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Top Things to Do in Tauranga
We compared all 8 experiences in Tauranga so you can choose in minutes — real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.
4.9 8 experiences
from NZ$ 99
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Kaituna River Rafting: 7-Meter Waterfall DropYou paddle down 11 rapids and three waterfalls on the Kaituna River, including a 7-meter drop that's the highest rafted waterfall in the world. The guides are the owners themselves — Pete and Blue — both handpicked professionals from extreme whitewater backgrounds. All gear, wetsuits, and safety equipment are included. The whole experience takes 50 minutes on the water, with the base at Okere Falls near Tauranga. You need to be under 120kg, a comfortable swimmer, and reasonably fit.Is it for me?Right for fit swimmers aged 13–65 who want serious Grade 5 whitewater and don't mind the intensity — the 50 minutes are non-stop action, which is exactly what makes the three waterfalls and the 7-meter drop possible in one trip. Not suitable if you're over 120kg, uncomfortable in water, or have spinal or cardiovascular concerns.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Tauranga with Ale & PickupYou’ll step right onto the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga, wander past real hobbit holes, peek inside a cozy home, and end your day sipping ale at the Green Dragon Inn. With flexible pickup for cruise passengers and a local guide sharing stories along every path, you’ll feel part of Middle-earth—if only for an afternoon.
Tauranga & Hobbiton Day Trip: Movie Set Tour, Lake Stop, SnacksYou’ll wander through Hobbiton’s movie set magic with a guide who knows every detail, share laughs over ginger beer at The Green Dragon Inn, and pause lakeside at McLaren Falls where ducks beg for crumbs. Pickup from Tauranga keeps things simple, so you can just settle in and let New Zealand do its thing.
Tauranga: History Tour & Kiwifruit Orchard Tasting with Port PickupYou’ll wander Tauranga’s lively streets with a local guide, cross the harbour bridge for sweeping views, taste handpicked kiwifruit and avocado in an orchard, sip teas from around the world, and share laughs along the way. Expect small surprises—a warm smile here, a new flavor there—that linger long after you’re back on board.
Rotorua Geothermal & Māori Culture from Tauranga: 6-Hour TourYou depart from Tauranga Port in a 12-seater minivan with a local guide who provides live commentary throughout the six-hour loop. The day includes a Māori cultural performance at Te Puia, entry to the geothermal park with its bubbling mud pools and the erupting Pōhutu Geyser, a visit to the national carving school, and the Kiwi House. You also stop at the Redwoods Forest and a working kiwifruit orchard before returning to port. Entry fees and souvenir shopping time are included; the minivan is air-conditioned and the pace suits all fitness levels.Is it for me?Book this if you want Rotorua's main attractions—geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and native forest—without arranging your own transport from Tauranga; the fixed itinerary and included entry fees mean you arrive knowing what to expect and leave having seen it all in one morning.
Tauranga: V8 Trike Tour of Mount Maunganui & Main BeachYou’ll feel Tauranga come alive as you ride a V8 trike past Mount Maunganui Main Beach, hear stories from your local guide, and stop for photos with ocean views. Senses wake up in the sea air and engine rumble—this tour is about feeling part of it all for a while.
Rotorua & Whakarewarewa: Day Trip via Kiwi Orchards & LakesYou’ll wander through blooming kiwifruit orchards near Tauranga before heading inland to Rotorua’s steaming geothermal valleys. Join a local Maori guide in Whakarewarewa village, watch an unforgettable haka performance, walk native bush trails among ancient ferns, and pause by shimmering lakes—all with port pickup included. Expect laughter, earthy smells, and stories that stick long after you leave.
Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga: Full-Day Tour & Coastal StopsYou'll be picked up at Tauranga Port and driven through the Bay of Plenty's coast and countryside to reach the Hobbiton Movie Set for an official guided tour of the Shire, Bag End, and key filming locations. The route includes stops at Mount Main Beach, a native forest walk at McLaren Falls, and scenic viewpoints across farmland and ranges. Entry to the set, a complimentary drink at the end, and return transport are all included in a full day that runs 10–11 hours.Is it for me?Choose this tour if you want to see Hobbiton without arranging your own transport and entry — the long drive is what makes it possible to include the Bay of Plenty coastline and native forest on the same day, turning a set visit into a full regional loop.
