Tauranga

Tauranga

New Zealand

Kayak through pristine Bay of Islands waters and hike to stunning coastal cliffs overlooking turquoise seas.

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language English, Te Reo Māori
Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13) or NZST (UTC+12)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Feb
Typical Duration 14-36 nights
Price Range $759–$67,990 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering stunning coastal scenery and access to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and Maori cultural experiences.

Cruises that visit Tauranga

Build Your Day in Tauranga

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit A bit challenging for older people but well worth it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k Temporarily closed
Bayfair Shopping Centre There's a wide variety of retail and hospitality outlets! Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 6k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bethlehem Town Centre Went into a couple of shops and they were nice and tidy and friendly staff. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Memorial Park There is Mini Golf, Miniature Trains and a Skate Park nearby too. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Fraser Cove Shopping Centre Variety of shops, free parking Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Historic Village Many arts studios and also the Jam Factory which hosts great life music. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Latitude 37 Great customer service, delicious food and warm ambiance on a cold night. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Harbourside Lovely service, delicious food and drinks, and great atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
McLaren Falls Walks amongst trees/streams/dam/waterfall/glow worms/disc golf. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Fernland Spa & Campground Private baths are splash pools with own toilet and shower which we utilized. Public swimming pool · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga Great venue, great staff and great selection of drinks. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Lone Star Tauranga You can tell they’re busy for a reason - quality food and good vibes. New Zealand · ★ 4 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Kaiate Falls Great value for all ages of life Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Temporarily closed
The Phoenix Good food, a little pricey, Excellent service and music Gastropub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Great Spice Tauranga, Indian Restaurant & Bar The food is beautifully presented, delicious, and fairly priced. Indian · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Grindz Cafe Yummy food and coffee, friendly staff -wonderful lady behind the counter. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Maunganui Beach Awesome spot for all sorts of activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Worlds End Great atmosphere, Great service, friendly staff. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Te Puna Quarry Park & venue 'The Gallery' Super cute park with lots of cool art, history, and trail walks. Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Fergusson Park Has a large field, shallow calm beach to swim and awesome views. Park · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Good Local Pyes Pa Great food, beautifully presented and they even supplied a candle. Gastropub · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Barrio Brothers | Mexican • Tauranga Food was served fast, tasted delicious and the staff were so attentive! Mexican · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Pilot Bay Beach Very safe swimming beach for young and old. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Salisbury Wharf Great little beach for kids to swim and parents to fish 🐟 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Sugo Sugo has Incredible service, outstanding drinks and delicious food!! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Tauranga Citizens Club Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge Food was fresh and delicious, service was great and atmosphere nice. Asian Fusion · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Waimarino Water & Adventure Park Lots of activities to do at an affordable rate Enjoyed the visit. Amusement park · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Alimento Eatery Great service, premium coffee and awesome food. Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Elizabeth Cafe & Larder Had the big breakfast and a coffee - great food, coffee and service. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Patio Rose Cafe Gorgeous cafe, food excellent and great atmosphere Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 1k Opens soon · 6:30 AM
Torri Eatery The food was tasty, well-presented, and the portion sizes were generous. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Grace of India Restaurant & Bar fine dining Delivery: 12 PM–10 PM Modern Indian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Toi Tauranga Art Gallery Excellent exhibitions and a great cafe! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Cornerstone Bar & Eatery Tauranga Friendly bar staff, fantastic atmosphere and view Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
The Barrel Room Good food, amazing vibes, great service and impressive live music 🎶 Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Salinity Restaurant & Bar Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Picnicka Bar & Grill Delicious meals and great service in a cool setting. Grill · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Tauranga Crossing Shopping Centre ... had alot more variety and bigger in size than shops in other malls. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Tauriko Pub Co. Cocktails are phenomenal, food is divine and the staff are so lovely. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Miss Gee's Bar & Restaurant Amazing sevice, yummy cocktails and great atmosphere 👌 Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Hop House Amazing beer, great atmosphere and awesome staff! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Pyes Pa Shopping Centre Ample parking, plenty of great shops and yummy restaurants 😋 Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Minden Lookout Excellent & unique view. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Clarence Tauranga Restaurant Great food, wonderful service and a beautiful ambience. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Umami Fusion Kitchen Highly recommend the chili caramel pork belly! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Bay Central Shopping Centre reasonable selection of shops and places to eat, parking can be an issue Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar Perfect food, perfect service, perfect cocktails. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga Highly recommended for anyone interested in history and natural beauty! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Bay Explorer - Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises Definitely an unforgettable experience & one I will always remember! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Tauranga Downtown Great selection and and service Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) Small island with direct access from the beach. Nature preserve · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Hey Jude Cafe The food was delicious and well priced and the Cafe was cozy and warm. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Broomtree Cafe&Kitchen Tasty food with generous portion, kind staffs, and enjoyable space. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Cruise Ship Dock - Port of Tauranga, New Zealand There's lots to do and several options to pick up tours and activities. Cruise terminal · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Poripori Water Holes Natural swimming area is fantastic. Playground · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Sachi Japanese Restaurant Every dish we tried was a masterclass in flavour, balance, and presentation. Japanese · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Wairoa River Reserve Good spot for water activities and to swim. National reserve · ★ 4.2 · 0k
French Soul Cafe A bit slow service, but great coffee, lovely atmosphere, and friendly staff. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Omanu Beach Beautiful view, Great waves, with lifeguards around. Public beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Jais Aben Restaurant Dine-in Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Arataki Beach Very wide and smooth sandy beach. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Florence Bistro ... very comfortable service and excellent menu and delicious food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Spice Mountain Food was very delicious, portion size generous. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Wed
KATSUYA Japanese cuisine Dine-in·Takeout Japanese · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Med Lounge and Garden Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and creativity. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Wed
Tauranga Waterfront One of the highlights for my son was watching the train pass by. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cacio & Pepe Absolutely fantastic dishes and owners so accommodating and friendly. Takeout Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd Lots of Dolpins and other marine life. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 3:30 PM
Lolo Authentic Turkish Kitchen - Tauriko This place never disappoints delicious food, friendly staff, and great value Turkish · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hashtag Cafe Good food, reasonably priced and great service. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Pilot Bay Beach Picnic Area No waves or mysterious rips. Picnic ground · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Grocer The food was delicious, the service was warm, friendly, and timely. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Restaurant at Trinity Wharf Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Kindred coffee Perfect coffee excellent service friendly barista. Coffee store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
1920 Cucina & Grill Delicious food and drinks, fantastic service, highly recommend Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Piccadilly Arcade This really is a wonderful old salute to NZ shopping in its heyday. Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k
The White Rabbit Store Fab and fun store with quirky gifts and retro goods. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bites on Birch Amazing service, food and coffee! Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Saint Wine Bar Lovely venue and decor, enjoyed making our wine flight, food also delicious! Wine bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Wed
City & Scenic Sightseeing; 2-hour Local Bus Tour Never will I think of gren leaves in the same way. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Paulie's Sports Pub Great energy all round, plus the food and drinks were spot on. Sports bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Taps in Maungatapu Friendly service, and a chill vibe. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Tauranga

