Air-conditioned vehicle
Local driver/guide with local knowledge, fun & informative
Photo Stop at the Minden Lookout (and Harbour Drive) * time permitting
Bottle water on request
Pick up: outside passenger exit. Vehicle located to the right with sign: 2-hour City & Scenic Tour
PLEASE CHECK 24 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE THAT YOUR TIME HAS NOT BEEN AMENDED
NOTE: Vehicle size may vary 18-40 seats

Driver Gratuities
No toilet on board vehicle

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Meet our vehicle and driver directly outside the Port of Tauranga passenger exit on Salisbury Wharf | The Mall. If in doubt where to meet us please ask a Tourist Volunteer or just ask for the V8 Trikes, we are located in the same area. The bus will read: 2-HOUR CITY & SCENIC LOCAL MINIBUS TOUR

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Mount Hot Pools (Pass By)

Mt Maunganui Main Beach (Pass By)

Tauranga Bridge Marina (Pass By)

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Old Tauranga Post Office (Pass By)

Minden Lookout

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Harbour Drive

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bay Oval Cricket Ground (Pass By)

Zespri International (Pass By)

Giant Pohutukawa Tree (Pass By)

The Mount Mainstreet (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate

The total duration of this tour includes transportation or travel time
Times may vary or alter to suit the arrival of the cruise ship
Gold Qualmark Tour Operator
Business Name: Things to do in Tauranga (office located inside the port at the Information Centre)
NOTE: Vehicle size may vary 18-40 seats
Qualmark Covid Clean approved
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

53 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 53 reviews

Good Value

Michael_B, Apr 2024

Great excursion. Would have given it 5 stars except that the minibus was somewhat cramped for my 6’2” frame.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks Michael, great review albeit not a 5*!!!

easy fun tour

Kay_R, Apr 2024

good over all tour. Dave our driver knowledgeable and funny. good to get the overview of the area. bys comfortable

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks, Kay for taking the time to give us a great review, we will certainly pass this on to Dave.

Well organized welcome at...

Orazio_N, Apr 2024

Well organized welcome at the Harbour Tauranga. The Guide and driver Chris did a very good job and gave us interisting Insider from Taurangs. Thks

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks for taking the time to send us a review, so glad you enjoyed the tour.

Recommended

Sharon_H, Apr 2024

Well worth a trip out. Excellent knowledgeable driver. Got to places where you wouldn’t normally go to. When on a cruise you need to maximise your land time and this trip does that.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks Sharon, we're delighted to hear you had a great experience! Thanks for your kind words and for choosing our service.

Great way to spend time and explore Tauranga. The tour operator is highly recommended.

Federico_L, Apr 2024

We had a great time in Tauranga. Thank you so much to Kathryn. I had a large group and with Kathryn's help we were able to make special arrangement so that we are grouped together, making our Tauranga experiance more efficient, fun and memorable. I highly recommend this tour, most expecially for a large group or family. The tour operator is very responsive and accomodating. This Shore Excursion is also very cost effective.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you immensely for your glowing review! We're delighted to hear that we were able to make your time in Tauranga so enjoyable and memorable. It's fantastic to know that our efforts to accommodate your large group of 65 passengers paid off and contributed to a fun and efficient experience. Your recommendation means the world to us, especially for families or large groups seeking a cost-effective short tour. Thank you :)

Good experience

Graciela_B, Mar 2024

Clear explanation Information about kiwi agriculture Guide was very professional We were on time Nice wiews

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your positive feedback! We're delighted that you appreciated the clear information about kiwi agriculture and found our guide to be professional. Great views and being on time is always a plus!!

Worth it for the views.

Joy_C, Mar 2024

Some beautiful views, informative driver but the vehicle was so uncomfortable. Very small and the air vent at the side on the last row was broken so whether the aircon or heater was on you were blasted.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you, Joy, for your review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the informative tour and the stunning views. We'll address the air vent issue right away, as this is the first time it has been brought to our attention as a problem.

