Bay of Plenty
About the Region
Cruising into the Port of Tauranga has to be one of the most beautiful port entrances in New Zealand. Tauranga is sure to be a highlight of your cruise around New Zealand. Our beautiful beachside city has it all: fantastic tours, action and adventure, art, culture, boutique shopping, delicious food and one of the best beaches in the country.
This is a region to get outdoors and bask in the sunshine. If you love to be in, or on, the water, you’ll feel right at home here. Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Waihī Beach and Ōhope are our most popular beaches where thousands flock to enjoy the white sand and surf. Visit the thriving city of Tauranga and dine out in one of the many restaurants or cafes. Tauranga’s inner harbour also provides plenty of scope for seaside activities. It’s a place for sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing and fishing.
If you’re keen to explore the region, you can road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway stopping at idyllic seaside towns like Waihī Beach and Ōhope – or you can visit Te Puke and Katikati, the kiwifruit and avocado capitals of New Zealand.
Just an hour’s drive from Tauranga you’ll find Whakatāne, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, where you can be immersed in the area’s rich Māori history and authentic cultural experiences, or you can revel in its ocean playground which is home to an array of marine life.
Whoever you are and wherever you go, the Coastal Bay of Plenty is sure to make you smile.
General Information
For Guest services are available to assist passengers with information, bookings, and other needs.
Yes, anywhere between 100-800m depending on ship size and which berth.
Yes, passengers can walk to Mount Maunganui township — it is only 250m from the port exit gate (5-minute walk).
Yes, the i-SITE on the port is open for ships over 1000 passengers. Services include:
- Volunteers providing local information and maps
- Local tour operators selling day tours
- i-SITE can book rental cars, local bus tickets, and local activities
Note: No shuttle bus available.
Yes, passengers can pick them up from all three i-SITEs.
Yes, available at:
- Mount Maunganui i-SITE
- Mount Main Beach, Marine Parade (between Mauao and Moturiki Island)
- Libraries: Mount Maunganui Library and Tauranga Library
Public Bus (Bay Hopper):
- Bus 5 to city departs every 15 mins Mon-Fri, every 30 mins Sat/Sun
- Bus 21 to Bayfair/Papamoa departs every 60 mins Mon-Sun
Payment onboard: NZ$3.40 one way or day pass NZ$7.80 (cash only). i-SITE also sells day passes.
Location of i-SITE services is clearly marked on port maps for easy access.
Visitor Information
- Mauao (1.2 km from port gates): An iconic landmark with walking tracks offering 360° views.
- Mount Maunganui Beach (1.3 km from port gates): Award-winning beach ranked among the top 25 best beaches in the world.
- Pilot Bay: Calm waters for swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing.
- Mount Hot Pools (1.2 km from port gates): Open-air hot ocean water pools with spa facilities.
- The Elms Te Papa Tauranga (6.6 km from port gates): One of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites.
- Historic Village (10.8 km from port gates): A cultural hub featuring artisan shops, food stalls, and creative arts.
- Gate Pā (Pukehinahina) (13.9 km from port gates): Historic battlefield site with educational signage and carvings.
- Mauao (1.2 km from port gates): Scenic lookout point with panoramic views.
- Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park (16.9 km from port gates): Ideal for hikers seeking summit views.
- Minden Lookout (20.6 km from port gates): Excellent vantage point for coastal and harbour views.
- Mauao Base Walk (1.2 km from port gates): 3.4 km scenic track.
- Moturiki Island (1.1 km from port gates): Great for exploring rock pools and coastal views.
- Waikareao Walkway (6.9 km from port gates): An 8.2 km loop trail along the estuary.
