tauranga boat cruises

THE 5 BEST Tauranga Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in tauranga.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Swim with Dolphins
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Mt Maunganui Main Beach
• Mauao Adventures
• Mount Hot Pools
• Mount Maunganui Base Track
• Moturiki Island
• Bay Explorer Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise
• Mount Maunganui Summit Track
• Mayor Island
• Kewpie Cruises
• Waimarino Adventure Park
• McLaren Falls Park
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga

2. Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga

3. Tauranga Harbour Scenic One Hour Historical Boat Cruise

4. Half Day Dolphin Watching Cruise (Departing from Rotorua)

5. Mountain to the Sea - Waka Ama and Cultural Mauao Walk

6. Stand Up Paddle Adventure

7. Intro to Waka Ama Lesson

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

Twilight Kayak Glow worm Tour

Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide

What travellers are saying.

• Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga
• Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga
• Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour
• Tauranga Harbour Scenic One Hour Historical Boat Cruise
• Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga
• Dolphin Seafaris
• Orca Wild Adventures
• Iryna Stewart
• Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
• Hibiscus Surf School

• Cruise Destinations
• New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

• Carnival Splendor

* Coming Soon

A Carnival Tauranga cruise allows you to enjoy everything the magnificent Bay of Plenty has to offer. In the North Island, Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, and it’s easy to see why. Use our shore excursions to take in the Maori culture of the region, or visit the nearby Polynesian spa and hot springs. Hike the impressive Mount Maunganui and enjoy the amazing views, or visit the Tauranga Rotorua region and lake. And for film buffs, the Lord of the Rings set is a must-see. Downton Tauranga is also a big attraction. Cruise to New Zealand to embark on a Tauranga cruise and enjoy the cultural and foodie delights of a city known for its art and restaurants.

• Climb Mount Maunganui.
• Take in the Maori culture.
• Enjoy the food scene.
• Explore the Bay of Plenty.
• Visit the Lord of the Rings set.

Cruises to Tauranga

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 7:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm (AES/DT) Closed on Public Holidays.

Tauranga Cruise

Cruises from / to Tauranga in 2024

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

• Select category

Clear Filters

NATURAL WONDERS

SOMETHING SPECIAL

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Sort by duration

• Category: CITY TOUR
• Duration: 4.5 hour(s)
• Code: TRG01
• See details
• Add to my cruise

• Category: NATURAL WONDERS
• Duration: 6 hour(s)
• Code: TRG02

• Duration: 8 hour(s)
• Code: TRG03

• Category: SOMETHING SPECIAL
• Duration: 4 hour(s)
• Code: TRG04

• Duration: 7 hour(s)
• Code: TRG05

• Category: CULTURE AND HISTORY
• Code: TRG06

• Duration: 5 hour(s)
• Code: TRG07

• Code: TRG09

• Code: TRG10

TRAVEL TO THE Tauranga CRUISE TERMINAL

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Explore the big blue

Tauranga’s harbour glistens under sunny skies all year round and is your gateway to the wider pacific ocean. thousands of boats, yachts and ships of all shapes and sizes set sail from here – and you can jump on board too..

You’ll find a wide selection of boat cruises to enjoy in Te Moananui ā Toi ׀ Coastal Bay of Plenty, including multiple opportunities to see dolphins and other marine wildlife up close. Relax aboard these spacious and well-equipped vessels and keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, sharks, orca and even turtles.

If you’re visiting Whakatāne, it’s well worth taking a trip out to the pest-free oasis of Moutohorā (Whale Island) which is home to many rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.

Shorter sightseeing excursions are also available within Tauranga Harbour’s bounds, giving you a close-up look at Matakana Island, the city’s CBD, Mount Maunganui’s Pilot Bay and New Zealand’s largest export port in full swing. Many boat cruise operators offer food and beverages on board so pack your sunglasses, a wind-proof jacket and your sense of adventure.

