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Port of Tauranga Limited

Cruise ship schedules

Port of Tauranga is consistently voted by passengers as one of the best cruise ship destinations in New Zealand. The cruise berth is next to picturesque Pilot Bay with easy access to the rest of Tauranga city and the tourism attractions of the wider Bay of Plenty. To plan your visit, see the Tourism Bay of Plenty website .

The arrival and departure times listed here are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information about shipping movements,  click here .

For details on ship specifications, click here

**Indicates an overnight stay

Cruise ship schedules (Monday 29 April 2024 04:35) Export to CSV

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MPI Approved Transitional Facility Number: Tauranga Container Terminal – 1129 Mount Maunganui Wharves – 2740

CCA Approved Numbers: Mount Maunganui Wharves – 8590B Tauranga Container Terminal – 8570H

Cruise Ship Schedule

2023/2024 cruise season.

Cruise ships have always been part of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s summer vibe. Grab a spot at Pilot Bay (Waikorire) to wave at the big ships – it’s a Bay tradition so check out the cruise schedule and plan accordingly.

The 2023 - 2024 cruise season has now ended and begins October 2024. You can check the Port of Tauranga cruise schedule  here  for a preview. (Subject to change) 

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Tauranga cruise port

Welcome to the Tauranga cruise port guide. Tauranga cruise port might as well be named after the area “Bay of Plenty”, because there is plenty to do here. Tauranga is often chosen as one of the best ports of call in New Zealand simply because of the variety of activities that the area has to offer. Check out our Tauranga cruise port guide for all the information on where you are docking and how to get around.

Tauranga cruise port: docked at the port of Tauranga

Cruise ships dock at the port of Tauranga. First thing you need to know is that the city center of Tauranga is about a 20 minute drive away and the cruise port of Tauranga is actually situated in front of the Mount Maunganui town center. And although Tauranga is the larger town here we feel like you should definitely not miss out on Mount Maunganui. It is a resort town that really come to live in summertime. There are lots of things to see and in the near area of the ship. You can visit the beach, go shopping or hiking all within minutes walk of the cruise ship.

Tourist information

There is a visitors information center situated on the cruise dock. There are many representatives available at the cruise terminal to answer any kind of questions you might have about your day ashore here. They also have lots of brochures and maps ready for you to take along. There are also local tours offered at the visitors center in the Tauranga cruise port. They offer shore excursions to Rotorua, Te Puie, Wai-o-tapu, Tauranga, Waitomo, Hobbiton and much more. If you are interested in taking one of these tour we highly recommend you to book them early in the morning.

Shuttle bus

Your cruise ship might run a shuttle bus to the city center of Tauranga, but this is often not the case. Check this information with your cruise line. There is often a local shuttle bus service offered by a Tauranga tour operator. Pay 10 US or NZ dollar for a return ticket per person. This shuttle bus will bring you to Tauranga city center, which is approximately a 20 minute drive.

Usually there are only a few taxis in the morning that might offer to take you around, but please don’t be disappointed if there are none. Perhaps prebook a taxi or make sure to have an alternative ready if it doesn’t work out.

Mount Maunganui trolley train

Mount Maunganui offers a little trolley train to give you a tour around town.

Hop on hop off bus

There is a hop on hop off bus in Tauranga. It doesn’t make a stop at the cruise port, but it will stop at the Mount Hot Salt Water Pools on Adams Ave in Mount Maunganui and Downtown Mount Maunganui. Hop on the bus here and cruise the area.

Public Transporation at the port

Mount Maunganui is provided with a good public transportation system. The Bay Bus can get you easily from point A to B. It’s the yellow (GL), blue (CL) en green (CL) line that run by the Tauranga cruise port. Your closest bus stop to the cruise terminal is Salisbury Avenue :  CL (short for City Link), the green line is the line that will get you into town fast! More information on the where these lines go can be found on: https://www.baybus.co.nz/tauranga-western-bay/tauranga-and-western-bay

Walk to the Mount Maunganui town center

The Mount Maunganui city center is only a couple of hundred yards away from the cruise ship. Maunganui Road is the considered to be the main street of the town. To get to the main street simply turn right when you exit the port, follow this road for about 200 yards. You will have Maunganui Road to you left and right when you are at the first crossing. You can easily recognise it because it has a Burger King on one of the corners of the crossing.

