How to Plan Your Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Tauranga Harbour while taking in stunning views of Mount Maunganui, a sightseeing cruise is a great option. This tour allows you to travel on a 70-year-old ferry constructed with timber from native Kauri trees, search for wildlife, and even disembark at Matakana Island to explore its stunning white sandy beach. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to plan your Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise.

Overview of the Experience

The Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise is a 2-hour tour of the natural harbor in New Zealand. You will explore the harbor by boat and see Mount Maunganui from the water. The tour departs from Salisbury Wharf on Dive Crescent, located just a few minutes out of Tauranga city center. During the tour, you will experience a close-up look at the working port and any ships docked there while searching the environment for wildlife, including blue penguins and NZ fur seals. You can also choose to disembark at Matakana Island to explore its stunning white sandy beach.

Highlights of the Tour

The Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise offers numerous highlights, including: 1. Cruise on a 70-year-old ferry constructed with timber from native Kauri trees 2. Explore Tauranga Harbour by boat and see Mount Maunganui from the water 3. Experience a close up look at the working port and any ships docked there 4. Search the environment for wildlife including blue penguins and NZ fur seals 5. Choose to disembark at Matakana Island to explore its stunning white sandy beach

What’s Included

The tour includes: 1. Sightseeing cruise 2. Hotel pickup and drop-off 3. Food and drinks

How to Book

You can book the Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise through GetYourGuide, a popular online booking platform for tours and activities around the world. By booking through GetYourGuide, you can ensure that you secure your spot on the tour on a specific date and time. The booking process is easy and secure, and you can see reviews and ratings from other travelers who have taken the same tour before. To book the tour, simply click on the following link: book the tour here

What to Bring

To make the most of your Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise, we recommend bringing the following items: 1. Camera and/or smartphone to capture the stunning views and any wildlife sightings 2. Sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun 3. Warm clothing in case of cooler temperatures on the water 4. Comfortable footwear for walking on the beach, if disembarking at Matakana Island

Book Your Tour Now

A Tauranga Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise is a great way to explore Tauranga Harbour and take in the stunning views of Mount Maunganui. With so many highlights, including a 70-year-old ferry and the chance to search for wildlife, the tour is a unique and highly recommended experience. Don’t forget to book your tour through GetYourGuide, and remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and warm clothing to make the most of your experience.

Tauranga City FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Tauranga is a beautiful city located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s a popular tourist destination due to its stunning beaches, picturesque scenery, and warm weather. Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ guide to help you get the most out of your visit to Tauranga.

1. What’s the best time to visit Tauranga?

Tauranga is a year-round destination with mild winters and warm summers. The peak tourist season is from December to February when the weather is the warmest, and the beaches are at their best. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, and prices can be high. For a quieter visit, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November.

2. How do I get to Tauranga?

Tauranga is easily accessible by air, road, and sea. Tauranga Airport serves flights from major New Zealand cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Auckland or take a bus from major North Island cities. Tauranga is also a popular cruise ship port, with many international and domestic cruise lines stopping here.

3. What are the best things to do in Tauranga?

Tauranga has something for everyone, from scenic walks to adrenaline-fueled activities. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Visit Mount Maunganui, a majestic volcanic cone with a scenic walking track and sweeping views of the bay
• Relax on one of Tauranga’s many beautiful beaches, including Mount Maunganui Beach, Papamoa Beach, and Omanu Beach
• Take a dip in the natural hot pools at the base of Mount Maunganui
• Indulge in some retail therapy at Tauranga’s boutique shops or eat at one of the many picturesque waterfront cafes and restaurants
• Get your adrenaline pumping with a skydive or a jet boat ride
• Take a stroll around the Tauranga Art Gallery or the Elms Mission House and Gardens, both showcasing the city’s rich history and culture

4. What are the best beaches in Tauranga?

Tauranga is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. Here are some of the best ones to check out:

Papamoa Beach

Papamoa Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Tauranga, stretching over 16 km. It’s a great spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.