Close Menu ×

Our destinations

• Mount Maunganui
• Waihī Beach
• Papamoa Beach
• Ohope Beach
• Whirinaki Forest
• VISIT: Our Islands
• Waterfalls in the Bay of Plenty
• Helpful Information
• Explore the Bay

EXPERIENCES

• Experiences
• Bay of Plenty Tours & Experiences
• Oceans & Beaches
• Outdoor Adventures
• Cycle trails
• Culture, Art & History
• Family Experiences in the Bay
• Experience the Bay in Every Season
• Itineraries & Travel Plans
• Accessible Bay of Plenty
• Travel Green Through the Bay
• Tracks & Trails

STORIES FROM THE BAY

• Art, History & Culture Stories
• Meet our local tourism operators
• Top 10 romantic things to do in the Bay
• Coast Care: Let's protect our sand dunes
• 10 things to do in the Bay when the surf is flat

Stay in the Bay

• Bay of Plenty Accommodation
• The Bay’s beautiful off-the-grid accommodation
• Eco-friendly stays
• 8 stays for a soul-soothing getaway
• Top 5 Best beachfront accommodation options
• Bowentown Beach Holiday Park
• 5 Amazing Places to Stay in the Bay
• Treat yourself: Luxury Accommodation
• Camping in the Bay
• Athenree Holiday Park
• Chasing Wanderlust: Sarah Meadows & Matt Young
• Pet-friendly stays

Eat & Drink in the Bay

• Specialty food stores
• Flavours of Plenty Foodie Guide
• Best burgers in the Bay
• Pedal to plate
• Alma Eatery
• Best ice cream in the Bay
• Alfresco dining
• The best dinner spots in the Bay
• Best cocktails In Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
• Best bakeries in the Bay
• Where to eat in the Eastern BOP
• Coffee roasters in the Bay
• Sophisticated dining in the Bay
• Top 10 ‘must try’ dishes In Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
• Plant-based dining in the Bay
• Bay of Plenty Bars & Eateries
• DRINK: The Bay's Best Brews

No Place Like Home

• Locals Newsletter Sign-Up
• Support local
• Meet the locals
• Must-Do Walks in the Bay of Plenty
• Give the gift of experiences
• Fresh, Local Eats
• Try something new on the water
• 10 things to do with tweens & teens in the Bay
• Explore your backyard

Events in the Bay

• Annual Events
• Summer Events Guide
• Markets in the Bay
• Concert & Gig Guide
• Performing Arts
• Sports & Outdoors Events
• Festival & Lifestyle
• Exhibitions
• Autumn Events Guide

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise to Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in tauranga.

Hole Up in Hobbiton

Take an excursion to Middle Earth, or at least to the filming location of Bilbo's house in the Shire. Visit the 44 Hobbit Holes and The Green Dragon Inn to learn more about how "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed here by New Zealander Sir Peter Jackson.

Local Cuisine

Named the Bay of Plenty by Captain Cook, the Tauranga area has an abundance of products from the land and sea. Cruise to Tauranga and try lamb belly with burnt pumpkin or crusted local venison loin at a hip brasserie in downtown Tauranga. You'll find wine here, too, especially Pinot Noir — Mills Reef Winery has an on-site restaurant where you can order creative, Asian-inspired dishes alongside your glass of choice.

In the town of Paengaroa, about a half hour away, you'll find the production plant of Comvita, one of the world's leading producers of manuka honey. Take a couple jars home, or pick up beauty products made with the sweet stuff. Take home a bottle of your favorite wine from a local vineyard, or seek out local jade and sterling silver jewelry — Jens Hansen Ringmakers in Nelson even makes a replica of the One Ring from Tolkien's epic.

Best Deals to Tauranga, New Zealand

These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Similar to Tauranga, New Zealand

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

11 Best Things to Do in Tauranga Cruise Port | Port Overview

Welcome to Tauranga cruise port, one of the most spectacular New Zealand ports and a frequent stop in the New Zealand cruise itineraries! New Zealand comprises two main islands, North Island (the ports of Wellington, Auckland, Napier, and Bay of Islands) and South Island.

