Tauranga Harbour cruise: Mount Maunganui & Port of Tauranga

The KEWPIE carries you past container ships, a sacred mountain and a Māori sea god statue in one morning.

A 90-minute scenic boat cruise through Tauranga Harbour aboard the KEWPIE, with two viewing decks and a licensed lounge bar. You'll pass Mount Maunganui, the Statue of Tangaroa at the harbour entrance, Matakana Island, and New Zealand's largest port, with seasonal sightings of blue penguins, seabirds and fur seals. A live English-speaking guide is included. Children are welcome from age 1.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic Tauranga Harbour boat cruise

• Board the KEWPIE boat
• Cruise through Port of Tauranga
• View Statue of Tangaroa
• See Mount Maunganui from water
• Pass Matakana Island
• Pass Karewa Island sanctuary
• Observe white-sand beaches and forests
• Spot seasonal wildlife
• Return to harbor

The experience

The KEWPIE leaves the dock for a relaxed journey through one of New Zealand's busiest working harbours. You'll see the Port of Tauranga up close (the country's largest, fastest-growing port and the only one able to dock the biggest container vessels), then move into the quieter inner harbour where the water opens onto white-sand beaches and forested islands. Mount Maunganui (Mauao) rises at the entrance, its name meaning caught in the light of day, and the Statue of Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea, marks the harbour mouth.

Two spacious viewing decks give you room to move around and find the angle you want, whether you're watching the working port or looking out toward Matakana Island, the North Island's third-largest island, which stretches from Bowen town all the way to Mount Maunganui. Karewa Island, an offshore sanctuary, is home to the tuatara, an endangered native reptile found nowhere else. The fully licensed lounge bar means you can settle in with a drink while the guide points out what's passing by. Depending on the season, you might spot blue penguins, seabirds or NZ fur seals.

What’s included

• 90-minute harbour cruise aboard the KEWPIE.
• two viewing decks.
• fully licensed lounge bar.
• live English-speaking guide.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 12:15 and 14:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The Strand Jetty, on the waterfront Tauranga (opposite Starbucks)”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kewpie Cruises

Is this one for you?The two viewing decks and relaxed pace suit families and mixed groups who want to explore Tauranga's working harbour and coastal landmarks without leaving the water, and the licensed bar keeps everyone comfortable for the full 90 minutes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (1 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is the Statue of Tangaroa and where do I see it on the cruise?

The Statue of Tangaroa, representing the Māori god of the sea, stands at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour and is one of the main sights you'll pass during the cruise.

What wildlife might I see during the 90-minute cruise?

Seasonal wildlife includes blue penguins, seabirds and New Zealand fur seals, though sightings depend on the time of year and conditions on the day.

Does the cruise go past the Port of Tauranga itself?

Yes, you'll get a close-up look at the Port of Tauranga, New Zealand's largest and most efficient port, as part of the route through the bustling outer harbour.

Is there a bar or refreshments available on board?

The KEWPIE has a fully licensed lounge bar where you can order drinks and refreshments during the cruise.