Tauranga Scenic Cruise: Mount Maunganui and Matakana Island

Mount Maunganui rises as you pass the Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance.

A two-hour guided cruise through Tauranga Harbour that moves from busy port to secluded islands, with live commentary on Maori legends, local history and the region's natural features. The boat carries an onboard bar, restrooms and seats all fitness levels. Infants travel in prams and service animals are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic Tauranga Harbour Cruise

• Board the cruise vessel
• Listen to live commentary
• Cruise past Mount Maunganui
• View Statue of Tangaroa
• Cross Tauranga harbour entrance
• Explore Matakana Island shores
• Pass Tauranga's inner islands
• Travel through western channel to Sulphur Point
• Observe Tauranga port and industry
• Enjoy onboard bar and wildlife sights

The experience

The cruise departs into New Zealand's most scenic harbour, where you sit back and take in live guide commentary as the boat moves past the icons of the region. You'll hear the ancient Maori legend of Mount Maunganui retold as you cruise past its base, and learn about the Statue of Tangaroa and his place in Maori folk law as he guards the harbour entrance. The route crosses the entrance of Te Awanui, Tauranga's main harbour, then tucks into the picturesque shores of Matakana Island, the third largest island of the north.

The boat continues through Tauranga Harbour's two inner islands, passing natural history and orchards before heading west through the channel to Sulphur Point, where the guide explains its connection to the region's active volcano. You'll see Tauranga port and its working industry up close (cruise ships, pilot bay and the ships themselves) with facts on exports, history and how the port operates. An onboard bar serves drinks and snacks (beverages are $10), and restrooms are available throughout the two hours.

What’s included

• Live guide commentary in English.
• all fees and taxes.
• onboard restroom access.
• audio guide option.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDepartures at 14:30 and 15:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Bay Explorer

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want guided commentary on Maori legends and harbour history while seated on the water. You'll hear the stories behind Mount Maunganui and Tangaroa as you pass them, rather than reading about them on shore.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years); Infant (under 6).

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 24 h before the start.

What is the Statue of Tangaroa and why does it matter to Tauranga Harbour?

The Statue of Tangaroa guards the harbour entrance and holds significance in Maori folk law. You'll see it as the boat crosses into Te Awanui, and the guide explains its place in the region's cultural heritage.

Does the cruise get close enough to see Mount Maunganui clearly?

Yes. The boat cruises past Mount Maunganui's base, and the guide retells the ancient Maori legend associated with it as you pass.

What happens at Sulphur Point on this route?

Sulphur Point is the westernmost stop, where the guide explains its relation to the region's active volcano and the natural history of that area of the harbour.

Is there food and drink available during the cruise?

An onboard licensed bar serves beverages and snacks. Drinks cost $10 each. Restrooms are also available throughout the two hours.