The entire North Island includes twelve main urban areas, half of them officially cities. Tauranga city is part of the North Island, officially named Te-Ika-a Maui. In this Tauranga cruise travel guide, read about:

• Tauranga cruise port (Tauranga cruise terminal, getting around)
• 11 best things to do in Tauranga cruise port & Tauranga shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Milford Sound , Auckland , Bay of Islands , Napier , Wellington , Dunedin , Picton , Akaroa

Tauranga Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at the port of Tauranga, located in the town of Mount Maunganui overlooking the vast Bay of Plenty. The city of Tauranga is located approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the cruise port but is easily accessible via shuttle buses often provided by the cruise lines.

The port of Tauranga is conveniently located within a short walking distance from Mount Maunganui town center where you can find several shops, eateries, beaches, and places of interest. There is a tourist information booth at the end of the pier where you can pick up some maps, brochures, and book excursions. Normally there are no more than two passenger cruise ships in port, so the place doesn’t get too busy.

Getting Around the Port of Tauranga

• The main street is Maunganui Road situated a stone’s throw from the cruise port, featuring several cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach located a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal ranks among the best beaches in New Zealand and is known for great surfing due to the high waves. This ocean beach is long and offers a variety of water sports activities ideal for adventure seekers and swimmers.
• However, if you are looking for calmer waters, head over to Pilot Bay Beach which you’ll spot right in front of your ship, only a few minutes’ walk from the pier. This harbor beach is amazing for small kids and families as the waters are calm and there are no waves. There are no facilities on the beach except for the public toilets near the parking. Pilot Bay Beach offers unique views of Mount Maunganui and a picturesque bay filled with small fishing and recreational boats.
• New Zealand’s official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD; or NZ$) and 1 NZ$ equals 0.62 US dollars. Foreign currency is mostly not accepted, so make sure you have a local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
• Cruise lines or local tour operators normally offer shuttle bus transportation to Tauranga city center for an extra cost. The ride to Tauranga lasts approximately 20 minutes.
• Taxis and public transportation that connects Mount Maunganui with Tauranga are available. The nearest bus station is Salisbury Avenue located a few minutes’ walk from the pier. Check the timetables and fares on the New Zealand public transportation official website: https://www.baybus.co.nz/
• Book private transportation
• Explore Tauranga tours and activities
• Find hotels in Tauranga

11 Best Things to Do in Tauranga Cruise Port

1. mount maunganui.

Just in front of the ship, you will spot Mount Maunganui, a gorgeous hill reachable within walking distance from the dock. Also known as Mauao (“The Mount” in the Maori language), Mount Maunganui is an extinct, 232-meter (761 ft) high volcano whose hiking trails lead you to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty.

There are a couple of hiking trails, including the easy one which is flat and easily manageable, and the more strenuous one that takes you to the summit. You can reach the base of Mount Maunganui if you follow an oceanfront boardwalk in the direction of Pilot Bay Beach, or take a walk through the main street Maunganui Road to the base of the hill.

The entire hike to the summit and back takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on how many photo stops you make. Make sure you follow the signs along the trails for safety reasons. There are no facilities or shops available along the way.

At the foot of Mount Maunganui, there is another great attraction awaiting you – Mount Hot Pools , a heated saltwater pool area with natural pools and facilities including free wi-fi, changing room, showers, spa services, snacks and drinks.

Check out Mount Maunganui tours and activities

2. Hobbiton Movie Set

The absolute highlight of every Tauranga cruise is a visit to the enchanting village of Hobbiton Movie Set , where some major scenes from Tolkien’s iconic trilogies of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were shot.

Back in 1998, Peter Jackson’s team was in search of the perfect setting for the legendary hobbit village of the Shire, a fictional Middle-earth village inhabited by hobbits, peaceful, brave halflings with hairy feet. A thorough aerial search let them to the Alexander farm, an idyllic area nestled in the heart of the Waikato region , boasting rolling hills, lush green pastures, a mirror lake, and untouched nature. 

It took the movie crew nine months to transform the farm into the Shire… and it was well worth the effort! Nowadays, the Hobbiton Movie Set is one of the most visited attractions in New Zealand allowing visitors to stroll through the Shire and admire 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit holes (exterior visit only, except for one hole that you can visit inside).

