Discover the best day trips in Tauranga - from sightseeing tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and day trips with top-rated local guides.
Day Trips in Tauranga
Day trips in Tauranga offer travelers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and convenience.
Whether you are short on time or simply looking for an immersive experience without the need for overnight stays,
these tours provide an excellent way to explore the highlights of Tauranga and its surroundings in just one day.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you can uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures that
bring the destination to life. From exploring scenic countryside and nearby villages to visiting historic monuments
and vibrant marketplaces, day trips are designed to maximize your travel experience. They are ideal for families,
couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering curated itineraries that combine comfort with unforgettable exploration.
You can relax knowing that transportation, guides, and carefully planned stops are all taken care of. Best of all,
day trips in Tauranga give you the chance to see more in less time, making them a smart choice for travelers who
want to make the most of their visit. With a variety of options available, every traveler can find a day trip that
matches their interests and leaves them with lasting memories.
Visit Te Puia home of the famous Pohutu Geyser. The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Your guide will take you on a tour of the natural bush, geysers and mud pools with a remarkable walk along the Te Whakarewarewa geyser terrace.
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A day of Epicurean delights, visiting a boutique brewery, travelling through scenic countryside to Rotorua, then up on the gondola to a cellar door with spectacular views and great wine! The tour finishes with a cocktail (or coffee) and dessert at our last venue, overlooking our beautiful harbour. Clients enjoy the diversity of venues and the variety of tastings. A chance to treat your palate!
This approximately 6-hour small group tour has a range of great sights to see on the way and the starting time can be adjusted to accommodate variations in ship arrival time.
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Voted our most popular Tour - This tour is perfect for people wanting a full day sightseeing this diverse landscape including Mt Maunganui, NZ Kiwi and farming country, the Rotorua 8 lakes, with a focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa village. Enjoy a brief concert here emphasising the rich Maori culture with song, dance and stories.
On the way to Rotorua, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast slowly ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations (we plan to stop so you can see these vines in full foilage/fruit) and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest - Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park, take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu)
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PLEASE NOTE: This tour no longer operates in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga. All other days will operate as normal.
A must do for all Lord of the Rings fans! Join us for a magical journey to Middle Earth where you can become part of the wonder that was created called Hobbiton! The Hobbiton Movie set was used for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' film trilogies and is situated on a family run sheep farm close to the town of Matamata in the Waikato province. It is now a Tolkien tourism destination, offering guided tours of the set.
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During your day's visit to Tauranga, experience the Geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. On the way there, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast, ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest - Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. Take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu) from our secret viewing spot beside the geothermal region of Whakarewarewa.
We highly recommend you upgrade to our P5 tour - Geothermal Rotorua w/ Maori cultural performance, an additional USD35 each and you will be entertained by a famous Maori troupe known worldwide for their natural showmanship, and walk through a stunning steaming living geothermally active zone.
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Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down the 4 klm walk, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater.
The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. On the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife, and stunning views across the lake at the imposing Mount Tarawera. You can also listen to the onboard commentary of the historic stories of the lake, and hear about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that covered and destroyed the pink and white terraces.
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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 *
* Minimum of 6 passengers required to enable this trip to go ahead
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Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm. If your cruise ship arrives after 10.00am, we will depart approximately 60 minutes after the ship has docked. (we will confirm with you prior).
On arrival into Port of Tauranga, a day of sightseeing, story telling & cultural connection awaits...
Bound for Rotorua (appx 1.5hr), enjoy an array of our all inclusive snacks & bottled water, sit back and take in the many beautiful scenic views.
We begin with a visit to the Government Gardens, you'll see the Whangapipiro Rachel Pool known for its therapeutic water.
Come face to face with the big Californian Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest, over 55,000 hectares.
Take a walk at Kuirau Park, discover hissing, roaring & bubbling geothermal activity. Take off your shoes & enjoy a warm foot spa in one of the foot pools (towels provided).
Next stop Lake Tarawera, meaning burnt spear, one of the largest lakes in New Zealand.
Time permitting, we may stop at Te Puia for souvenir shopping.
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This sightseeing tour consists of two short hikes showcasing the natural beauty of Tauranga and the surrounding countryside. You will see breath taking views of the Bay of Plenty coastline and New Zealand's native forests plus learn about some of the local history of the area.
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Our day trips in Tauranga are carefully designed to combine convenience, cultural insights, and memorable
experiences. Each itinerary highlights the best of Tauranga, led by local guides who know the destination
inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Tauranga
Most day trips in Tauranga include transportation, a local guide, and entrance to selected attractions.
Some itineraries also provide meals or free time for independent exploration.
Day trips in Tauranga typically last between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the destination and itinerary.
They are designed to make the most of your day while keeping travel times comfortable.
Yes, many day trips in Tauranga are family-friendly, offering activities and destinations that appeal
to both adults and children. Be sure to check tour descriptions for age recommendations.
Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons in Tauranga.
Some tours may allow same-day bookings if space is available.
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