The word Tauranga is the maori name given to the region meaning “safe anchorage” Geographically Tauranga sits within the central North island of New Zealand, Tauranga encompasses many small towns in including the famous Mount Maunganui township. It is also conveniently situated on the coast of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. This makes it a perfect playground for anyone wanting sun, sand and surf which it is most famously known.

As a destination it offers so much more than just being the number one beach in New Zealand and a top ten beach of the world. Awesome activities and attractions are available, some are world class. Now lets add some real cool activities.

 

Top 5 Activities

Lets start with the best activities and attractions. We will categorise them as best as possible and we will also suggest a days itinerary that you could follow if only in the area for a limited time.

Bay Explorer (Number #1 Boat activity in Tauranga)

Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise. Offers an award winning marine wildlife experience that suits all age groups. Every cruise out customers bring back memories. Dolphins, and seasonal Seals, Orca, Whales, Sharks, Fish, Birds and even exotic visitors like Sunfish and giant leatherback Turtles can be found. This is more than a boat cruise, its entertaining, you get involved and you will learn so much about the ocean, the islands, reefs, currents, species and how nature can set you free.

Easily bookable on-line

www.bayexplorer.co.nz

 

Kewpie Cruises

The “iconic” boat. known as the peoples boat of Tauranga. Ideal for families visiting the Mount. Departures are from the equally “iconic” Mauao (Mount Maunganui Mountain). You can book the Scenic Harbour Tour which runs 5 times a day from the Pilot wharf at the base of Mauao. Its a beautiful harbour Kewpie visits the shores of Matakana island and New Zealands largest export port, the Port of Tauranga. Great short activity with a great commentary about the region and the harbours history. Te Awanui is the maori name given to this place.

Book or enquire

www.kewpiecruises.co.nz

 

Aerius Helicopters

If your not doing ocean then try sky. This great company are offering spectacular scenic heli-flights, heli adventures and wine & dine packages in Tauranga, with flights in their awesome chopper around the bay of Plenty and also to destinations like Rotorua and Coromandel. Personal, friendly operators offering many packages that suit all budgets and you will be suprised what’s on offer. Let the team arrange a helicopter flight tailored for your requirements.

Check out the options on the new website

www.aerius.co.nz

 

Waimarino Kayaks Tours

Crazy how cool the smallest things Taurnga are perhaps the biggest attraction about. If your into nature at night this is for you. Glow-worms in a beautiful setting only accessible by kayak. Start your Evening Glow Worm tour nestled amongst the trees at Lake McLaren Falls Park. Appreciate fine New Zealand wines and delicious cheeses while watching the sunset over the rolling hills. At dusk our guides will lead you into the calm waters to discover the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon. the narrow high-sided canyon that you enter feels like your surrounded in stars. departures are just before sunset. All this with food, wine and professional guides.

Get more info and the scoop on departures

www.glowwormkayaking.com

 

Tauranga Sky Dive (Number #1 outdoor activity in Tauranga)

Recognised as the best skydive in the north island. Yes your adventure starts with a 20-minute scenic flight with views of Mount Maunganui and the beaches expanding along the coast. As you ascend higher up, you will see offshore islands, White Island, Tuhua (Mayor) island, Motiti island, Karewa island, even Mount Ruapehu and the Rotorua Lakes, possibly the Coromandel and even Mount Taranaki. If that doesn’t take your breath away, free-falling back towards Tauranga at 200km/h on a tandem skydive will!

www.skydivetauranga.com

We will add to this as we information with other operators. Keep an eye out too for our next write up about “Free things to do in Tauranga”

The Bay Explorer

Bay Explorer are local boat tour specialists who are passionate about all our region has to offer. We are proudly Kiwi owned and operated, with plenty of experience running day trips from Tauranga.

Departure Point

Corner of Wharf Street & The Strand
Tauranga
New Zealand 3110

Ph: 021 605 968
Intnl: +64 21 605 968

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Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Sustainable Tourism
footer-doc-100pxEndorsed by Department of Conservation New Zealand to interact with marine wildlife.

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