Top 4 Wildlife in Tauranga

1.Tauranga Private Excursion: Rotorua -Te Puia-Geysers & Kiwi’s

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews Our pick

Travel privately from Tauranga to Rotorua with a driver-guide such as Jan, Josh, Steve, or Marina. Visit Te Puia’s geysers, Māori arts center, cultural performance, and kiwi house, then see Kuirau Park, Government Gardens, Okere Falls, and a kiwifruit stop. Admission to Te Puia costs extra.

“Though I was nervous about finding the bus, it was handle very well. They made it very easy. The tour was wonderful.”

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2.Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · from $108

Join Bay Explorer at 9am for a five-hour wildlife cruise from Tauranga. The 18-metre boat carries up to 50 people, with enclosed seating, an open sun deck, a licensed bar, and commentary from the crew. Expect coastal views, Mount Maunganui, Moturiki Island, and a chance to see wild dolphins, penguins, seals, seabirds, sharks, whales, orca, and turtles.

“Very exciting and fun, great crew who spotted the best areas to see lots of dolphins and it was hard deciding where to take pictures or the angle to capture as many a ti iTunes that dolphins provided for our pleasure”

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3.Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 96 reviews · 5 hours · from $104Best value

Join Bay Explorer at Tauranga’s Strand Wharf for a 4 to 5-hour wildlife cruise through the Bay of Plenty. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Taylor and Emily Dee provide live commentary while you search for dolphins, penguins, whales, seals, sharks, orca, seabirds, and other marine life. The spacious boat has 360-degree views, bathrooms, and a bar.

“Awesome!! Took two young grandsons and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole day! We saw dolphins (2 different pods), penguins and the absolute icing on the cake was a pod of orcas who even went under our boat!”

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4.Rotorua via Kiwi/lakes country & a visit to iconic Whakarewarewa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · from $182

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua with guides such as Toby, Steve, Terry, or Kerry. Visit Whakarewarewa, watch a Māori cultural performance, see the Pohutu Geyser and hot pools, sample kiwi fruit, and stop at lakes, forests, Government Gardens, Mt. Tarawera, and Okere Falls. Lunch costs extra.

“What a great personal excursion! Our guide was so nice and knowledgeable about the area. The hot pools and geyers are a must see.”

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