You can take a photo in front of Bilbo Baggins’ Hobbiton Hole, get a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon and admire the stunning views of the Kaimai Mountains that create movie magic and are impressive in reality.

You can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a 2-hour guided walking tour only, and all tours depart from the Shire’s Rest.

It takes approximately a 1h 15-minute drive to reach the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Tauranga cruise port. If you are coming from the city of Tauranga, it takes a 45-minute drive to get to the location. Hobbiton Movie Set is partially wheelchair friendly (for collapsible wheelchairs).

Hobbiton is a popular, busy, and crowded site, so make sure you plan your trip according to the cruise ship’s schedule. It is recommended to travel light and not carry valuables with you. Closed-toe shoes are suggested, and it’s not permitted to wear flip-flops at the site.

Facilities are available at the Shire’s Rest (toilets, gift shop, food/drinks). If you are coming with a cruise line-sponsored shore excursion, double-check if the toilets in the bus are available as the drive takes 1 hour 15 minutes each way.

Check out Hobbiton Movie Set tours and activities

3. Rotorua Geothermal Parks

Situated on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, in the Bay of Plenty region, the city of Rotorua is known for its world-famous Geothermal Parks, featuring geysers and bubbling mud pools. It is located around a 1 hour 15 minutes drive from the port of Tauranga.

Rotorua offers a wide variety of things to do, from adventure activities such as zip lines, jungle bridges, jet boats, paragliding, off-road tours, cycling, and biking, to cultural tours where you get to discover the traditional customs, practices, and beliefs of indigenous Māori people. You can indulge in spa & wellness treatments and enjoy water sports and activities that take place around a few of 17 beautiful lakes and three major rivers in Rotorua (paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, secluded thermal hot water beaches, boat rides, and many more).

However, most of the activities take place at Rotorua Geothermal Parks , scattered in and around the city, boasting awe-inspiring natural wonders and surreal landscapes. The whole area sits within the Pacific Rim of Fire and is known as one of the most active New Zealand volcanic areas (Mount Tarawera volcano). Here you will find the world’s most active geothermal fields featuring spectacular hot mud pools, impressive geysers, steaming vents, and boiling lakes.

3.1. Te Puia

One of the best geothermal attractions to visit is the Geothermal Valley of Te Puia , located a 5-minute drive from the city center, featuring dramatic geysers including Pohutu Geyser , the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! It erupts up to 20 times per day and you can admire it from the viewing decks, allowing you to take some incredible shots!

Te Puia is part of the Whakarewarewa Valley and Thermal Reserve , where you can also experience a cultural immersion as you get to experience a warm Maori welcome, cultural show, folkloric dancing, and learn about the language and tradition of Maori people.

You can visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute , see the works of Māori carvers and taste the traditional Hāngī meal.

Explore Rotorua and Te Puia shore excursions 

4. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland 

Another impressive attraction is Wai-O-Tapu (in the Maori language, Wai-O-Tapu means “Sacred Waters”) geothermal wonderland, set approximately 30 km (18.5 mi) from Rotorua town, around 1 hour 45 minutes from the port of Tauranga.

Wai-O-Tapu is one of the most colorful and diverse geothermal sites boasting spectacular landscapes and geological formations, stunning vistas, surreal colors, and gigantic volcanic craters. This is the site where you get to see the world-famous Champagne Pool , the largest hot spring in New Zealand measuring 65m in diameter and 62m deep, with a surface temperature of 74°C. The Lady Knox Geyser and the largest Mud Pool in New Zealand are the other two locations not to be missed.

There is also a visitor center with a cafe, gift shop, and facilities. Some tours to Wai-O-Tapu include the Lakeland Queen cruise on Lake Rotorua and guided walking tours through the forest of Whakarewarewa nature reserve where you can visit Te Puia and see the local cultural performances.