About Tauranga

Tauranga stands as a vibrant cruise hub in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, welcoming ships from eleven major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line. As a primary port of call on Australia and New Zealand itineraries, this dynamic port serves as a key stop on 153 upcoming cruises, with most voyages spanning 14 nights and visiting neighboring destinations like Auckland, Wellington, and Sydney. The peak season runs from November through March, making it an ideal addition to summer cruise itineraries exploring the South Pacific.

When your ship docks in Tauranga, you'll find a welcoming waterfront community that perfectly balances natural beauty with authentic Kiwi charm. The nearby Mount Maunganui offers stunning coastal views and golden-sand beaches ideal for a leisurely stroll, while the city center provides excellent shopping, local cafes, and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a relaxing afternoon ashore, Tauranga delivers an unforgettable New Zealand experience during your cruise vacation.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Mount Maunganui's Iconic Summit

Climb the 232-meter volcanic cone of Mount Maunganui for panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty and pristine beaches below. This beloved local landmark offers a moderate 30-minute walk with rewarding vistas, plus a golden sand beach perfect for swimming or relaxing at the mountain's base.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Savor exceptional fish and chips or fresh catch at Tauranga's vibrant waterfront precinct, where local restaurants showcase Bay of Plenty's abundant seafood. The harbor-side setting provides authentic Kiwi dining with stunning water views and a relaxed atmosphere that captures the region's coastal charm.

3

Elms Mission Station Heritage

Explore The Elms, a beautifully preserved 1847 mission house offering glimpses into early European settlement and Māori history. This historic homestead features period furnishings, gardens, and fascinating stories of colonial life, providing cultural depth just minutes from the cruise terminal.

4

Tauranga Saturday Farmers Market

Browse the bustling Saturday farmers market for local produce, artisan crafts, and Māori-inspired goods reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. This authentic market experience showcases local vendors, fresh fruit, and handmade souvenirs that capture the essence of Bay of Plenty culture.

5

Scenic Coastal Walks & Beaches

Stroll the picturesque Tauranga waterfront promenade or venture to nearby Papamoa Beach for dramatic coastal scenery and native New Zealand flora. These accessible walks offer stunning ocean vistas, opportunities to spot local wildlife, and the quintessential Kiwi beach experience.

Cruise Lines at Tauranga

Cruises Departing From Tauranga

Cruises Visiting Tauranga

Ship Schedule at Tauranga

Tauranga Location

Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand