The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand's great destinations. A sunny, mild climate, beautiful coastal and mountain scenery, rivers, harbours and ocean beaches for relaxation and activity, all adds up to a perfect destination.

Take a local half day morning or afternoon tour to some of the main attractions in the Tauranga area.  From the historic mural town of Katikati to the north, to Te Puke, home of the Kiwifruit industry, in the south.

This lush region, sheltered by the Kaimai mountain range to the west, is favoured with one of the best climates in New Zealand and offers the visitor a great selection of activities and destinations to explore.

For a full day tour you have more options, just an hours drive away is the world famous geothermal city of Rotorua, rich in both Maori culture and the amazing natural geothermal sights of geysers and bubbling mud pools.

An hour further south will take you to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, a playground for those interested in some of the more extreme adventure sports, world class fishing and also the awesome Huka Falls.

Head across the country to the Waitomo region, location of the famous Glow Worm caves, a 2 hour drive through the lush farmland of the Waikato region. On the way stop at Hobbiton, the film set for the village made famous in the Lord of The Rings movie trilogy.

Below are listed details of the destinations. Any of these can be included in a Signature Class Tour, we will create a great itinerary for you, check them out.

If you would like your destination or activity listed here then please use the Destination Listing Form

Art Boutique

An outstanding showplace for NZ artists' work, The Art Boutique features paintings, glasswork, kelp sculptures, jewellery with a NZ orientation and items in other media to provide the discerning buyer with the best examples of our contemporary cultural passage. Carol Collins, your host, offers for sale work by the best of known and upcoming New Zealand artists. Whether you're seeking an addition to your collection or a gift or souvenir of New Zealand, The Art Boutique provides a range and choice of media unseen in Tauranga until now.  Free entry.

Classic Flyers Air Museum Trust

A collection of aircraft and aviation memorabilia from bygone times,  especially material with a Bay of Plenty or New Zealand connection. Our major focus is to keep our exhibits operational, we fly many of our aircraft from our base at Tauranga Airport and you can come and see them in action. Visit us and see what our district and country have contributed to man's first century in the air.
Museum $10.00 per person, Cafe free entry.

Comvita Honey

Bee fascinated with the home of natural health and Bee products. Discover the magic of the honey bee while watching the bees busy with their work in our live bee hives.  Experienced & knowledgeable guides will answer your personal health questions.  Manuka Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly and other great products available for sale in our modern shop.  Enjoy a coffee and some of the great food available in the recently opened visitor centre. Free entry.

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Fernland Spa

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Fernland Spa is a natural thermal oasis only 15 minutes from downtown Tauranga.
The 100% pure mineral water that continuously fills the pools is crystal clear and high in soda making it very soft and gentle on the skin. Relax in the ambient main pool or choose one of eight differently appointed private pools. Temperatures range from 37.5 to 40 degrees celsius, but are adjusted according to the season and weather conditions. Towering tree ferns surround the pools and offer a truly special setting. Enjoy a massage (by appointment). Expansive picnic grounds offer a peaceful escape.

Flight Experience

Here's an opportunity that's very unique! - The chance to fly the world's most popular airliner. Based upon the Boeing 737NG, this experience is completely different to anything else. The flight simulator has New Zealand CAA approval and is often used by commercial and airline pilots for training purposes, but rest assured no flying experience is required. You'll be strapped into the Captain's seat and under the guidance of a qualified flight simulator instructor you'll follow the real airline checklist procedures through all phases of a real commercial flight in New Zealand. This experience will leave a lasting impression!  From just $95.00

Katikati Heritage Museum

A visual and interactive journey where history comes alive. Step into the past with walk-through scenes and hands on exhibits. Learn about the only planned Ulster Irish settlement in the world. Experience early farm technology, use Katikati's first telephone system.  See the Goodwin Bottle collection, the largest in the southern hemisphere.  Relax and enjoy delicious food from the Pioneer Kitchen. $6.00 entry fee.

Katikati Lavender Gardens

Visit over 2 hectares of Lavender, Olives and Bergamot trees which are all under cultivation for their precious oils. Pure Lavender oil and a range of homegrown Lavender products and exquisite gifts available at our shop. Try our cafe for delicious Atomic coffee, specialist teas, home baking and our famous Lavender muffins. Views from the cafe extend down to Mt Maunganui and back to the Kaimai Ranges over fertile farmland and orchards. Come and enjoy some old fashioned Kiwi hospitality.