Mount Maunganui

One of the first things that will catch your eyes when your cruise ship is docked is Mount Maunganui also known as Mauao. This green, 230 meter high hilltop gives you great hikes and sites to visit. If you are looking into doing something active without having to step on a bus than this is your spot to go. Mount Maunganui offers a couple of hiking routes: – The Base Track: fairly flat and takes about 45 minutes (3,5 km) – Summit Track: The Oruahine and Waikorire track go up the summit. It will take you about an hour to do a hike up to the summit and back.

Additionally to Mount Maunganui you will also find the tiny island of Moturiki located right in front of the town center of Mount Maunganui. You can also spot this island right off the ship as well. You can take a hike around the island. This will take you about 30 minutes. The island gives great views and there is also a blow hole.

Mount hot pools

Another unique thing to do is to visit the Mount Hot Pools. They can be found on the base of Mount Maunganui and are within walking distance of the ship.

Beach near Tauranga cruise port

There are 2 beaches in Mount Maunganui that are within walking distance of the Tauranga cruise port. There is the Mount Maunganui Main Beach. You will find this amazing beach on the other side of peninsula at about 10 minute walk from the port. This is a great beach with lots of things to see and do like volleybal, surfing and lots of food trucks. The waves are high here, which makes it great for surfing but less for swimming. Mount Maunganui peninsula also offers a beach at Pilot Bay. The water is much calmer here which makes it better for other types of watersport like: SUB boarding, kayaking and small sail boats. You will find that there are also a lot of small boats at anchor here in front of the beach. There are no facilities here that will supply sunbaths or restaurants. Pilot Bay beach is only a few minutes walk from the cruise dock. As you exit the cruise dock you will simply see the beach in front of you.

Getting out of town:

Tauranga – which is the main town in the area. Tauranga is about 20 minutes drive from the Tauranga cruise port

Hobbiton – 1 hour drive of the cruise port

Rotorua – Over 1 hour drive south of the port

Wai-o-tapu – 1,5 hour drive to the south of the port.

Waitomo – Over 2 hour drive to the south east of the port.

US dollars are most often not accepted. A combination of New Zealand dollars and a creditcard is the way to go here.

There is no wi-fi available at the Tauranga cruise port, but you will find many restaurants and bars on Mount Maunganui Road (the main street) that offer it. This is only a couple of minutes walk from the cruise port.

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Cruises to Tauranga, New Zealand

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Tauranga New Zealand Port Guide

There’s plenty to see and do in the Bay of Plenty, as this part of New Zealand is so aptly named. In Tauranga, a mix of quirky sites and extraordinary natural attractions make it easy to spend the day here and get a sense of the town’s completely unique personality. The harbor and port town make for a popular beach resort by the name of Mount Maunganui. On your New Zealand cruise , you’ll find out why Tauranga is the Bay of Plenty’s shining gem.

Waterfront restaurants and cafes give Tauranga a sense of glamour. Aside from that, it’s hard not to feel swept up in the flurry of activities travelers can do here, like taking a dip in a hot mud bath. Like Auckland, Tauranga’s food scene offers cuisines of every variety. Of course, Tauranga doesn’t forget its Maori history, and you can tour traditional villages to learn about their ancient and contemporary Polynesian culture.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to tauranga, elms mission house.

As one of the oldest buildings in New Zealand, the pretty Elms Mission House and its garden is of important cultural significance for Tauranga. Tour the Elms Mission House for a detailed understanding of missionary settlement and efforts in the Tauranga area. A leisurely walk through the grounds and the extensive library is a thrill for history buffs.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui, nicknamed “the Mount” is a must-do activity while in Tauranga. The Mount watches over Tauranga Harbor, close to the cruise port. According to Maori legend, the mountain, named Mauao, is a sacred place with healing properties. From the base, it’s only a 45-minute walk to get up to a lookout point for wide views across the harbour and back to sea.

