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Things to do in Tauranga

Our most recommended things to do in Tauranga

Tauranga: Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour

1. Tauranga: Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Try a unique glow worm kayak tour, complete with refreshments, beautiful scenery, fantastic birdlife, and glow worms. Travel over the night waters in Lake McLaren with your guide to take in the glow worms in action. Snack on New Zealand cheeses and other refreshments along the edge of Lake McLaren. Your experienced kayak guide will prepare and brief you on how to kayak effectively before launching you onto picturesque Lake McLaren at twilight. See constellations of glow worms as your guide leads you into the canyon at the top of the lake and learn about the life cycles and peculiarities of this fascinating creature along the way.

From Tauranga: Half Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

2. From Tauranga: Half Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

Step aboard a purpose-built dolphin-viewing vessel and embark on a wild encounter with the ocean's most fascinating creatures. After meeting your crew at the dock, set off into the open water to several well-known dolphin spotting locations, all the while maintaining a respectful distance. With a crew filled with experience sea-farers and dolphins-watchers, trust that your experience will be thrilling, informative, and above all, humane to the dolphins.  The sunshine capital of New Zealand, the "Bay of Plenty" is home to diverse and spectacular sea life from majestic dolphins and orca to the beautiful fur seals, penguins and marine birds. As you travel from spot to spot, keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of marine life that call the bay home. With your expert crew, you’ve got a great chance to to find a pod of dolphins with which you can swim—which is, without question, a magical experience.

Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience

3. Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience

Are you ready to soar over waterfalls, zoom through pristine native forests, and be enlightened through a hands-on cultural and ecological experience in Okere Falls, Rotorua? If so, then Rotorua Ziplines has you covered. Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, a network of ziplines, swing bridges, and boardwalks will have you in awe for 2.5 hours as you fly, walk and gaze at the stunning taiao (Environment) that is Ōkere. Born through an intimate connection with the Ōkere Awa (Kaituna River), this joint venture between Ngāti Hinerangi and Rotorua Rafting’s Ōkere Falls born and bred, Sam Sutton, has been created to showcase its mauri (spirit) and importance with Aotearoa’s soon to be premier zipline experience. End the experience with a tree in your name as the Rotorua Ziplines reforestation project plant it's way towards 60,000 native trees by the end of 2025 to see Ōkere Falls thrive for generations to come.

From Tauranga: Skydive over Mount Maunganui

4. From Tauranga: Skydive over Mount Maunganui

Start your adventure with a flight capturing the breathtaking views of Mount Maunganui and its golden beaches expanding as far as the eye can see. Higher up, you'll be able to see White Island, Mount Ruapehu, the Rotorua Lakes, The Coromandel, and Mount Taranaki. The flight will last 20-25 minutes, so there is plenty of time to take it all in. Once at 12,000 or 15,000 feet in the sky, jump out of the plane on a tandem skydive, falling to the earth at over 200km/hour. After some time to feel the adrenaline as you freefall, enjoy a peaceful parachute ride back to base.

From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

5. From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

Meet at the Tauranga waterfront jetty and board your vessel. Relax as you leave the city behind and spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and even turtles. Passenger numbers are limited for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. The large spacious boat is also ideal for families. The Captain and experienced crew will be more than happy to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. You can also enjoy a drink from the onboard bar as you relax and soak up the sun. Don’t forget your camera as you are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographers dream for those once in a lifetime snaps. You will return to Tauranga by 2:00, giving you the rest of the day to explore this beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels.

Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

6. Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

Explore Tauranga Harbour on a sightseeing cruise of New Zealand's largest natural harbor. Marvel at views of Mount Maunganui, search for NZ fur seals and sea birds and enjoy a beach visit on Matakanka Island. Board The Kewpie, a 70-year-old ferry made from native Kauri trees, The Kewpie which boasts an interesting history in New Zealand waters. The 52ft boat has two levels and a licensed bar for a comfortable cruise around Tauranga Harbour. While cruising look out for the Statue of Tangaroa, untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, and islands, contrasted by the massive developed port infrastructure. Keep on the lookout for seasonal wildlife on your harbor cruise such as blue penguins, sea birds, or adorable NZ fur seals. Stay on board or disembark to explore Matakana Island. The island's white sandy beach is a favorite spot for beach walks, fishing, swimming, and picnics.