KIWI 360 [Kiwi Fruit Country]

Enjoy the ultimate Kiwifruit experience at the New Zealand national Kiwifruit center at Te Puke, the Kiwifruit capital of the world. Ride the unique kiwi-carts with your guide, through an extensive export Kiwifruit orchard and horticultural park, learn how the fruit has developed to be a worldwide favourite.

Free entry, Kiwi Cart Farm Tour $20.00 per person. Children under 13 free.

Spring Loaded Fun Park & Jet Boat

The North Island's first and most thrilling scenic Jet Boating experience ever!  Explore 25km of stunning New Zealand bush on the mighty Kaituna River, Spot native New Zealand Silver Ferns, native bird life, and waterfalls on your journey. Experience the legendary 360-degree Jet spins, customized to your adrenalin level and suitable for all ages.  Try your skills in a "U-Drive" 4 WD jeep on a 3km track with some extreme challenges. Tour our working farm on the Fun Park farm truck, hand feed the animals and learn about Kiwifruit, native New Zealand Kauri trees, and sheep milking. Jet Boat $95.00, Hill-Hopper 4x4 $95.00, Farm Tour $22.00.

McLaren Falls Park

McLaren Falls Park consists of 170 Hectares of Lakeland Park set amongst pastoral farming and horticulture containing one of the best botanical collections of trees in the North Island.  The lake also offers year round Trout fishing [permit required]. There are stunning views and meandering tracks through areas of native bush interspersed with exotic trees.  Lake McLaren and the Park were originally formed as part of the Wairoa River hydroelectric scheme in 1925.     Free entry.

Mills Reef Winery

Opened in 1989, Mills Reef is now one of New Zealand's premium wine labels. Set in over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Mills Reef estate features expansive patios, ornamental trees, flowering shrubs and a sea of lavender. A perfect setting to sample some of the best of New Zealand's wines and to view the wine making process.

Free entry.

Tauranga Historic Village

Walk the streets of yesteryear New Zealand. You'll be fascinated by reminders of times past and experience today's living village. Preserving the colonial atmosphere and buildings, it is now home to a wide range of community groups. Visit the craft shops, watch the wood-turners and meet the artists at work.  Free entry.

The Bird Gardens

A beautiful and extensive park and bird sanctuary on the edge of the inner Tauranga harbour, the Bird Gardens feature a wide range of native and colourful birds. Set in delightful gardens of mature trees, lily ponds, wetlands and secret paths. There is an Art Gallery featuring local artists, gift shop and Cafe serving Illy Coffee and lunches. Golf car tours for those in a rush and accommodation in a romantic cottage for others. A great family day out and place to unwind. See native Kea (Mountain Parrot) Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Kawaupaka ( Little Shag), Papango (Teal) + 50 other varieties of bird life. Entry fee $9 per Adult

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The Elms Historic Mission

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The Elms is the site of Tauranga's former CMS mission station founded in 1835. The mission house itself, as well as the library are fine examples of late Georgian architecture. Set in historic gardens with fine specimen trees, The Elms is a must to visit whilst in Tauranga.  

Grounds free, Guided Tour of buildings $5.00 per person, bookings essential.

Waimarino Adventure Park

Waimarino is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and over the past 30 years Waimarino has become Tauranga's premier kayak/canoe location. Experienced paddlers shop here, Olympic hopefuls train here, corporate groups are motivated here, education starts here and local and international tourists love it here. Welcome to Waimarino. Try NZ's only kayak slide, peddle a pedallo, or challenge yourself on our new low ropes course or just relax by the warm pool. Unlimited kayak use and wildlife in abundance.

Below we list destinations outside of Tauranga.

Agrodome Sheep Show & Farm Tours

World famous Sheep Show including shearing, sheep auction and sheep dog trials.  See all the farm animals in the authentic Farm Tour.  Other attractions include the Woollen Mill, Chocsaway chocolate factory. For thrill seekers try the Agrojet jet boating, Bungee, and more.

Sheep Show $25.00 per person, Farm Tour $32.00. [Combo $48.00]

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Buried Village

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Buried Village of Te Wairoa, where houses buried in the eruption have been excavated.  View the exhibition of events in 1886 and learn about the local Maori.  Feed the Rainbow Trout in the village stream and walk through native bush to the Te Wairoa Waterfall, [difficult path with steep steps].

