Top Tauranga Half-day 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.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. You’ll travel to one of New Zealand’s famed regions in the North Island, observing otherworldly landscapes and Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa’s thermal springs. Visit Okere Falls at the Bay of Plenty; receive a traditional welcome at an authentic Maori village where you’ll watch a 'haka' (war dance); and view the Government Gardens, a historic bath house and more in Rotorua.

Make the most of your time at shore and explore the beautiful Tauranga Harbour during this half-day tour. 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 even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocado.

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.

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.

Experience the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this evening glow-worm kayak tour in Tauranga. Begin your tour with refreshments and delicious New Zealand cheeses on the banks of Lake McLaren. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow-worm canyon at the head of Lake McLaren. Marvel at the millions of bright green glow-worms clinging to the towering cliff sides, and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

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.

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.

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 *

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” will enjoy this private transfer service to the Hobbiton Movie set from Tauranga. It has been especially designed for cruise ship passengers, with port transfers and start times coordinated with ship arrival times. Get behind-the-scenes insight into the movies on the two-hour guided tour. Even travelers who haven’t seen the films will enjoy the fantastical set and the guide’s stories.

Make the most of a short time in Tauranga and Rotorua on a private shore excursion for up to eight people. Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this varied itinerary, which can be customized to suit your needs. Visit beautiful beaches, sample local kiwifruit, stroll through shady redwood forests, and be amazed at Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. A mix of cultural and natural attractions are offered.

Explore one of the North Island’s most impressive natural wonders and see the national symbol of New Zealand on this shore excursion from Tauranga. Walk through the caves to see stalagmites and stalactites before boarding a small boat to the incredible Waitomo Caves, filled with glittering glow-worms. Then visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to learn more about the native birds. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

Learn about early European settlements and gorgeous nature on this evening sundown tour of Tauranga. Drive through the hills of Mount Maunganui while admiring gorgeous beaches and viewing the township from above. Visit some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand and develop your understanding of the New Zealand Land Wars and their relationship with the indigenous Māori people. Finish at The Clarence Hotel to enjoy a complimentary beverage.

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.

A unique experience to explore our beautiful harbour by waka ama (outrigger) canoe and hear the cultural stories of our mountain, Mauao, guided by Māori people of local tribes. Learn to paddle a waka ama before joining our local crew on the ocean. Our experienced steerers safely transport you to the mountain, Mauao, while sharing stories of how our ancestors travelled these waters. You are also guided on a walk around the mountain. Seeking inspiration on how to be a better guardian of our earth? Hear how the local tribes take care of the mountain, how the community keeps it's clean green status, and what values are upheld in the Māori culture. We are 100% local and 95% tangata whenua (indigenous people of the area).

Cruise passengers can make the most of their time on land with an easy private shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua. After being picked up from the port, travel inland to Rotorua, a hub of Maori culture that’s notorious for its sulfurous geothermal attractions. Stroll through the giant redwood forest; see the bursting Te Puia geysers and bubbling mud pools while learning about geothermal activity; observe New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, and much more.

A truly unique experience visiting the world-renowned Waitomo Caves. Experience a short boat trip to the Glow worm Grotto. Visit the Kiwi House in Otorohanga and try to spot the adorable flightless bird.

Private tour: Max 4 people. A living Māori village. The villagers have built their homes amongst erupting geysers, boiling mud, steam vents, & hot pools. They use natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes. Walk amongst the wonders of the Whakarewarewa Valley, our guide explains the history of the village, where the Tuhourangi / Ngati Wahiao tribe has lived for over 200 years. See Pohutu the biggest active geyser in the southern hemisphere erupting up to 100 feet. Amongst this steaming volcanic landscape, generations of villagers have made Whakarewarewa there home. On this tour, you will see NZ’s best surf beach, stunning scenery, kiwifruit orchards, the scenic lakes district, beautiful farmland, native bush, pine plantation & dairy farms. We take a short stroll through the breathtaking, giant, 70 ft high, 120 year old Redwood Forest & wonder at the natural beauty. We explore Rotorua’s lakefront, hotspots and pristine Government Gardens before returning to port