Bad value for money

Glenn_H, Mar 2024

I made a mistake and booked the wrong day. We were on a cruise ship and had my phone on aeroplane mode so couldn’t be contacted. I understand it was my mistake but I thought they could’ve been a bit nicer about it but all they did was give us a $10 discount to buy two more tickets. The driver was very knowledgeable so we heard a lot but effectively it cost us $220 to sit in a van for under two hours. Even at the original cost of $120 per couple, pretty much a waste of money.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Glenn, I am disappointed to read your review, which I find offensive. It was not my mistake, but yours, as you booked the wrong day. Despite our attempts to contact you, we were unable to reach you and thus did not resell the seats. When you arrived on the actual day of your travel, we were already fully booked. However, we accommodated you on a later tour at a discounted rate. Your disparaging review is unwarranted and hurtful. Our tour is precisely as described: a short, informative overview of our area with knowledgeable local drivers. The additional costs you incurred were not our responsibility. A review from another passenger.... This was a very nice tour of Tauranga and the surrounding area. If you are looking for a short excursion in this area while you are in port then this is the one to choose. We also appreciated the fact that it was a small group tour. Response published

An unfortunate experience

Bella_C, Mar 2024

The ride towards the peak of the mountain took more than an hour. It wasn’t even an overlook area . Just side of the road where the tourists can take quick pictures. I asked the driver/tour guide if there’s a chance for a bathroom break and he didn’t even apologized for the inconvenience of him not stopping for such. It was still a few minutes walk to the ship from the drop off & I have to buy something from a fish & chips stall to be able to use their restroom .

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your feedback. As stated in our literature, the journey around the Mount area, through Tauranga, and up to the lookout typically lasts an hour and concludes with a photo opportunity. Regarding restroom breaks, although not formally scheduled, our drivers are happy to make a quick stop upon request during the return journey. However, we do advise passengers to use the facilities at our departure point before setting off. As for drop-off locations, our tours conclude where they began, just a few meters from public restrooms.

Nice overview of Tauranga and vicinity

Gail_E, Mar 2024

This was a very nice tour of Tauranga and the surrounding area. If you are looking for a short excursion in this area while you are in port then this is the one to choose. We also appreciated the fact that it was a small group tour.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Gail, Thanks for the review - glad you enjoyed the tour of Tauranga and the surrounding area! Thank you for choosing us.

Driving around city and residencial suburbs

Ricardo_P, Mar 2024

It was a simple tour around the city and suburbs. Spend a long time showing residencial houses e sights view from the top of the hill. It was difficult to take photos with a lot of people in a van moving all the time.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

We appreciate your feedback. Our small city is encircled by residential neighbourhoods, many boasting breathtaking views, particularly along the route leading to the stunning lookout point. As mentioned in the tour description, it's primarily a drive-by experience with a single stop at the lookout for a photo opportunity. We apologise if you didn't find it as interesting as others have.

Great Short Tour of the Tauranga Area

Michael_H, Mar 2024

The tour was very good and the driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. We especially liked the overview of the city but unfortunately it was overcast and a bit rainy. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a quick tour of the area and lots of good local info.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Michael, Thank you for submitting a positive review. We apologise for the unusual weather, which is not typical for this time of year. Nonetheless, we are delighted that you enjoyed the scenery and appreciated our local knowledge!

Bus too crowded

Desleigh_W, Mar 2024

Great commentary. Unfortunately we had to sit in back row which was not conducive to having 5 adults in. Otherwise, great tour. Good value.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the commentary and found great value in the tour. Regarding the back seat, we intentionally leave the middle seat unoccupied for situations like this, ensuring there is an alternative seat available if any of you wish to relocate. Your feedback is invaluable, and we will use it to improve and enhance our services. Thank you!

Great

Kellie_L, Mar 2024

Great overview of the town and a history lesson from our driver who was a full bottle on the history real-estate prices and local hot spots

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Kellie, I'm grateful for your delightful review. As you rightly noted, it provides a glimpse into the area, setting the stage for your future exploration.