Check out Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland tours  

5. Highlights of Rotorua Town

Besides geothermal parks, the town of Rotorua boasts historic landmarks, botanical gardens, cultural institutions, and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you would like to explore the town’s surroundings and history, make sure you visit some of these city highlights:

• Government Gardens – Set in beautiful scenery close to Lake Rotorua, this public park features a former geothermal bathhouse housing the Rotorua Museum of Art and History built in Tudor architectural style. There are sports facilities within the park, including Blue Baths swimming pool housed in an elegant Art Deco building.
• Rotorua Museum of Art and History (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa) – Housed in the former bathhouse, the exterior of the timber-framed Rotorua Museum is eye-catching and remarkable. Both museum and art gallery, here you can learn about the history of the place and admire local fine arts, photography, and Taonga objects from the Māori culture. Guided tours are available.
• Kiwi Conservation Center – Right by the Te Puia Geothermal site entrance, you can visit the new facility housing New Zealand’s national bird, a nocturnal flightless bird – kiwi! Get up close and personal with kiwi birds in the special nocturnal enclosure and learn how the sanctuary is working to protect them. The site has free wi-fi and a huge souvenir shop, facilities, and light snacks available for purchase (cash or credit card).

Explore Rotorua Town tours and activities

6. The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga Mission Station

Within a 10-15 minute drive from the port of Tauranga, you can visit The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga historic site where you can learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of New Zealand. This site, established by the missionary Alfred Brown, played an important role in spreading Christianity to the Māori people in New Zealand in the early 19th century.

You can take a guided tour through the mission house and library which usually lasts around 30 minutes, and visit its wonderful gardens and impeccably maintained grounds.

To get to The Elms, take a bus from the port of Tauranga to Tauranga city center. The main bus stop in Tauranga is at the iSite Visitor Information Centre on Willow Street, and from there you can take a short walk to The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga.

7. Kiwifruit Country

If you want to learn about kiwi farming, you should visit Kiwifruit Country located in the Bay of Plenty, approximately 30 minutes’ driving distance from Tauranga port (31 km/19 miles). On this unique trip, you get to visit a working kiwifruit orchard and learn about ‘the story of kiwifruit’, considered one of the world’s healthiest fruits.

You get to see the different varieties of kiwi (Green Kiwi, Red Kiwi, Gold Kiwi, etc.), learn about their origin, and how they are grown, picked, and sold, mostly abroad. You also get to sample this delicious fruit and there is a store where you can buy the products manufactured from kiwi fruit including honey, jam, ice cream, and smoothies.

Check out Kiwifruit Country tours and activities

8. Tamaki Maori Village

If you are a history buff and would like to learn more about the Maori culture that Rotorua has to offer, you can visit Rotorua Maori Village , located a 15-minute drive from Rotorua town and 1 hour 45 minutes from the port of Tauranga.

Tamaki Maori Village is an award-winning cultural attraction in New Zealand featuring a recreated Maori village where you can take part in cultural performances, ceremonies, interactive activities, taste authentic Maori cuisine, storytelling, and so much more!

Explore Tamaki Maori Village tours and activities

9. White-Water Rafting

Tauranga cruise port offers numerous adrenaline and adventure activities for nature lovers, and rafting is one of them! Wairoa River with Kaituna Cascades offers incredible white water action that you’ll remember for a lifetime! Experience three rapids, a 10-meter-high waterfall, and gorgeous natural sceneries on this unique adrenaline-pumped ride! The rafting itself lasts around 1 hour and it’s one of the most intense activities you’ll ever experience!

The starting point is located approximately a 1-hour drive from the pier, and numerous companies are offering the rafting experience (including the cruise lines).

Check out White Water Rafting tours and activities

10. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Glowworms are native creatures that can be found all over New Zealand, and there are dozens of caves where you can spot them. Waitomo caves are a renowned natural attraction offering a wide variety of activities, including a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto where you’ll see thousands of these tiny luminescent creatures.

The rock formations are incredible and you’ll enjoy its magnificent chambers and stream passages. Waitomo Caves are located around a 2-hour drive from Tauranga port each way.

