Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Tauranga on this relaxing shore excursion designed for cruise passengers. Travel along stunning coastlines, visit scenic lookouts, explore meaningful Māori history, and enjoy excellent photo opportunities featuring Mount Maunganui. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable driver-guide, this Tauranga shore excursion offers a well-balanced introduction to one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions.
FULL ITINERARY
Meet Your Guide at Port
Your driver-guide will meet you directly at the Tauranga cruise port, ensuring a smooth and timely start to your Tauranga highlights tour.
Mount Maunganui & Papamoa Beaches
Begin your journey with a scenic drive past Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, two of New Zealand’s most beautiful and beloved beaches. Golden sands, rolling waves, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere make this area a true seaside paradise and a perfect introduction to Tauranga’s natural charm.
Minden Lookout (Weather Permitting)
Weather permitting, your driver-guide will take you up to Minden Lookout, where breathtaking panoramic views await. From this elevated vantage point, admire sweeping vistas of the Tauranga coastline, lush farmland, and distant ocean horizons - an ideal spot for unforgettable photos.
Omokoroa Beach & Te Puna Beach
Enjoy a peaceful stop at Omokoroa Beach and/or Te Puna Beach, quiet coastal hideaways known for their calm waters and scenic beauty. These lesser-known spots offer a more tranquil glimpse of local life and natural landscapes away from the crowds.
Gate Pā Historic Site
Step into an important chapter of New Zealand’s history at the Gate Pā Historic Site. Here, your guide will share compelling stories of the Māori Wars and explain how this pivotal battle shaped the nation’s cultural and historical identity.
Tauranga Waterfront & Hairy Maclary Sculpture
Drive along Tauranga’s picturesque waterfront, a lively area where the city meets the sea. Stop to see the charming Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture, a much-loved local landmark celebrating one of New Zealand’s most famous children’s book characters.
Sulphur Point or Kulim Park - Photo Stop
Before returning to port, enjoy a final photo stop at Sulphur Point or Kulim Park. Capture a memorable image of your cruise ship framed by the iconic Mount Maunganui, one of the best postcard views in Tauranga.
Return to Port
Your driver-guide will ensure a timely return to the cruise port, well before your ship’s departure.
Special Notes
- Wheelchair-accessible tour with wheelchair-adapted vehicles available
- Adapted vehicles can accommodate up to 4 seated passengers plus 1 wheelchair user
- Some stops are weather- and time-dependent
- Route and stops may be adjusted to suit cruise schedules
Thank you for traveling with Shore Excursions Asia!
