Top Tauranga Cultural Tours

On this full-day tour from Tauranga, take a journey deep into Middle Earth—to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set—without the stress of driving yourself on unfamiliar rural roads. Be driven from Tauranga into the heart of the Waikato with a group and guide. Also spend some time in the secluded New Zealand bush at McLaren Falls Park and see the striking waterfall of the same name.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. At the Te Puia Maori cultural center, discover boiling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley; learn about Maori customs at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird.

Make the most of your time onshore in Tauranga on a half-day tour, offered in season (October–April). Visit beautiful beaches, orchards, historical landmarks, and more as you listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history and culture of the region. You'll even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocados.

This day experience takes visitors to the famous geothermal sites of New Zealand, departing from Mount Maunganui and travelling to Rotorua, before returning to the former when the tour is over. Pass by Tauranga and the Harbour Bridge before stopping at the Pohutu Geyser and Okere Falls in Rotorua.

Experience all that Hobbiton has to offer free of time pressures on this full-day tour. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie set was created, and see one of the few film sets maintained long after shooting has finished. This tour is great for both diehard fans of The Lord of the Rings and those who just want to enjoy a unique day out.

Visit an authentic Living Maori Village deep in the geothermal region of Rotorua on this full-day excursion including a light lunch of a hangi pie, salad and corn. Tour with a local Maori guide and learn about how the villagers have adapted to the harsh geothermal environment. You tour will also include visits to the famous Government Gardens and Rotorua Lake. This is a small group tour with a group size usually up to 18 persons. Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time. As the ships arrival time in port varies so much, we adjust the start and end times each day to suit the ships time in port. When your booking is accepted by us, we will confirm the true start time for the day, which overrides the time printed on your voucher. We use the correct times for the ship which we take from the Port of Tauranga web site.

Get up close to New Zealand’s natural beauty on this scenic 3.5-hour Lake McLaren kayak tour. Paddle out onto the calm waters of Lake McLaren with your guide. Discover wildlife native to the region and gain insight into the habitat it calls home. Gaze up at sheer cliff faces towering overhead and enjoy panoramic views over the dense, sun-dappled woodland. Paddle along the tranquil lakeshore and through Mangapapa Canyon, where the water is as deep as the cliffs are high and the dense shrub forms caves along the water’s edge.

See, hear, smell, touch and taste on this full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Experience the unique and special natural beauty of The Bay of Plenty. You will visit some out of the way spots that not everyone knows about and will go where the big buses don't. This tour is not a shuttle and will not drop you off anywhere to explore on your own. It is a fully guided small-group tour with a knowledgeable, fun and friendly tour guide. Along the way you will see and learn about the uniqueness that is New Zealand and you will learn about the geothermal region of Rotorua and its significance to the Maori people. We do not visit the commercial geothermal reserves on this tour, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs, volcanic lakes and picturesque forests.  Please note that the ticket sent to you by Viator/TripAdvisor will show the standard tour departure time, we will advise an updated time when you book the tour which may be different, this is the one to use.

Discover the history, scenery and delicious food produce of Tauranga on this guided tour. Take in stunning views of the area’s natural beauty, from Mount Maunganui to the sandy beaches. Visit important historical sites and discover the area’s rich local industries including kiwifruit and avocado produce. Taste delicious, locally grown fruit and meet the people behind these world-renowned industries.

Easily explore the area outside the Port of Tauranga during this guided tour that includes port pickup and drop-off. First visit a New Zealand kiwi orchard, and get the chance to taste the native fruit yourself. Catch sight of natural wonders such as Okere Falls, Blue Lake, and Whakarewarewa Forest before going to taste New Zealand honey at a local farm (time permitting).

Discover Tauranga and Mount Maunganui through the eyes of a local with our short tour. In just two hours, we'll unveil the hidden treasures often overlooked by tourists. Our journey kicks off with a scenic drive around the Mount area, crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge and passing by historic landmarks like the Elms Mission House and the Old Post Office nestled in Tauranga's city centre.  Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes as we drive you past the Kiwi & Avocado orchards (time permitting a brief stop) before ascending to the breathtaking Scenic Lookout. From there, soak in the sweeping panoramic views of the Coromandel, with the distant silhouette of Whakaari / White Island completing the scene. On your return lies the charming township of Mount Maunganui, beckoning you to explore its delightful array of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Take a stroll around Mauao, the bay, or the picturesque Mount Main Beach.

If you’d like to experience something really unique, very special and only available in Rotorua, New Zealand – then let us guide you on an amazing journey to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park. Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this 3 hour package. Take advantage of the self-guided interactive geothermal walk (map is provided on arrival) before indulging in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget! * Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship * * Gold Qualmark Tour Operator * * Full refund if ship doesn't make it into port *

Travel Ed is a Māori whānau (family) operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribes and beyond. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures. Your authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, geared to take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with culturally signigficant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD. This is not just a window to our culture, you are immersed in it. Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your warm friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning.

Take a walk around Tauranga and see the city’s landmarks and attractions on this self-guided audio tour. Instead of getting crammed  into a stifling hot tour bus or waiting for other travellers, stroll along the waterfront at your own pace while learning about the history of local iwi (Māori tribe) Te Arawa, then visit significant sites like the Strand, The Elms Mission House and the old cannon at Monmouth Redoubt.

The focus of this historical and cultural self-guided audio tour is the tales and myths that surround Mount Maunganui, also known as The Mount, including the arrival of the Maori in New Zealand. Perfectly suited for discovery on foot, our self-guided audio tour allows you to set the pace and explore at your leisure as you uncover the stories of this exciting city. Wander along white sand beaches while listening to the stories of the natives’ past. Learn about the battles that took place between the Maori and the European settlers, and the lore that brings the mountain to life. To discover this wonderful city in your own time and at your own pace just download this self-guided audio tour, pop in your headphones, open the map that comes with your download and start walking. The tour will take approximately two hours, but you can pause the audio guide when needed. Grab a bite to eat or do some shopping along the way. Please note that this tour is only available in English.

With a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Why is Tauranga known as a lifestyle and tourism destination? Tauranga has many outlying islands and reefs, which make it a notable tourist destination for traveling scuba divers and marine enthusiasts. You will be surprised how many stories are in hidden streets, buildings, and corners of Tauranga. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. It is perfect for people visiting the city for the first time and who want to get the most out of it. * A local and charismatic guide will guide you. * You will hear the stories and legends of the city. * You will visit charming places.