Go swimming in the sheltered waters of Pilot Bay near Mount Maunganui, where you can spot and may even find yourself swimming alongside wild dolphins. The beaches in New Zealand attract thousands of surfers and swimmers each year. You can rent equipment for surfing or snorkeling, or simply spend the day lounging beachside.

Learn More About Tauranga Shore Excursions

Top things to do in tauranga, take a geothermal mud bath.

Neighboring Rotorua, is a major center for Maori culture and geothermal wonders like Hell’s Gate, where you can walk through an active landscape steaming and bubbling with underground activity. If you’re craving some natural relaxation during your time in New Zealand you could take a dip in a mud bath, fed by the largest geothermal mud volcano in New Zealand, or check out the magnificent hot waterfall.

Experience Maori Culture at Rotorua

No Tauranga cruise is complete without experiencing and honoring the Maori culture that has shaped this region. Take a trip to Te Puia Maori cultural centre or stop in and meet Maori residents at Whakarewarewa village, where locals will show you how they live alongside the geothermal springs and use their unique properties to power their daily routines. Sample Maori cuisine and see a show featuring traditional music and dance including the famous haka.

Tour a Kiwifruit Orchard

Most of the world’s kiwifruit comes from New Zealand. During your Tauranga cruise, you can tour a kiwifruit orchard, pick your own kiwifruit, and learn about the growth, production, and trading of this native fruit.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Tauranga Cruise Port

Satori Lounge

Address: 309 Maunganui Road, Tauranga, NZ

Fresh sushi and Japanese fusion are the specialties at Satori Lounge, whether you’re a sashimi or eel lover or you prefer the slightly more familiar California roll. In fact, Satori has nine different spins on a California roll to choose from. They offer dairy-free cream cheese and gluten-free tempura or panko which is a huge win for those with dietary restrictions on a Tauranga cruise.

Harbourside

Address: Old Yacht Club Building 150 The Strand, Tauranga, New Zealand

Harbourside has the waterfront views and the generous mains you need during a big day of exploration, whether that’s beer-battered fish and chips or a pan-roasted chicken breast with delicious, creamy pancetta pasta. Fresh seafood done up in clever ways are staples on the menu, and you’re promised the freshest catch of the day here. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and the place opens back up for dinner each day at 5 PM.  

Le Petit Four Cafe & Patisserie

Address: 65 Chapel Street, Tauranga, NZ

To indulge your sweet tooth after a day of hiking or swimming in Tauranga, try Le Petit Four Cafe & Patisserie, which specializes in beautiful cakes, freshly baked bread, and pastries, plus breakfast favorites and sandwiches for the lunchtime crowd. Vegetarian-friendly options are a huge draw, too. It’s a good spot to grab a morning or early afternoon coffee before continuing on with your tour of Tauranga.

Johney’s Dumpling House

Address: 107 Newton St, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand

Craving dumplings in a cozy, no-frills atmosphere? Johney’s is the spot in Tauranga for that. The dumplings here consistently receive rave reviews and come in all sorts of flavors. The cocktails warrant a try, too.

Culture & History of the Tauranga Cruise Port

In the Maori language, the word “Tauranga” means “resting place,” which perfectly describes this beach resort town with its easy-going spirit. The  early Maori settlers arrived on the Takitimu, an ocean-going canoe known as a waka, and settled in the area as early as the 1100s. Later, this part of New Zealand was aptly named the “Bay of Plenty” by English explorer Captain James Cook in the 18th century. Missionaries and European settlers started flocking to Tauranga as early as the 1830s. The status of Tauranga as a port city and a hub for trade brought jobs and economic development to the area in the mid-20th century. Today, Tauranga has immense respect for its past and pays homage to its Maori culture through events and programming as the city continues to grow and evolve into a business hub for New Zealand.

