Top Tauranga Outdoor Activities

Go white water rafting on the Kaituna River for a thrilling outing from Rotorua. Your guide leads you on an action-packed 1-hour ride down 14 rapids at Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 23 feet (7 meters). This warm water rafting trip takes place in a gorgeous jungle canyon and is suitable for active people, no prior rafting experience required.

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.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during the summer months from November to May.

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.

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.

Frequently referred to as one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations, Omanawa Falls is situated in the stunning Kaimai ranges. At its heart featuring a breathtaking 35m waterfall cascading into a pristine pool surrounded by lush New Zealand native rainforest. Kaitiaki Adventures will lead you on an unparalleled, culturally integral, and historic guided walk that immerses you in the rich cultural history of the Ngati Hangarau people. A regenerative tourism experience in the unique cultural space of Omanawa Falls. Following the Omanawa journey our guides will transport you to both McLaren Falls and Bay of Plenty's best view point of Minden Lookout before heading back to the port via Mt Maunganui's Main Beach.

Get a close-up view of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine life on this half-day dolphin-watching tour from Tauranga. As well as graceful dolphins, you’re likely to spot penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and maybe even turtles. This is an ideal family activity, as the boat is small and your tour personalized. Learn about the marine environment from the crew, and also enjoy views of Mt. Maunganui and Moturiki Island.

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.

New Zealand’s well known for adventure tourism, but it can be difficult to find exciting locations that are fun for the whole family. Adrenalin Forest solves that problem – located in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, surrounded by pine forest and native ferns, it has over 100 challenges ranging from the child-friendly to the ultra-challenging. Book in advance to avoid getting shut out by group bookings.

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).

This popular and relaxing cruise journeys through the beautiful inner harbour of Tauranga with the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a stunning backdrop. The KEWPIE has two cruise decks and plenty of room to soak up the amazing views. It also boasts a fully licensed lounge bar and bar snacks are also available. Scenic highlights of this great value cruise include: The Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance A diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive highly developed port infrastructure Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise like blue penguins, sea birds or NZ fur seals

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 meter vessel with 360° outdoor views. Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching. Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca. Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife. Photos of a lifetime!

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views. Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching. Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
 Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife. Photos of a lifetime!

See the summery Bay of Plenty from a different perspective – as you’re freefalling from 10,000 feet in the air! It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time skydiver: on this tandem skydive, learn as you go as you fall with your instructor, who takes the lead and offers personalized guidance when you want to take over. Enjoy bird’s-eye views of local landmarks, from Maunganui and White Island close by to the Rotorua Lakes, Mount Ruapehu and, if the visibility’s good, even Mount Taranaki.

Discover the beautiful Mt Maunganui from the ocean. This is a cultural experience on stand up paddle boards, delivered by tangata whenua (people of the land) of Tauranga. This experience is around 2 hours long, with approximately 1 hour on the water.

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.