10 Best Things to do in Tauranga, New Zealand

Planning to visit the beautiful Bay of Plenty? You’re in for a treat!

Tauranga is often known for its stunning coastline and Mount Maunganui’s famous beach, but after spending time here, I realized there’s so much more to it than just sand and surf. Whether you’re stopping on a cruise or staying a few days, this area offers far more variety than most people expect.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Tauranga — from whitewater rafting and glow worm kayaking to wildlife cruises, tasting tours, scenic walks, and unforgettable day trips to Hobbiton and Rotorua. It’s a place full of experiences that will make your trip even more memorable!

Things to do in Tauranga

1. Explore Hobbiton on a day trip

If you’re visiting Tauranga or Mount Maunganui on a cruise stop (or even if you’re basing yourself here for a longer vacation), this day trip to Hobbiton is an absolute must-do! I knew it would be fun, but I genuinely didn’t expect it to be one of the highlights of my time in New Zealand.

The tour takes care of transportation for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. And once you arrive, it honestly feels like you’ve stepped right into the movies. Walking through the Shire and past the hobbit holes is such a cool experience—but the best part is that you actually get to go inside one of them! 

They’re way bigger than I expected, and the attention to detail is next level. Every room is fully set up like someone actually lives there, with tiny teacups on tables, cozy fireplaces, books on shelves, and all these little “hobbit” touches that make it feel weirdly real.

Our guide made the experience even better, too, pointing out film trivia and little details I definitely would’ve missed on my own. And of course, we got to end our tour with a drink in hand at the Green Dragon Inn!

This tour is especially popular for cruise ship passengers since it’s designed to depart around cruise arrival times and takes care of all the logistics, but anyone can book it. You can also drive yourself to Hobbiton if you have a vehicle and book a tour of the movie set only. Whichever option you choose, just make sure you book early as these tours tend to book up weeks in advance!

2. Kayak at sunset and see glow worms after dark

If you’re looking for something truly memorable to do in Tauranga, this Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour is one of the coolest experiences I had. Seeing glow worms is basically a must-do while you’re in New Zealand, and this is honestly one of the most peaceful (and unique) ways to experience them.

The tour starts at Waimarino Adventure Park, where you’ll meet your guide and enjoy some light refreshments while the sun begins to set. Once it’s time to head out, you’ll hop into a kayak and paddle across calm Lake McLaren. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced kayaker—this tour is beginner-friendly, and the pace is nice and relaxed.

The magic happens when you reach the narrow canyon at the head of the lake. As it gets darker, the glow worms start to appear above you, lighting up the cliff walls like tiny stars. It’s honestly one of those moments where everyone goes quiet because it’s just that beautiful!

Our guide was fantastic too—super friendly, great at keeping everyone comfortable, and full of interesting facts about the glow worms and the area. Paddling back under the night sky was the perfect way to end the evening.

If you want a Tauranga activity that feels a little more special than “just another tour,” this one is absolutely worth it!

3. Go white water rafting on the Kaituna River

If you like adrenaline-filled activities, then you can’t miss whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River. I’ve been whitewater rafting around the world, but trust me—nothing comes close to this incredible experience!

First things first: you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point, so this tour is easiest if you have your own wheels (or a way to get out to Okere Falls). It’s about a 40-minute drive from Tauranga, but once you’re there, the company takes care of everything. They provide all the gear, run you through a thorough safety briefing, and the guides are absolute pros.

Once you’re on the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush canyon walls while your rafting team (and your guide!) tackles multiple waterfalls and Grade 5 rapids. Then it’s time for the main event: Tutea Falls. This is a 7-meter waterfall drop—and it’s the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!

Yes, you go straight over it in the raft, and it’s every bit as wild as it sounds. The adrenaline is unreal, but the tour still feels safe and well-run the entire time, thanks to how experienced the guides are.

Just be warned: you will get soaked, so don’t show up expecting to stay dry!

4. Hike up Mount Maunganui

Easily one of the best hikes in New Zealand, the trek up Mount Maunganui, or Mauao as it’s called here, rewards you with epic 360° views of the entire bay. Plus, getting to hike on an extinct volcano is pretty cool!

Located about a 10-minute drive from Tauranga, it’s easy to get to, just be prepared for the hike. The Mauao Summit Walk should take you about 40 minutes, and you can choose one of the many paths up. It is 232 meters (761 feet) to the top, so it’s a decently challenging climb – make sure to have water with you or take breaks under the shady trees along the way.