Tauranga Port Facilities & Location

Cruise ships will dock at Mount Maunganui at the Salisbury Wharf. Both the beach and the Mount Maunganui main street area are just a short walk for travelers who wish to stretch their legs after time at sea. You can also take a shuttle further into Tauranga from the port. The waterfront is beautiful, and travelers can continue onto their shore excursions or break off on their own itineraries from there.

Transportation in Tauranga

Taxis are common in the area, and you can book ahead or call if you have the contact details for a local taxi provider. You can even catch an Uber. There’s a shuttle for cruise passengers from the port to Mount Maunganui every half hour, six days a week (not available on Sundays). An excursion with Celebrity will take care of any transportation needs you may have getting to and from your excursion. Of course, you can also rent a car to get around for the day if you wish to get behind the wheel and see Tauranga via car.

Shopping Near the Tauranga Cruise Port

The main street of the beachside resort suburb called Mount Maunganui features plenty of fashion boutiques and clothing stores for an interesting afternoon of shopping. Pohutukawa Gallery sells indigenous arts and handmade pottery if you’re looking for a souvenir that was made by locals. Plus, bars and cafes line main street, so you won’t have difficulty grabbing a bite to eat, either.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Use the New Zealand dollar (NZD) while stopped on cruises to Tauranga and other cities in New Zealand. Tipping isn’t customary here, so you don’t have to worry about leaving a tip for taxi drivers, servers, or bartenders. You can exchange currency at banks and ATMs across the area. When you’re shopping, taxes will already be included in the total price, and you’ll quickly notice that credit cards are commonly accepted almost everywhere in New Zealand.

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Tauranga & Rotorua - Cruise Overview

Beach life in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty

By Chris McLennan

The funky coastal city of Tauranga and the inland geothermal wonderland of Rotorua offer something to delight every visitor.

Tauranga's Mount Maunganui is an idyllic beach and popular holiday spot. In geothermal Rotorua, boiling mud pools, geysers and natural hot springs offer a unique and memorable experience. Tauranga and Rotorua are both rich in Māori history. Cruise ships dock in Tauranga and many offer optional day trips to Rotorua, which is approximately 1 hours' drive from the Port of Tauranga.

Sunrise on Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty

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Surf, Bay of Plenty

Hongi, Rotorua

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Te Puia, Rotorua

By Sara Orme

Popular onshore activities in Tauranga and Rotorua

• Take a surfing lesson or just relax at the golden-sand beach of Mount Maunganui. If you're full of energy - climb 'the mount' (about an hour's walk), or if you need to unwind, enjoy a soak in the saltwater hot pools.
• Head to Tauranga city for exciting shopping and delicious waterfront dining; or go beyond the city to see the natural beauty of McLaren Falls and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
• The area around Tauranga produces some of the best kiwifruit and avocados in the world. Buy some from a local market stall.
• Check out Rotorua's geothermal wonders - natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, geothermal vents and geysers.
• Experience Maori culture - meet the local Maori people and see a traditional Maori haka, try flax weaving or experience a hangi (a Maori cooking method using hot rocks and steam to cook under the ground).
• Get adventurous! Raft the rivers or horse trek. ‘Luge ’ down a Rotorua hillside in a three-wheeled toboggan, or roll down the slopes inside a transparent plastic orb, known as a ZORB .

Getting around

Cruise ships arriving into the Bay of Plenty region berth at the Port of Tauranga, 1km from the township of Mount Maunganui, and 7km (4.2 miles) from Tauranga city.

Upon arrival you will be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who will supply you with maps and information as well as important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

The shops, cafés and golden-sand beach of nearby Mount Maunganui are within walking distance, and many cruise lines also offer shuttles to the Bay of Plenty i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, located in the middle of the township.

If you want to travel down the road to the city of Tauranga you can catch a bus or a taxi, which will take around 10 minutes’ of drive time. Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services from the pier into Tauranga city centre.

Rotorua is approximately 1 hours' drive (86km/53.4miles) from the Port of Tauranga and numerous options are available for trips to this geothermal region; these include guided shore excursions or shuttle services through your cruise line. You may also like to book an independent tour, or if you prefer to travel at your own pace, consider getting a rental vehicle for the day.

