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 Lovely large inside shopping with food court Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 6k Open · Closes 9 PM
Bethlehem Town Centre Went into a couple of shops and they were nice and tidy and friendly staff. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 5 PM
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 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Latitude 37 We had a perfectly prepared Angus filet in a pleasant atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Historic Village Many arts studios and also the Jam Factory which hosts great life music. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k
McLaren Falls Walks amongst trees/streams/dam/waterfall/glow worms/disc golf. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Harbourside Lovely service, delicious food and drinks, and great atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga Great Live music, great burgers and Service. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Kaiate Falls Great value for all ages of life Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Temporarily closed
The Phoenix Fantastic atmosphere with live music, food was delicious and service A+++ Gastropub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Worlds End Great atmosphere, Great service, friendly staff. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Te Puna Quarry Park & venue 'The Gallery' Super cute park with lots of cool art, history, and trail walks. Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Maunganui Beach Awesome spot for all sorts of activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Crown & Badger Good music, nice staff. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Sugo Great ambience, friendly and informative wait staff, food was exceptional. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Waimarino Water & Adventure Park Lots of activities to do at an affordable rate Enjoyed the visit. Amusement park · ★ 4.6 · 1k Opens soon · 10 AM
Toi Tauranga Art Gallery Excellent exhibitions and a great cafe! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Opens soon · 10 AM
Cornerstone Bar & Eatery Tauranga Friendly bar staff, fantastic atmosphere and view Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
The Barrel Room Good food, amazing vibes, great service and impressive live music 🎶 Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Picnicka Bar & Grill Delicious meals and great service in a cool setting. Grill · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Tauriko Pub Co. Cocktails are phenomenal, food is divine and the staff are so lovely. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 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 12 PM
Pyes Pa Shopping Centre Ample parking, plenty of great shops and yummy restaurants 😋 Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open now
Tauranga Crossing Shopping Centre Lots of good shop, good eats and easy parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Torri Eatery The food was tasty, well-presented, and the portion sizes were generous. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Minden Lookout Excellent & unique view. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bay Central Shopping Centre reasonable selection of shops and places to eat, parking can be an issue Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Clarence Tauranga Restaurant Great food, wonderful service and a beautiful ambience. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar Perfect food, perfect service, perfect cocktails. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Bay Explorer - Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises Definitely an unforgettable experience & one I will always remember! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga Highly recommended for anyone interested in history and natural beauty! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Tauranga Downtown Great selection and and service Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Broomtree Cafe&Kitchen The food is awesome and the service and atmosphere is just outstanding! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tauranga Waterfront One of the highlights for my son was watching the train pass by. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd Lots of Dolpins and other marine life. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Opens soon · 10 AM
Rusty's Bar & Restaurant Solid spot great food, good drinks, and a chill atmosphere. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Med Lounge and Garden Yummy food, big portions, friendly staff, nice music and great atmosphere! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hashtag Cafe The service was top notch and the food was delicious. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Piccadilly Arcade Lovely lady in the art shop but not a lot else there Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open now
City & Scenic Sightseeing; 2-hour Local Bus Tour Never will I think of gren leaves in the same way. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

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

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