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Port of Tauranga
Situated in the Bay of Plenty, the Port of Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s busiest cruise hubs. Thanks to a prime location beside the beach town of Mt. Maunganui, the port serves as a jumping-off point for the historic harbor city of Tauranga and the sulfur-scented geothermal springs of Rotorua.
Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3116
The Basics
Take a shore excursion to explore the city and its surrounds. City tours typically combine the beaches of Mt. Maunganui with the historical city sights of Tauranga, which include the Georgian-era Elms Mission Station and the Gate Pā memorial reserve.
Alternatively, venture farther afield to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, the fictional home of Bilbo and Frodo from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, or head to Rotorua, where you can see—and smell—sulfur-rich springs and bubbling mud pools, and watch Maori cultural performances.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Port of Tauranga has a visitor information desk but no free Wi-Fi.
Most shore excursions include pickup and drop-off from the Port of Tauranga.
Tours of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Rotorua require more travel time, and typically last between 5-8 hours.
Tours of Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui require less travel time, and are often shorter.
Most full-day shore excursions include lunch or free time for lunch.
How to Get to Tauranga From the Port of Tauranga
Cruise ships typically dock at Salisbury Wharf in the center of Mt. Maunganui. City and shuttle buses bring passengers from the wharf to the center of Tauranga. If you’re going to Rotorua, it’s best to go as part of a shore excursion that includes round-trip transport from the port.
Port Information
There’s a pop-up tourist information office at Salisbury Wharf and the center of Mt. Maunganui—a 5-minute walk away—has ATMs, banks, shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The official languages in New Zealand are Maori and English, and the local currency is the New Zealand dollar.
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