The township of Mount Maunganui is five minutes’ walk from the Port of Tauranga. Exit the port and head right to Mount Maunganui’s stunning Main Beach and waterfront walks. Turn left to walk along the Pilot Bay harbour area and to the scenic walks around and up Mauao (the hill at the opposite end of the port).

Public buses

From Mount Maunganui you can catch the Bay Hopper to all parts of Tauranga city. The trip costs $3.20 one-way, or you can buy a day-pass for NZ$6.30. Route information can be found at www.baybus.co.nz (opens in new window) or freephone 0800 422 928 .

In Tauranga or Mount Maunganui, a good option is Tauranga Mount Taxis. Contact them on (07) 578 6086 or visit www.taurangataxis.co.nz (opens in new window) .

In Rotorua, you can contact Rotorua Taxis on (07) 348 1111 to book a cab.

It’s a good idea to book rental cars in advance. Find a rental car  in Tauranga.

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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.

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The Port of Tauranga has a full range of services available, with only a short stroll to the town of Mount Maunganui , shopping center and banks. Also, within walking distance of the port are two magnificent beaches – the inner harbor has a gentle beach, while on the ocean side is a well-known surf beach. You can take a shuttle to Tauranga which is a bigger town.

Distance to the city: 6.7km (4.2 miles) to Tauranga city and 78.4km (48.1miles) to Rotorua. If you need to get to Tauranga city, you will need to catch a bus 5 or a taxi which will take around 8 minutes. Shuttle buses often provided by the cruise lines.

There is a tourist information booth at the end of the pier where you can pick up some maps, brochures, and book excursions.

There are a number of Qualmarked tour operators located outside the port gates that can be booked for local or Rotorua tours through the iSite on Salisbury Ave.

You will find in the "pen" lots of rental cars and vans lined up with signs on them saying Rent Me.

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Sightseeing:

Mount Maunganui which rises 232 meters from the sea. The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360 degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty. A 1 hour 30 minutes hike to the top. Below the mountain you will find 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.

Tauranga lies in the heart of the Bay of Plenty region, about 2.5 hours south of the city of Auckland. It has become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing areas thanks to plentiful sunshine and beautiful beaches. But with a population of only about 100,000, Tauranga can still offer you generous space to yourself. In fact, the densest concentration of attractions, and perhaps the biggest crowds, is on The Strand in the downtown area. Tauranga is the financial hub, with lots of offices. Most passengers will go to Rotorua.

Hobbiton Movie Set where some major scenes from Tolkien's iconic trilogies of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were shot.You can visit Hobbiton Movie Set on a 2-hour guided walking tour only. About an hour away from Tauranga.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

A new welcoming shelter packed with leading tourism operators has opened at Mount Maunganui. The i-port has been set up and opened to visitors disembarking from cruise ships at the Salisbury Ave side of the Port of Tauranga. The i-port operates from 6am to 11am pending cruise ship arrival and departure and tides.

Tauranga has a local bus service which provides transport to most locations around the area, including Mt.Maunganui and Papamoa. The ferry service to Mt. Maunganui operates in summer. There are three taxi companies in Tauranga: Citicabs, Tauranga Taxis and Coastline. Taxis are available at the wharf.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Rotorua is just under an hours drive from the port at mount Maunganui. While there are some buses running between Rotorua & Tauranga they are more for workers and not frequent. As mentioned, if you have one destination in mind a rental car is the best option provided you are comfortable driving on the left hand side of the road. Besides the Polynesian spa there are a number of free attractions near-by, such as Kuirau park with its thermal activity which has a small hot lake as well as bubbling mud pools. The nearby Ohinemutu area boasts one of the country's best known Marae and has the adjacent Maori Church of St. Faiths with its carvings and tukutuku panels. Geo-thermal activity is evident all around and if you are lucky you may see the boiling water being used for domestic purposes. Historically it is an important area in Rotorua and has a good view of the lake (one of many in the area) and Mokoia island (parts of Polynesian spa also overlooks the lake).

