Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
*** We run ALL these tours to fit with cruise ships arrival & sailing times****
This half-day Tauranga Highlights Tour is designed especially for cruise guests who want to see more in less time—without feeling rushed. You’ll enjoy a guided, personal experience with plenty of local insights, immersive stops, and stunning scenery. This tour blends the must-see sights with authentic stories and hidden gems you won’t find on your ship’s excursions, offering exceptional value, relaxed pacing, and the warm hospitality that makes the Bay of Plenty so special.
• Guaranteed to see plenty at this Idyllic seaside resort of Mount Maunganui
• Interesting Tauranga city centre
• Learn about and visit Historic Landmarks -
• See the beautiful rose gardens - Nov/Feb
• Kiwifruit tasting
• Walk in native rainforest to beautiful Waterfalls
• Impressive Photo Opportunities
Join the locals at a cottage cafe and enjoy a freshly baked muffin /scone and great coffee.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please wear comfortable clothing, walking shoes
Please bring sun protection
Pricing is per person
There is some walking involved - optional
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Mt Maunganui Main Beach
Mount Maunganui is voted New Zealands number 1 beach and seaside resort. With its iconic Mauao - a volcanic lava dome, 232 mtrs high standing proudly at the headland and the 22kms of beautiful white sandy beach, not forgetting to mention Marine Parade which showcases some of New Zealand most expensive and luxurious holiday homes - this is not a place to miss seeing.
Tauranga
We cross over the harbour bridge from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga City. View the inner city precinct and learn more about the heart of the region.
Free Ice cream
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Enjoy tea/ cofee and freshly baked muffin at cottage cafe.
Fresh Kiwifruit and Manuka Honey Tastings
Port pickup and drop-off
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Connie L,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a fantastic tour with Marina. She was very knowledgeable about the area and she took us to every place advertised in the tour description plus so much more. She allowed time for my husband to walk in the water so he could say he was in the Pacific Ocean; she stopped for clean, bathroom breaks; our muffins and tea were excellent; she allowed extra time for me to make the trek to the waterfall; we had a delightful picnic of fresh kiwi, kiwi juice, and honey; and she dashed into a dairy store to get ice cream for us to eat while stuck in traffic. We could not have asked for a more personalized tour.
jo b,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Terry our tour guide was entertaining, knowledgable and keen to answer any questions. The afternoon tea was wonderful, kiwi fruit and honey tasting. The scenery and waterfall walk was great. A surprise icecream stop before returning to the ship.
Holger R,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Tour was ok. You can't do it, it shouldn't be a negative assessment, but only my conclusion of the tour.Of lonely coastal landscape , as in the program photo, was not to be seen.Fahrer was very hard, has told a lot. Kiwi plantation ,was a 5 minute stop by the roadside.Coffee break and kiwi and hpnig tasting was in a beautiful park,after visiting the waterfalls.Tour has taken 4.5 h. For the price it was good value for money.
Angela V,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Tauranga Shore Excursion was very good value for money. Steve our tour guide was very informative. We visited some lovely spots, and enjoyed some beautiful treats to eat. Highly recommend this tour.

Brenda M,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Tour guide made our tour successful! Thank you. Van was spacious room for us all comfortably. No hurrying us along just an overall pleasant experience if touring the island. Highly recommend this tour.
ElizabethP F,,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was wonderful tour, I believe her name was Jane. She was great guide and driver. We were there back in March 2025. Very enjoyable tour, she treated us to ice cream at the end of the tour.
Josephine J,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
The driver and guide Duncan told us a lot about Tauranga, we got stops to try on coffee and cone, kiwi that we haven’t seen in Canada, we had a great time and enjoyed the tour and great to have Duncan.
Grant S,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic introduction to Tauranga and the surrounding areas. Jan C our driver and tour guide for the day was knowledgeable, friendly and very entertaining. The afternoon tea at the Falls Cafe was delicious, a passion fruit curd muffin to die for. The staff were very friendly and efficient ensuring all of us on the tour bus were served in a timely manner. At the waterfalls Jan presented us with a tasting table of assorted kiwi fruit and honey. The red kiwi was delicious. On the way back to the ship we had one more stop for an ice cream... Hokey Pokey... yummy 😋 One of the best tours we have ever been on. Highly recommend this experience if you are in Tauranga and if you are fortunate enough to have Jan C as your guide you will be in for a memorable day.
Ian M,,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our driver/guide, Duncan, provided a most informative commentary for the duration of the tour. After a tour of Mt Maunganui and Tauranga the first stop was at the site of a battle in the Māori Wars. Interesting place, the highlight being the Paus at the entrance to area. Along the way we were told about the history and development of the Kiwi Fruit industry. A photo stop at McLaren Falls before heading for lunch of a huge muffin at a cafe in the park. A short drive after lunch and we were dropped off at the start of an easy walk to a pretty, but not spectacular, waterfall. On returning to the drop off point we found Duncan had set up ready to tell us more about Kiwi Fruit and local honey. There were samples of Golden and Red Kiwi Fruit to taste. Looking forward to being able to buy those locally. Different grades of honey were also available for tasting. On the way bake to the port Duncan stopped and provided ice cream for all on board. Very tasty it was too. A very well spent five hours or so.
leonardr551,,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A wonderful sightseeing experience of over 4 hours hosted by Jan. we visited numerous places and saw some magnificent countryside. The views from the mountain side were amazing. Thie tour included a stop at a garden centre for refreshments. The tea/coffee was very nice, and the scones, jam and cream were delicious. We experienced the taste of Manuka honey and sampled the Kiwi fruit after visiting a scenic waterfall. the ice cream on the return journey was really tasty. This tour exceeded our expectations and is unbelievable value for money. The scenery and countryside are so pretty. Jan, you are a brilliant host. The vehicle was top shelf, and it was obvious that the group were responding to your personality. Thankyou for giving us such a great tour.
Operated by Zealandier Tours