There are other ways to see glowworms as well. You can book a kayak adventure trip to Lake Rotoiti which is located about 1 hour from the dock that will take you to remote caves where you can see these magical creatures.

If you opt for a kayak activity offered by your cruise line, check in advance if you need a single kayak or double to ensure availability as the tours are organized in small groups. Facilities are available and a change of clothes is optional. By the end of your trip, you will paddle to Manupirua Beach and get some time off to relax in thermal pools.

Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours

11. Speedboat Ride to Rotorua

If you would like to experience the beauty of New Zealand by sea, you can embark on a jet boat ride to Rotorua that takes approximately 1h 30 minutes each way. You will travel to Hell’s Gate (Tikitere), Rotorua’s most active geothermal area where you will receive about 1 hour of free time. Here you will see bubbling mud pools, spectacular thermal basins formed by the area’s volcanic activity, steaming lakes, and other breathtaking formations.

You May Also Like:

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Port Guides

Cruises to USA and Canada

Caribbean Cruise Port Guides

Mediterranean Cruise Port Guides

Western Europe Cruise Port Guides

Baltic & Scandinavia Cruise Port Guides

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cruise Tours Tauranga

• See all photos

6 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion From Tauranga

Rotorua Geothermal Living Maori Village Tour Whakarewarewa 6.5hours Tour

Rotorua Discovery Te Puia Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cruise Tours Tauranga - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Bonus Savings
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150 on the stateroom you want. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Tauranga, New Zealand Shore Excursions

Tabs view tauranga cruises.

• Tauranga Port Guide
• Tauranga Shore Excursions
• Australia & New Zealand Cruises
• View Tauranga Cruises

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Volcanoes & Hobbit Holes

When docking at the Wellington, New Zealand cruise port of Tauranga, shore excursions that take in the most scenic areas and exciting places are plentiful. Whether you choose to explore the real and eerie world of volcanoes and geothermal springs, learn about native Maori culture, or visit a fantasy movie set, your day ashore from your Tauranga cruise is certain to be memorable.

Among the most popular things to do in Tauranga from a cruise are excursions to geothermal wonderlands. There are multiple tours that let you experience these incredible natural phenomena. Enjoy a guided tour through Whakarewarewa, a geothermal valley, and walk among bubbling pools, mineral terraces, and steaming volcanic lakes. Or you can speed along the narrow, winding Kaituna River on a jet boat to see the effervescing mud pools and steaming vents (fumaroles), geysers, and waterfalls in Hells Gate. You can also board a catamaran for a cruise on Lake Rotoiti that heads for Manupirua hot springs, a secluded spot where you can walk on geothermal sands and swim in six thermal pools.

If land-based expeditions are more your style, Tauranga shore excursions that explore native Maori culture are a best bet. You’ll be an honored guest at a Maori village, receive a formal tribal welcome, a traditional meal cooked on hot stones in an earthen oven, and be entertained with song and dance on a  New Zealand cruise .

Fans of “The Hobbit,” J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 fantasy novel made into a trilogy of adventure films starting in 2012, will want to travel to Matamata in the New Zealand countryside for a guided tour of the set where the movies were filmed. See Bilbo Baggins’ Hobbit Hole, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the follow the wandering paths of The Shire.

Learn More About Shore Excursions

Cruise Tours

Shore excursion, specialists, your award winning cruise ship shore excursion specialists, due to the impact of the covid pandemic and 2 years without cruise ships visiting new zealand, we have a much reduced range of tours. these are all from our home port of tauranga, a popular port of call due to its proximity to some of the best attractions in the north island of new zealand - the geothermal wonderland of rotorua and the internationally famous lord of the rings and hobbit movie location of hobbiton, destinations we include in our tours. so take a look around our website, we are sure you won't be disappointed we always adjust the tour start and end times to suit the ships time in port so no need to worry about being back in time. if you are looking for excursions in the other ports of call on your cruise in new zealand or australia, then please visit our main web site at  www.shoretripsandtours.com where we offer an great range of tours in all ports., air conditioned, safe and comfortable vehicles, a quality tour providing great memories, all entrance fees where specified , guaranteed return on time                      , excellent value for money, you will enjoy:  , a smaller group tour , pick up and drop off at the cruise port, experienced and knowledgeable local guides, full audio commentary during your tour        , our fantastic new zealand destinations, select one of our exciting and unique new zealand destinations to explore.