Shopping and Food

The shops at Mount Maunganui are a short walk from the ship. When you exit the gate, turn right, walk to the roundabout and turn left along the main shopping street. You will probably be given an information leaflet with a map as you exit the port gate.

The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximately US$1=NZD1.30.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.

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Communication:

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.

The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.

Many public libraries have public Internet access. Generally there is a charge.

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• Viking Sky 930 passengers 31 Jan 2025 - 00:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 01 Feb 2025 - 08:00

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.

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Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga is the principal city of the Bay of Plenty, noted for its good climate and fine beaches. The Mount Maunganui town center is within walking distance from the port. Tauranga also plays an important role as gateway to Rotorua, known as one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions.

Posted: 11:45am Wed 18 Oct, 2023 | By Rosalie Liddle Crawford ([email protected])

Tauranga welcomes first cruise ship of the season

The Royal Princess, towering over Rata Street, Mount Maunganui this morning. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The towering presence of the Royal Princess in Tauranga’s port this morning is a welcome and refreshing reminder that summer is arriving, and along with it, a flood of tourists keen to experience NZ scenery and meet Kiwis.

Cruise ships are a much-loved part of the Bay of Plenty’s summer vibe, with locals enjoying the Bay tradition of checking out the cruise ship schedule and planning their late-afternoon picnic spot at Pilot Bay – Waikorire – to wave as the big ships leave port.

More than 100 cruise ships will be visiting between now and mid-April 2024 with an expected quarter of a million passengers and crew.

The Royal Princess, carrying around 3560 passengers arrived soon after 6am today and is due to depart at 5.45pm.

The Mount Maunganui shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are expecting an increased buzz and business as lanyard-wearing passengers navigate their way around the town, wander the beach boardwalks and explore Mauao, Moturiki and Mount Drury.

The Bayfair Shopping Centre is also a popular spot for cruise ship passengers, some of whom in the past have been known to wander along The Mall in Pilot Bay looking for ‘the mall’.

Passengers are also expected to jump aboard the city’s public buses and head to Tauranga’s Historic Village, another popular local destination, which has a working village of artists and artisans.

Coaches also take passengers on day outings to Rotorua and a Middle-earth experience amongst the lush pastures of the shire for a guided walking tour at Hobbiton.

There are also local bus tours for passengers to enjoy a day out around the Western Bay of Plenty.

Cruise ships returned to the Bay of Plenty in 2022, after a two-and-a-half year hiatus when the Government closed the maritime border due to Covid-19 back in 2020.

During the 2019/2020 cruise season – which was shortened by the March 2020 Covid-19 border closure – cruise visits contributed an estimated $74 million to our region, and in 2018/2019 season brought $89 million to the region.

In 2022, Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said that “a lot of this money was spent on passenger transport, tourism activities, retail, and replenishing onboard supplies, so these types of businesses are eagerly anticipating the return of cruise”.

Oscar says while onshore visits might be short – usually just a day – research shows that many passengers use these voyages to try different port destinations and then return to their favourite places for a longer period later on.

“This highlights the value and importance of these short onshore visits.”

The next cruiseship expected into the Port of Tauranga is the Majestic Princess, due in on Tuesday October 31.

The Royal Princess will be back on Friday November 10, with five other cruise ship visits planned for Tauranga during the remainder of November with Heritage Adventurer, Grand Princess, Noordam, Pacific Adventure, and then Royal Princess again on November 27.

There are more than 21 cruise ship visits scheduled for December, 28 during January, 32 during February, 20 in March, and four in April.

Some days during January and February there are two cruise ships in port at the same time, with some staying overnight before leaving the following evening.

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Tauranga Cruise Ship Schedule For 2024

‘Significant drop’ in cruise ship visits to Tauranga expected next season

Sonya Bateson

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The Majestic Princess was the last ship to visit Tauranga this season. Photo / Alex Cairns

A “significant drop” in cruise ship visits to Tauranga is predicted next season.

New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd attended the Seatrade cruise industry conference in Miami last week and said signs were pointing to fewer port visits next season.