Mount Maunganui Beach

Mount Maunganui Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline with crystal clear waters and pristine white sand. It’s a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. There are plenty of beachside cafes, bars, and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

Omanu Beach

Omanu Beach is a quieter alternative to Mount Maunganui Beach, with tranquil waters and fewer crowds. It’s an excellent spot for beachcombing, fishing, and swimming.

5. What is the weather like in Tauranga?

Tauranga has a warm and temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in summer ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures average around 10 degrees Celsius. Tauranga receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year but can also experience occasional rain and strong winds.

6. Where should I stay in Tauranga?

Tauranga has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular areas to stay include:

• Mount Maunganui, a beachside suburb with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and breathtaking views
• Tauranga CBD, the city center with plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels
• Papamoa, a more residential area with plenty of holiday homes, apartments, and hotels

7. What are the best day trips from Tauranga?

There are plenty of exciting day trip options from Tauranga to neighboring attractions. Some popular destinations include:

• Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and rich Maori culture
• The Hobbiton Movie Set, the iconic filming location from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies
• The Coromandel Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, native forests, and coastal walks
• Whakatane, a charming coastal town with plenty of outdoor activities, including dolphin and whale watching

Book Your Tour Now

Tauranga is a truly beautiful city, with plenty of things to do and see. From its stunning beaches to its action-packed activities, there’s something for everyone in Tauranga. We hope this FAQ guide gives you all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to this picturesque city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Tauranga

Tauranga is a beautiful city located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s a popular destination for tourists who enjoy sun, sea, and sand. Visitors to Tauranga can expect to find stunning beaches, great food, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep them occupied. If you’re planning to visit the area, then read on for our top tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Tauranga.

1. Visit Mount Maunganui

No trip to Tauranga would be complete without a visit to Mount Maunganui, also known locally as “The Mount”. This is a popular volcanic cone that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can climb to the top of the mountain, which takes around an hour, to enjoy panoramic views of Tauranga Harbour and the city. Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely walk around the base of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2. Relax on the Beach

Tauranga is home to some of the best beaches in New Zealand. Mount Maunganui Beach is one of the highlights, with its white sand and clear blue water. There are plenty of other beaches to explore in the surrounding area, such as Papamoa Beach and Omanu Beach. These beaches are a great place to relax, sunbathe, and go swimming.

3. Explore McLaren Falls Park

McLaren Falls Park is a great place to explore if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. This beautiful park is located just outside of Tauranga, and features a waterfall, lake, and plenty of hiking trails. You can go kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake, or simply enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.

4. Visit Te Puna Quarry Park

Te Puna Quarry Park is another hidden gem located just outside of Tauranga. This park is built on the site of an old quarry and features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and walking trails. It’s a great place to explore and take in some of the natural beauty of the area.

5. Take a Boat Tour

If you’re looking to explore the coastline around Tauranga, then why not take a boat tour? There are plenty of different boat tours available, from dolphin spotting to fishing trips. This is a great way to see some of the local wildlife and get out on the water.

6. Taste the Local Cuisine

Tauranga is home to some excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re a foodie, then make sure to sample some of the local cuisine. Seafood is particularly popular in the area, with plenty of fresh fish and shellfish available. You should also try some of the local wines, which are known for their excellent quality.

7. Visit the Tauranga Art Gallery

The Tauranga Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone who’s interested in art. This gallery features a wide range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to traditional Maori artwork. It’s a great place to learn more about New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage.

8. Take a Day Trip to Rotorua

If you’re looking to explore more of the North Island, then consider taking a day trip to Rotorua. This city is located around an hour’s drive from Tauranga and is home to some of the most geothermally active areas in the world. You can visit hot springs, geysers, and mud pools, as well as learning more about Maori culture and history.

Book Your Tour Now

Tauranga is a beautiful city that’s full of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone in this stunning part of New Zealand. Use this guide to plan your trip, and make sure to leave some time to explore the area’s hidden gems.