Mount Maunganui: Self-Guided Audio Tour

7. Mount Maunganui: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Soak up the vibe on this fun self-guided audio tour of Mount Maunganui. Mount Maunganui is a relaxed and happening place to get some sun and hit the beach. On one side of the mountain is a stunning boat harbor and, 5 minutes away is an ocean beach perfect for surfing and swimming. This self-guided audio starts at the harbor, where you’ll learn much of the Maori history of the area including the tribal ancestry. Years ago, abundant seafood (Kaimoana) provided an attractive area for settlement in what is now a popular spot for commercial and recreational fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming with dolphins and much more. Next, you will hear about Maunganui, which in Maori translates to big mountain. You will learn about seafarers, traders and missionaries, and trade between Europeans and Maori. Take a leisurely walk of the “base” track and if you’re up to, take the summit walk for spectacular 360-degree views. Hear the Maori legend of Mount Maunganui/Mauao, Tangaroa (the Maori god of the sea) and Te Kuia, the “old lady” who local fishermen pay homage to. Check out the nearby Islands, Matakana, Motiti, and Tuhua, and learn about New Zealand’s endangered Tuatara. Conclude your tour by unwinding in the perfectly heated thermal saltwater pools and baths. During the course of your tour, you will also visit Mount Drury Reserve, Maunganui Road, the Surf Museum and Bayfair shopping center.

Tauranga: Guided Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Cruise

8. Tauranga: Guided Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Cruise

Meet at the strand waterfront jetty and board your vessel. Relax as you leave the city behind and spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and even turtles. Passenger numbers are limited for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. The large spacious boat is ideal for families. The Captain and experienced crew will be more than happy to share their marine knowledge with you, providing fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. You can also enjoy a drink from the onboard bar as you relax and soak up the sun. Don’t forget your camera as you are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographers dream for those once in a lifetime snaps. You will return by 2:00, giving you the rest of the day to explore this beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels.

Tauranga Self-Guided Audio Tour

9. Tauranga Self-Guided Audio Tour

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. Immerse yourself in the historic and picturesque city of Tauranga, the arrival point of the Māori in New Zealand. In this audio tour, you will explore the beautiful waterfront and hear the tales of how the Māori crossed the Pacific Ocean in the Arawa Canoe. Visit the Monmouth Redoubt with its old cannon to learn about the battles between the natives and the European colonists at The Elms Missionary. You will also see the Strand, Robbins Park, the Mission Cemetery, the Tauranga Domain Wharepai Reserve, the Old Post Office, the Art Gallery and Brian Watkins House. A diverse and interesting tour with lots of Māori history, myths and legends. This tour takes the frustration out of not knowing what to do, where to go or how to get there. Your tour. Your way.

Other Sightseeing Options in Tauranga

Want to discover all there is to do in Tauranga? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Tauranga

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 136 reviews

It was a lot of fun! Two guides who were great, they made the experience.. well worth going .. not just one zip line , there are a few and you can even race your partner or friend .. I won :) Great walking track too, not hard on the unfit! All staff were very friendly, that’s important, it makes the experience more enjoyable :) thanks team it was a great experience!

The guides, Kyle and Jonny, were friendly and engaging, the ziplines were lots of fun and the scenery is beautiful. Even in the rain it was an amazing trip.

We had such a fun day. Our guides were amazing and very friendly. Being rainy definately made the experience more worth it

Excellent skydive overlooking the beautiful Mount Maunganui! A definite must do experience :)

A great introduction to Tauranga such a beautiful place