Reasons for the drop in bookings included increased operating costs in New Zealand, higher port fees and regulatory fees from central government, difficulties around hull cleaning regulations, global competition, and concerns about access through the Red Sea, Lloyd said from the United States.

“It’s a big concern for the nation. Preliminary numbers we’re looking at are 150 to 200 port calls reduced for the country, that’s about 54,000 passengers. The risk for some of the cruise lines is just too high.”

Lloyd also cited the incident in November when Border Control denied the Pacific Adventure , en route to the Bay of Plenty, entry to the country as bad weather had prevented the ship’s hull from being cleaned.

Despite that, Lloyd said the top executives she had met with at the cruise conference spoke highly about their time in Tauranga, Rotorua, and the rest of the Bay of Plenty.

“They have a wonderful relationship with the port, they enjoy the great welcomes when they arrive, the tourism operators in the area really look after the people. The passengers rate their experience highly.”

Lloyd said next season’s bookings had not yet been finalised. The current season was the “largest season New Zealand has ever had”, she said, and “perhaps we’re coming back to a balance”.

Oscar Nathan, general manager of Tourism Bay of Plenty and board member of the NZ Cruise Association, said the region had experienced two “busy and lucrative” cruise seasons since the country’s international border had reopened.

Eighty-eight cruise ship visits were currently booked at the Port of Tauranga for the 2024-25 season, Nathan said. This was about 23 per cent lower than the 115 ships that booked to visit this season, although seven did not arrive. Nathan expected the number of bookings would increase closer to the start of next season.

“The New Zealand Cruise Association has noted there’s been a significant drop in the number of port calls that are being estimated for the country’s 2024-25 season which, in turn, has impacted the number of cruise ships that we can expect to welcome into Tauranga Harbour.

“Tauranga remains a popular destination for passengers and most are usually highly satisfied with their onshore experiences while they are here. That’s presumably why our region’s share of the cruise ship bookings, compared to other New Zealand ports, is holding steady.”

Nathan said predicting the financial impact of fewer visits was difficult as the most recent data they have available from Stats NZ is from the 2019-20 season. That season, which was cut short by Covid, saw a $74 million contribution to the region’s economy from electronic card spending.

Tourism Bay of Plenty would continue to work closely with the Port of Tauranga, cruise lines, local tourism operators, and the New Zealand Cruise Association to maximise the value and opportunities international visitors brought to the region, Nathan said.

“Tourism is a very agile sector – we’re used to dealing with micro and macro influences which can impact visitor trends.”

Cruise ships were not the only source of international tourists to the region, Nathan said, and the organisation was consistently working to promote the Bay of Plenty to a range of international visitor markets.

Waimarino owner and director Blair Anderson said 20 per cent fewer cruise ships meant they would be 20 per cent down, which would have detrimental effects on staff and turnover. But knowing ahead of time allowed him to plan for that.

Anderson said Waimarino dealt with a lot of cruise ship visitors, especially through their glow worm kayaking excursions. It had been hard to keep the business going in the last four years but the “awesome” and “amazing” staff had helped get them through, he said.

Two other business owners spoken to by the Bay of Plenty Times were mostly unconcerned about the financial ramifications of fewer ship visits.

Bill Campbell, owner of Fancy That gift shop, said it would not be the end of the world and while it would impact their finances it wouldn’t hurt them.

Mount Water Bikes owner Gordy Lockhart said cruise ships did not generate significant revenue for the business as passengers tended to be from an older demographic.

“In addition, the age-old problem of cruise ship passengers being immediately bussed out of Tauranga to Rotorua or Hobbiton very much still exists.”

Andrew Wilson, chief executive of RotoruaNZ, said the cruise ship industry provided significant value to the Rotorua visitor economy and has had a positive impact for our operators overall.

“We anticipate the economic benefits will continue and we’re working closely with Tourism Bay of Plenty to further understand the full value cruise ship visitors provide to the Bay of Plenty region.”

Sonya Bateson is an assistant news director at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post with more than a decade of experience reporting in the Bay of Plenty region.

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