Home of the Hobbits

Geothermal wonderland

Local Expert

Guides on our tours.

In all our unique destinations we make use of locals.

Locals who know the ins and outs of their home city and love to share with you

Ontime Guarantee

We guarantee to get you back to the ship on time... in plenty of time!

Cruise Tours Tauranga has taken over 4,000 passengers on shore excursions and WE HAVE NEVER MISSED A SHIP

Custom Tours

Suited to your choices.

Should you want to put together either a different itinerary or have a group with a special interest, then let us know and we will endeavour to come up with a tour . . .just for you

Farewelling the cruise ship season: When you can catch the last cruise ships in Tauranga

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Share this article

The cruise ship season is coming to an end. Photo / NZME

For those early risers, a picnic breakfast in Pilot Bay at Mount Maunganui this week is a great opportunity to watch two of the last three cruise ships of the season arrive in port.

Returning in the early evening to capture the last rays of the autumn sun will also coincide with the ships’ scheduled departures.

Brilliance of the Seas was due to arrive at 6.45am today and depart at 6.30pm.

The Majestic Princess makes its last appearance of the 2023-24 season, sailing into Tauranga Harbour at 7.30am on Wednesday, leaving at 7.15pm.

Following this, it’s a six-month stretch until cruise ships are expected back in port in mid-October.

For tourist operators, this week is an opportunity again to put on tours and activities for more than 2000 passengers from Brilliance of the Seas and about 3500 from Majestic Princess.

Each ship also carries about 850 and 1360 crew members, respectively.

Downtown the Mount will be a flurry of activity with the influx of passengers enjoying the stroll along The Mall, around Mauao and into the main shopping centre. Businesses in the town have been able to thrive this season, with a minimum of four cruise ships a week, of varying sizes, until late March.

Passengers have also jumped aboard the city’s public buses and headed to Tauranga’s Historic Village , another popular destination, which has a working village of artists and artisans.

Coaches also take passengers on day outings to Rotorua and a Middle-earth walking tour at Hobbiton.

Two new kids on the block this year have been Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge and the quickly popular Resilient Lady from the Virgin cruise line.

On its two visits to Tauranga, the Resilient Lady’s enthusiastic and energetic crew engagement and communication manager Carl Dickinson led a team of volunteers on a rubbish-collecting mission to the summit in January and along part of the base of Mauao in March.

Celebrity Edge debuted in Tauranga on December 14 last year on the first of 12 itineraries through to April, visiting 22 ports.

Tauranga’s cruise ship industry missed a much-anticipated economic opportunity in November when an Australian ship failed to meet New Zealand’s strict biosecurity requirements.

Thousands of passengers and crew on the Pacific Adventure were turned away, heading back to Australia instead of spending the day enjoying Tauranga.

The ship had left Sydney for hull cleaning off the Bay of Plenty but the weather didn’t allow this to happen, so the itinerary had to be amended. Bay of Plenty tourism operators missed out as visits to Tauranga, Rotorua, Hobbiton and Western Bay of Plenty were cancelled.

Since the first cruise ship of the season, Royal Princess, arrived in port on October 18, more than 100 ships have visited, bringing more than 290,000 passengers and crew.

Port of Tauranga is consistently voted by passengers as one of the best cruise ship destinations in New Zealand. The port is one of the few in the southern hemisphere where passengers can walk straight off their ship and into a top holiday spot within minutes.

Latest from Bay of Plenty Times

Te Puke Utd open their account for 2024

Two wins and two losses for Te Puke's four teams.

Ōmokoroa Community Board resignation sparks byelection

Tauranga resident grows rare red kūmara flower

16 people rescued from island wildlife sanctuary after waka crews swamped

Kids missing school to feed families