
Tauranga, New Zealand
New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.
Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.
Points of Interest
- Tamaki Maori Village (Maori Concert & Hangi)
- Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Rainbow Springs
- Skyline Skyrides
- Waiotapu
- Agrodome
- Polynesian Spa
Tauranga Drive, Elms Mission Station & Kiwi Country
Soak up Tauranga's local highlights on a narrated drive about the bay. Tour the lush orchards of Kiwi Country and shop for kiwi-related souvenirs in the marketplace at the Village Community Hall. Later, visit the historic Elms Mission Station, the oldest European heritage site in the Bay of Plenty.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$99.95
Maori Cultural Highlights
Gain insight into the Maori culture with a visit to a local Ngati Ranginui Maori Marae, a real working Maori meeting place, where the local tribe regularly gathers. Watch a colorful performance of traditional dances and chants, view Maori arts and crafts, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$109.95
Glorious Bay of Plenty: Rich Land, Rich Culture
Travel into the heart of Kiwifruit Country for a fun and unique cultural encounter. Meet a Maori family, hear their stories, and enjoy their songs and dances. Walk under the green and gold kiwifruit vines. Enjoy a cup of tea and shop for gifts and souvenirs in the large retail shop.
Easy Activity
$119.95
Skyline Gondola & Luge
- Rotorua
- Skyline Skyrides
A gravity-defying adventure awaits when you board a gondola at Skyline Rotorua and climb the slopes of Mount Ngongotaha. At the top, make your way to the luge track for a fun-filled ride in a three-wheel cart. Ideal for the entire family, you can purchase additional luge rides, refreshments and lunch.
Moderate Activity
$139.95
Local Connections: Tastes of Tauranga
Discover why the area is called Bay of Plenty with a tour that shows off the land's incredible abundance, productivity and people. Designed for the serious foodie, you'll learn about the area, its history, and people and get to delight in delicious samplings of some amazing local foods.
Moderate Activity
$149.95
The Living Village Experience
Take a culture trip to Rotorua's Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, which offers an authentic look at the Tûhourangi Ngâti Wâhiao people. Witness a traditional Maori performance, taste a traditional hangi pie, New Zealand's signature dish, and learn how they use the area's natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing and heating.
Moderate Activity
$149.95
Maunga to Moana - Walk & Waka
Immerse yourself in true Tauranga culture from the Mountain to the Sea, escorted by our local guides on waka ama (outrigger) canoes, walking our ancestral mountain, Mauao.
Moderate Activity
$159.95
Kaituna River Rafting Adventure
Take adventure to the max with an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip down the magnificent Kaituna River. Feel the adrenaline rush of rushing down Grade 3 rapids, gliding past beautiful forests lining the riverbank and plunging 22 feet over the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall.
Strenuous Activity
$169.95
The Red Barn
Come and enjoy a truly authentic kiwi dairy farm experience at The Red Barn.
Moderate Activity
$179.95
Lake Rotoiti Cruise and Hot Pools Encounter
A unique opportunity to interact with Rotorua's famous geothermal phenomena with a hot pool swim and walk in the geothermal sands at the Manupirua lake edge thermal pools.
$179.95
Te Pâ Tû – A connection to the land, history & culture<br>
- Rotorua
- Tamaki Maori Village (Maori Concert & Hangi)
Discover the Maori world of myths and legends! This award-winning cultural experience is a journey back in time where you will visit the traditional Te Pâ Tû Maori Village and watch it come it to life with tribal chants and dances, and a hangi feast.
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$199.95
Truffle Treasure
Travel through downtown Tauranga, along the waterfront and then into the hinterland. Arrive at the Truffle Farm to leanr about all things truffles! Enjoy a display from the highly skilled truffle hunting dogs and taste some truffle infused delights.
Moderate Activity
$199.95
Waihi Gold Discovery Experience
Step back into the gold rush era with an excursion to Waihi and a tour of the massive Martha Gold Mine, noted as New Zealand's richest gold mine. Enjoy a ride on the Goldfields Heritage Railway. And try your hand at gold mining at the award-winning Gold Discovery Center.
Moderate Activity
$219.95
Te Puia Geyser, Maori Arts & Hangi Lunch
- Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Journey into the rich heritage, ancient skills and culture of the Maori people of Te Puia.
Moderate Activity
$219.95
Local Connections: Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts & Agrodome
- Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Agrodome
Join your guide and explore Te Puia Thermal Reserve, a geothermal valley of boiling mud holes, spouting geysers and mineral terraces. Tour the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, where young apprentices learn traditional artistic skills. Watch a demonstration of sheep-farming skills and view prized sheep breeds at Agrodome.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$219.95
Local Connections: Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts & Agrodome (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Agrodome
Join your guide and explore Te Puia Thermal Reserve, a geothermal valley of boiling mud holes, spouting geysers and mineral terraces. Tour the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, where young apprentices learn traditional artistic skills. Watch a demonstration of sheep-farming skills and view prized sheep breeds at Agrodome.
Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$219.95
National Kiwi Hatchery & NZ Farm Tour
- Agrodome
Visit the award-winning Agrodome and enjoy a guided tour and buffet lunch. Visit The National Kiwi Hatchery - An educational, thought-provoking and truly unique experience!
Moderate Activity
$229.95
Glow Worm Kayaking & Thermal Hot Pool
Paddle across magnificent Lake Rotoiti by kayak with your guide and into a hidden cave full of glow worms. Then, soak up the mineral-rich waters in the Manupirua Springs hot pools.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$229.95
Rotorua & Polynesian Spa Experience
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Polynesian Spa
Indulge in a little well-deserved pampering during a day devoted to relaxation and luxury. Following a traditional Maori cultural performance at the Te Puia thermal Reserve, you'll travel to the Polynesian Lake Spa Retreat for a serene soak in one of the wonderful hot mineral pools.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$269.95