Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

Mount Maunganui is voted New Zealands number 1 beach and seaside resort. With its iconic Mauao - a volcanic lava dome, 232 mtrs high standing proudly at the headland and the 22kms of beautiful white sandy beach, not forgetting to mention Marine Parade which showcases some of New Zealand most expensive and luxurious holiday homes - this is not a place to miss seeing.

We cross over the harbour bridge from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga City. View the inner city precinct and learn more about the heart of the region.

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing a category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting. We will stop outside this property and learn some of its history. Entry is not inclusive to our tour.

WE stop to visit one of the major Memorial sites on the region. The Battle was called "Battle of Gate Pa". On 29 April Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron ordered an attack upon Pukehinahina, commencing with an artillery barrage. Once shelling was seen to have breached the front palisade, an infantry assault followed. British assault parties broke through the palisades, engaging with concealed Māori who fired from a network of underground trenches. The British attackers suffered heavy casualties and soon retreated. A follow-up assault was equally unsuccessful. During the night, British soldiers lying wounded in the field were tended by Māori, notably Hēni Te Kiri Karamū, a young woman from the pā. Most of the Māori escaped during the night. When the British resumed their assault next day, they found that the pā had been abandoned. Thirty-five British regulars died during the engagement and 75 were wounded.

We will stop at a Kiwifruit Orchard, so you can get up close to the vines and fruit and see the growing stages

One of the most scenic locations in Tauranga, possibly Bay of Plenty, is the Minden Lookout. A scenic viewpoint overlooking the city and beyond. It is 286 metres high, and offers a sweeping panorama of the city as a whole. From Tauranga to Mount Maunganui and as far as the eye can see. This is a great photo opportunity of the region and your cruise ship.

McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren. We will first stop at a cottage cafe and serve you a cuppa and a freshly baked muffin before continuing your travels. One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Today we will enjoy a short, easy stroll along the edge of the stream to the picturesque waterfall. Enjoy the coolness of our native forest and learn some Rongoā – medicinal use of plants used by Maori. After our walk you will get to taste local grown and harvested kiwifruit and some New Zealand Manuka honey's.

We will travel back towards the port by a different route. We will stop and treat you to a Hokey Pokey flavoured ice cream. New Zealand has the best milk in the world - so we can not let you leave our shores until you have tried our delicious ice cream. Your tour will end back at Mount Maunganui - either be dropped off at your ship or in the main street to peruse the shops.