Disappointing

Gay_F, Mar 2024

Disappointing tour. The guide gave very little information that was of any real interest to us. He might want to park his sexist remarks as well. He talked about Opossums being a nuisance and then went on to say that they “made good speed bumps” and that if he saw one on our journey he’d take delight in running it over. As animal lovers, we were appalled.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Gay, I sincerely appreciate your feedback, and I want to personally address the concerns you've raised in your review. It would be immensely helpful if you could reach out to us directly, providing details such as the specific day, time, and driver associated with your experience. This will enable us to thoroughly investigate and address the matter. I must express my genuine surprise at the comment you mentioned, as it does not align with the values and professionalism of the individuals we have carefully chosen to represent our company. Your assistance in pinpointing the details will aid us in rectifying this situation promptly. Regarding the information shared about our tour, we understand that preferences vary among individuals, and while we may not be able to please everyone, we are committed to continuously improving and catering to the preferences of the majority. I eagerly look forward to hearing from you soon. Please feel free to contact me directly through our website.

Good but…

JillWithington, Mar 2024

Good trip and we think very informative but had trouble hearing the commentary from the back of the bus that was extremely cold. Would recommend on a warmer day.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Jill, Thank you for your review and feedback. Did you happen to request the driver to adjust the air conditioning or switch on the heating? Our drivers are highly accommodating to such preferences. While most days during the cruise ship season tend to be warm, if you're accustomed to a warmer climate, it might feel a bit chilly at times.

Excellent

MelitzaJ_B, Feb 2024

Excellent quick trip around Tauranga. Guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. You have plenty of time to come back and explore the town.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your quick trip around Tauranga and found our guide engaging and knowledgeable. Our team takes pride in providing memorable experiences, and it's wonderful to know that you highly recommend our services. Thank you!

Terrible tour a waste of time

Diane_V, Feb 2024

The worst tour I have ever been on in 45 years. Driver was quiet about 90% of the time. Never gave us any good information. Drove too fast in the rain going 100 kilometers and scared everyone on the bus. We had to ask him to slow down. When he did speak you couldn't understand him and he would not use his microphone. He said it was broken. Never gave us any interesting information about the area.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Diane, I've spoken with our driver regarding your feedback, and he has provided the following response: The group were waiting for you as you had not arrived as requested 15 minutes prior to our departure time. He had already briefed the other members of the group about the adjusted itinerary due to the heavy rain conditions. Throughout the tour, he maintained his customary informative commentary, which was well-received by others based on the feedback received via emails. The driver adhered to a reasonable speed, not exceeding 85 kph (the vehicle is tracked). Any acceleration beyond this limit occurred solely when overtaking a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV). At your request, he slowed and as such the HGV then passed him. In an effort to enhance your experience, he took the initiative to visit additional locations, such as McLaren Falls Park (which was not on the itinerary) instead of the designated viewpoint, considering the impracticality due to misty weather. Consequently, the tour extended to 2.5 hours. Contrary to your remarks, we have received positive feedback regarding both the driver and the tour. We regret that your perspective differs from that of the other participants on the tour. From other guests: Excellent Viator review: 2-Hour Tauranga & Mount Maunganui City & Scenic Local Tour Excellent quick trip around Tauranga. Guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. You have plenty of time to come back and explore the town.

Disappointing

Caroline_M, Feb 2024

Learnt all about Kiwi fruit which was very interesting. However, the tour around the suburbs looking at houses and getting many retirement villages pointed out to us was disappointing. One quick photo opportunity for a few minutes was ok, but too short. Instead of looking at properties, a short stop at the many beautiful beaches would have been nicer.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thanks for the review Caroline. Our tour does take us around Mount Maunganui, and unfortunately, halting along the beach road proves challenging due to limited parking options. Allowing passengers to embark and disembark would extend the tour beyond the allotted 2-hour timeframe. Tauranga's extensive layout takes us through points of interest in the small city including the suburbs where some retirement homes are situated, on our way to the Minden Lookout. Our brief photo stop at the lookout lasts no more than 10 minutes to ensure we adhere to the 2-hour schedule. Longer tours are available from other operators, albeit at much higher prices.

Relaxing and scenic

John_B, Feb 2024

Dave, our driver and guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Tour was interesting and included a drive through various parts of town (which looks a lot like San Diego to me), lots of information about the port and NZ exports, and then a drive out of town through farmland to a nice scenic overlook. We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about kiwi farming.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you, John, for taking the time to share such a positive review. We're delighted to hear that you found the tour both interesting and engaging.