The Best of Tauranga

See and learn all about Tauranga on this air-conditioned bus tour taking you through its beautiful geographical highlights. An experienced guide will take you from beaches to hilltops, giving you the ultimate Kiwi experience.

The tree-covered slope of Mount Maunganui, the extinct volcanic cone known as Mauao, rises from the sandbar below. A surfer's paradise, the clear blue ocean stretches into the horizon, with whitecaps crashing along the shore of Mount Ocean beach. You may even want to walk up to the mountain summit to take in incredible views of the harbor below.

Traversing the narrow strip of land, passing the new high rise hotels and apartments, you'll reach the famous Mount Ocean beach, the site of many major surfing competitions. It is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the beachfront cafes and restaurants.

Get another glimpse of how New Zealanders live as you go by the "Marine Parade," an affluent neighborhood with views of the Pacific. After heading over the causeway, see the historic heart of Tauranga where it was first settled in 1830. Stop at the historic battle site of Gate Pa, one of New Zealand's most important battles between the Maori and British forces in 1864. The events of that day are explained by your guide and the interpretative panels as you wander along the ridge of Gate Pa.

Visit Lake McLaren and take in sights of McLaren Falls. Enjoy the scenery and one of the best arboreal collections in New Zealand. Then, have a taste of Tauranga by visiting an orchard full of hardy kiwifruit vines. Enjoy beautiful farmland and bushland as you head further up into the hills. You'll have the opportunity for a beautiful panoramic shot from a lookout point of the the mountain, the harbor, and the cruise ships below.

On your final stop, you'll head to Bobby's Fresh Fish Market, where you will be treated to a Fish and Chips lunch. Known to many locals as THE spot to get some delicious fish and chips, enjoy a nice lunch and take in the sights as the fish market is located right on the water before boarding the coach for the short drive back over the harbor bridge to the ship.