Lots of Tauranga locals and tourists make this trek because the views are just that spectacular!

If you want to try a different route or simply want to walk around the volcano (instead of climbing up), there are plenty of other trails to try in the area. You can always wander down the trails for as long as you feel comfortable and then head back to relax on the beautiful beach nearby (keep reading for more info on this incredible beach!).

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be mindful of any falling rocks or steep drop-offs around you.

Important note: The Mount Maunganui summit walk and trails are currently closed due to landslides that occurred in January 2026. At this time, there is no definite date for the trails to reopen, but you can check the current status here.

Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) is a great alternative. It’s a small, accessible island off the Main Beach and features a short walk with coastal Views. I also love Mount Drury, which is more of a small hill in the middle of the city, offering stunning ocean views.

For a more challenging hike, drive down the coast to Pāpāmoa Hills. This area is set to reopen its tracks in early March 2026. You can find more info and check the track status here.

5. Take a day trip to Rotorua

If you’re visiting Tauranga or Mount Maunganui and short on time, this Rotorua Highlights day trip is easily the best way to see the region without worrying about a single detail. It’s designed specifically for cruise ship passengers (with port pickup and drop-off), but anyone can book it, and it’s such a great way to explore if you want to maximize your day!

The tour starts with a scenic drive inland through New Zealand’s beautiful lake country. Your first stop is Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand, where you’ll visit an orchard and learn more about the fruit the country is famous for. From there, you’ll head toward Rotorua, stopping at the stunning Redwood Forest (Whakarewarewa Forest) and the beautifully kept Government Gardens.

Then, after lunch, the geothermal magic begins at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. You’ll explore bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and watch the powerful Pohutu Geyser erupt. What makes it even more special is learning from a Māori guide about how the land has been used for generations. The cultural experience continues with a traditional welcome and performance, including the iconic haka.

Before heading back to Tauranga, you’ll stop at Kaituna Falls, which is such a cool way to wrap up the day. If you only have limited time to explore, this tour truly makes it count!

6. Go on a dolphin and wildlife cruise

If you want to see marine wildlife in Tauranga, this half-day cruise is for you! The Bay of Plenty is genuinely rich in marine life, and heading out on this 18-meter (60-foot) boat gives you a front-row seat to both the wildlife and the scenery.

We met at the Waterfront Jetty on The Strand and headed out into open water, where the crew clearly knows all the best places to go. It wasn’t long before the dolphins showed up! Watching them swim alongside the boat (sometimes even riding the wake!) was a moment I’ll never forget.

Depending on the day and season, you might also spot orcas, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, or even whales. I was lucky enough to spot a shark on our cruise!

Another thing I appreciated is how comfortable the boat is for a longer trip. There are plenty of seating options, including indoor areas if the wind picks up, and lots of space outside when you want to be on deck scanning the water. There’s also an onboard bar, which makes it easy to grab a drink and settle in while you enjoy the views.

Even between wildlife sightings, the scenery is beautiful, with clear views back toward Mount Maunganui and Moturiki Island. Whether you’re here for the animals or the views, this cruise is hands-down one of the best things to do in Tauranga!

7. Enjoy a beach day

Tauranga is home to some of the best beaches in New Zealand, so you absolutely need to plan a beach day while you’re here.

Maunganui Beach easily tops my list with its white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, and lush greenery. It has been rated among the top 25 beaches in the world, so I’m not alone in loving this spot.

You can surf the waves, swim in the warm waters, or grab a bite to eat at one of the beachside cafes and restaurants. And of course, you can always hike to the top of Mount Maunganui while you’re here!

Just a short walk from the main Maunganui Beach, you’ll find Pilot Bay Beach. It is typically quieter with calmer waves, so a better choice for families with little ones. The views of Mount Maunganui and the nearby port are amazing. I like watching the sailboats and the cargo ships come and go.

If you love a private and even more secluded beach spot, take the 40-minute drive to Newdicks Beach. You can relax on the sand and enjoy the views of the natural landscape of coastal cliffs and dune land. You’ll need to pay a $5 NZD entrance fee to use the private road here, but the small fee can be worth it to escape the crowds.

8. Taste your way around Tauranga

If your idea of a great day involves good wine, craft beer, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, then this tasting tour is such a fun way to explore Tauranga and the surrounding area. And the best part? They take care of the driving — so you can actually relax and enjoy every sample!

We were picked up right at the port gate (super convenient if you’re arriving by cruise), and our guide, Paul, immediately made the day feel easy and welcoming. He was full of local knowledge and shared tons of great stories and facts along the way.

