The 4 Shore Excursions in Tauranga That Earn Their Price

1.Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 427 reviews · from $152Our pick

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua for a full day of geysers, bubbling mud, redwoods, Government Gardens, and Māori culture. You will visit Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, watch the Pohutu Geyser, taste local kiwifruit, and stop at Kaituna Falls. Guides such as Stephen and Rolf provide commentary, while lunch is purchased separately.

“A wonderful excursion. Loved the living village and our tour guide Jessie who was very knowledgeable. The kiwi farm was very interesting and the fruit we sampled delicious. Thanks to all.”

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2.6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion – Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · from $135

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua in a small group of up to 20. With guides such as Simon, Richie, and Alistair, you’ll see bubbling mud, steaming lakes, Government Gardens, Māori culture, kiwi orchards, and the Redwoods Treewalk, plus a guided glow worm cave and warm foot bath.

“It was excellent and a very enjoyable day out. Felt very looked after. Gluten free lunch was amazing”

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3.Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · from $198Top rated

Travel from Tauranga port through Mount Maunganui, the Kaimai hills, and Waikato farmland to Hobbiton. Expect air-conditioned transport, commentary from your local driver, a guided 2.5-hour movie-set visit, access to a furnished Hobbit home, and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Pub. Guide names vary by departure.

“Tour guide was knowledgeable in the area and gave an informative commentary on the way out of the city. It was a 6hr tour in total and Hobbiton is just over an hour's drive from Tauranga. There is a fair bit of walking involved around the fillm Read more”

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4.Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 152 reviews · from $69Best value

This 4.5-hour small-group shore trip links Mount Maunganui, Gate Pa, Te Puna, Minden Lookout, and McLaren Falls Park. Your guide drives from Tauranga’s cruise port, explains local Māori and farming history, serves kiwifruit, manuka honey, coffee, a large muffin, and hokey pokey ice cream. Walking at the falls is optional.

“Jan was a very informative tour guide who kept us entertained for the duration of the tour. We saw a beautiful waterfall, a great view of the city from the highest point on the island, had a great muffin with coffee and more.”

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