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

June 17, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

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. Adrenalin Forest Obstacle Course in Wellington

Okowai Road, Papakōwhai, Porirua 5024, New Zealand Adrenalin Forest
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Get your adrenaline pumping with 3-hour access to the Adrenalin Forest Obstacle Course in Wellington. Test your skills on a thrilling aerial obstacle course, tackle over 100 challenges across seven levels, and climb, jump and swing up to 101 feet (31 meters) in the air. Nerves will definitely be tested, but the revolutionary Clic-iT safety system will ensure you’re safe at all times.

Inclusions: Safety equipment and instruction

Exclusions: GoPro HD Camera (available to hire), Transportation to/from attractions, Food and drinks, Minimum Height Requirement 1.40m

Reviewed By Hballmate

My partner and I had a wonderful time at Adrenaline Forest Auckland. James and Jack were really engaging and outgoing guides. The level 6 flying fox was amazing! We both highly reccomend for any adventurous souls to spend a few hours here. Thank you for an awesome day!

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. Tauranga Shore Excursion: White Water Rafting Adventure

New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This is a Private Charter Tour! Rafting, Jet Boat, 4X4 Buggy Tour, Clay Shooting, Horse Trekking, Gondola with Luge rides. Kaituna River rafting peaceful waters and thrilling rapids share a stunning unspoiled natural setting. Snake through steep native bush clad canyons and over awesome white water rapids.  Your river guide will expertly manoeuvre through thunderous rapids, so hold on and enjoy this thrilling whitewater experience. Blended with touches of Maori culture, this trip offers it all, for both white water rafting enthusiasts and first timers.  After Rafting we move on to your second chosen activity!   Option 1 Skyline Gondola with 3 luge rides. Option 2 30 Min Jet Boating on Lake Rotorua with a 30 Min Guided tour of Mokoia Island. Option 3 Choose any 2 of the following 1 hr activities Horse Trekking or Clay Shooting or 4 Wheel drive  Buggy ride.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch will be available to purchase on the day

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. Tauranga Port Shore Excursion: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

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

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.

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

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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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.

7. Geo Thermal Rotorua Tours

BOP Trips
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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

8. 60 Min Full Motion F-18 Simulator Session

142 Aerodrome Road, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand The Aviator Experience
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

The only full motion F-18 simulator in NZ or Australia outside of the military. Highly rated by ex military and commercial airline pilots. Whether it's just flying around, taking off and landing or full on combat, this is the most realistic combat aircraft simulator around. NB: Combat is not recommended to 1st time flyers

Inclusions: 60 Minutes in a Full Motion (6DOF) F-18 Hornet Simulator, A full briefing is provided so allow an extra 15 minutes, An instructor will guide you through flying this aircraft simulator

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Reviewed By markwoodog

I'm a bit of WW2 enthusiast so bought myself and the old man a flight in the new Spitfire flight simulator. There is something quite impressive about climbing into a fully modelled cockpit that provides a sensation of realism over and above just wearing a VR headset. The level of realism of the DCS flight software is out of this world also. We were quite lucky to have a complimentary trial of the F18 simulator as part of the session and Craig is an awesome host in terms of showing us around the facility and using the simulators etc. The extent of equipment and amount of effort that has gone into developing this facility is simply awesome. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is remotely interested in flying. I would also encourage the girls to give it a nudge (to show the boys up), particularly jets! It is well worth the money. I will definitely be doing it again sometime soon!

9. Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga

36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176, New Zealand Waimarino Adventure Park
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4.9 based on 99 reviews

Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are the central areas for this kayak tour - it uses double kayaks on the calm sheltered waters of Lake McLaren. The tour operates in the evening due to the visibility of the glow worms.. Relax on the edge of Lake McLaren with refreshments, while watching the swans and ducks go about their evening’s preparations. Let your guide lead you onto calm Lake McLaren at dusk. Gently paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glow-worm canyon.

Inclusions: Kayak and equipment, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Light refreshments, Professional guide

Exclusions: An additional cost per person does apply to Hotel pickup/drop off.

Reviewed By SusanT3120

We took a large family group of various ages and what a day! No one wanted to leave. There was plenty of shade for our blankets. Yes, we'd go back.

10. 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.

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