everyone in front of the falls - Thanks Then onto Hobbiton - this is amazing in itself and is not to be missed, even if you do not know anything of the movies, the scenery is a photographers paradise - you could not take a bad photo even if you tried - Hobbiton have their own guides that take you through the movie set and you end up in Green Dragons Pub for a drink. The tour then continued back to the ship. I cannot recommend Zealandier tours enough, they are professional and very informative and organised and willing to accommodate any requests. They also get you back to the ship in plenty of time Thanks Jan for your company and service - outstanding

10. Tauranga Shore Excursion with Hobbiton and Rotorua Geyser

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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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

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Reviewed By Kerry G

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

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