The tour includes three tasting stops, usually a mix of craft beer and wine, along with food pairings. One of my favorite moments was taking a gondola up to a winery overlooking Lake Rotorua. The views were incredible, and sipping wine at the top made the whole experience feel elevated (literally).

Between stops, you’ll drive through beautiful countryside, and depending on timing, there may be additional visits along the way — like a kiwifruit orchard. The day wraps up back in Tauranga with dessert and a cocktail (or coffee) overlooking the harbor, which honestly felt like the perfect ending.

If you want a laid-back, no-stress way to taste your way around the region, this tour makes it easy!

9. See Tauranga on a fast and fun trike tour

For a fun and totally unique way to sightsee, I recommend booking this V8 trike tour around Mount Maunganui. It’s not your typical sightseeing tour — you’re cruising in a custom-built V8 trike with that engine rumbling behind you, wind in your hair, and zero windows between you and the views.

The drive follows the coastline, so you get beautiful beach views as you cruise along the ocean. You’ll pass the famous Giant Pōhutukawa Tree, roll through Mount Maunganui’s Main Street, and stop at scenic lookout points for photos. It’s short (around 30 minutes), but they pack a lot into the ride.

What makes it even better is that the driver doesn’t just drive — they point out local landmarks and share bits of history and insight along the way, which makes it feel more personal. And since the trikes are registered as cars, you wear seatbelts instead of helmets, making it a great option for a wide range of ages and comfort levels.

It’s the kind of experience that makes you smile the whole time. If you want a quick, memorable way to see Mount Maunganui, this is it!

10. Check out Kaiate Falls

If you’re looking for a short, scenic escape from the city, Kaiate Falls is such a great option. It’s one of those spots that feels way more remote than it actually is, even though it’s located only about 20 minutes from downtown Tauranga.

The main track takes roughly an hour to complete and winds through lush native bush before reaching a beautiful pair of waterfalls. The upper falls cascade down three tiers, and then you’ll reach the lower falls, which drop an impressive 15 meters (50 feet) into a pool below. It honestly looks like something straight off a postcard.

If the weather’s warm, bring your swimsuit — you can hop in for a refreshing dip at the base of the falls, which is such a nice way to cool off after the walk.

Just make sure you wear proper shoes. The track can get slippery, especially after rain. It’s officially rated as moderate, but I’d personally call it fairly easy — just be ready for a few stairs along the way!

Where to Stay in Tauranga

Now that you know what Tauranga has to offer, you’re going to need a place to stay! Whether you’re a backpacker making your way across the North Island or looking for more upscale accommodations for a night or two, Tauranga has you covered.

These are my top picks that fit a variety of budgets.

Luxury – $$

Treat yourself to a luxurious getaway with a room at the Trinity Wharf Tauranga. The panoramic views over the harbor and convenient location close to the center of Tauranga mean you’re in a great spot to explore. The infinity edge swimming pool is spectacular, and the rooms have fluffy robes and comfy beds to relax in after a busy day.

Rooms here are on the higher end, starting at about $300 NZD per night. Check rates and book your stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Have the beach and water views right out your front door at the Harbour View Motel. The property is beautiful with a cobbled courtyard and a BBQ area to enjoy. You’re close to the harbor and center of Tauranga.

The rooms here are elegantly decorated and more like mini-apartments with a full kitchen or kitchenette, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. The motel also offers free kayak rentals! Rooms here are $200 NZD a night, which is a great deal for the amount of space you get. Book your stay here.

Budget – $

This waterfront hostel has million-dollar views of the harbor but without breaking the bank! Wanderlust NZ has a huge balcony overlooking the harbor, and the historic building has been recently renovated. There are two shared kitchens to cook in, a lounge area, and a wide variety of rooms.

You can opt for the typical bunk bed in a shared room for around $40 NZD or upgrade to a private room for $130 NZD. The location is perfect and fills up fast, so book your room on Booking.com!

For more options, see all of the hotels available in Tauranga here!

Thanks for reading!

Tauranga is full of fun activities, whether you’re setting off on a hike, strolling through downtown, or enjoying a relaxing beach day! It’s one of my favorite stops on a road trip through New Zealand, and definitely a popular spot for cruise ships, so don’t wait to book anything!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of my North Island blogs here. Or, check out these related blogs to get you started – cheers!

3 BEST Hobbiton Tours from Tauranga +Things to KNOW Before You Book!

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14 BEST Stops on the Drive from Auckland to Tauranga