$30.00 per person, includes a guided tour.

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Hells Gate Geothermal and Spa

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A unique place of extreme contrasts with the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.   Walk past steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving. A place of wonderful beauty – native fauna and birds so tame they will sit on your arm to feed. See remarkable formations, cascading hot water and unearthly vistas. Mud baths and Spa pools also available, bathing wear and towels available.

$30.00 per person. Mud Bath+Spa $75.00. Private Mud Bathing +Spa available.

Hobbiton

Hobbiton, location for the Lord of the Rings film set for the Hobbit town.  Set deep into the centre of a working sheep farm in the lush rolling landscape of the Waikato region of New Zealand, its location chosen by Peter Jackson as no sign of modern day human life could be seen from the set. Although most of the movie set construction has been removed, there's still a lot to see and the fully guided tour will bring alive the story of Hobbiton.  Walk around the party tree, stand where Frodo stood, peer into the Hobbit holes, for LOTR fans this is must see destination.  The Shires Rest offers refreshments and meals, plus a Sheep Farm Show.

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Kiwi Lumberjack Show & Farm

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Bored of the usual tourist attractions? Looking for something different? Well, a new and unique show has opened up right here in Rotorua! The Kiwi Lumberjack Show! This is a 45 minute show in a rain-proof venue that family members of all ages will love, so no one needs to stay at home! Right from the start, our lumberjacks are chocka-blocked full of energy and wisecracks as they saw, carve, roll, climb and chop to prove who's the best lumberjack in the bush!  Add in some fascinating history of logging in New Zealand and you have a great show.

The admission price for the Lumberjack Show is $28 per adult, $12 per child.

MITAI - Maori Village

A visit to Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. The natural bush setting, warriors in traditional dress, ancient warrior canoe (waka) see Glow Worms in their natural habitat [night visits]. Marvel at the crystal clear water full of Eels and Trout, flowing from the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. In the cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and te moko (tattoo art). Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance and the spine tingling haka.

Paradise Valley Springs

Paradise Valley Springs is a superbly presented but natural Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring New Zealand's wild Trout, wild animals and bird life, set amongst native bush and ferns enhanced by sparkling pools fed by our famous freshwater Spring Te Waireka (Sweet Water). Also featuring a beautiful wetland area for New Zealand's water birds and a magnificent underwater viewing cave to view huge Rainbow and Brown Trout. In a separate area of the Paradise Valley Springs complex, experience at no extra charge the excitement of Lion feeding time 2.30pm daily.  $26.00 per person.

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Polynesian Spa

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The Lake Spa Retreat offers unique and very exclusive bathing in four natural hot mineral water rock pools set in a beautiful New Zealand garden overlooking the lake. Spa therapies include hydrotherapy, facials, body scrubs, mud and herbal linen wraps, manicures and pedicures. Other facilities include the adult mineral pool and Priest Spa, private pools, a family spa, café and gifts. You are advised to make advance reservations for Spa Therapies.

Public area $20.00 per person, Lake Spa Retreat $40.00. Treatments extra.

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Pure Cruise

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Join Pure Cruise on Tiua a 53 ft luxury sailing catamaran located on stunning Lake Rotoiti one of the most undiscovered Rotorua Lakes, with many significant landmarks and a rich cultural history.  Pure Cruise offers 4 distinctive sailings, the Soak and Sail, our morning sail and soak at the Manupirua thermal pools [departs daily 9.30 to 12pm] A daily 1.00 to 4.30 sail including Trout fishing, swimming and hot thermal pool soak. An evening sunset cruise from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. We also offer exclusive private charter, Tiua is the perfect floating venue for any occasion or event.

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Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter

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Enjoy the quiet beauty of unique New Zealand native flora and fauna set amongst fresh water springs and streams. See wild Rainbow and Brown Trout, native birds, the Tuatara, our living dinosaur, and national icon, the Kiwi.  A stereo quality MP3 audio tour enhances your visit with fascinating stories and information.  Visit Kiwi Encounter, a New Zealand first, Kiwi Encounter is a unique Kiwi conservation centre where visitors can "get closer to Kiwi" than anywhere else before.

Rainbow Springs $25.00 per person, Combo with Kiwi Encounter $40.00

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Rotorua Museum

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Discover the essence of Rotorua: Its people, culture and volcanic landscape. New Zealand's premier visitor destination. Enjoy a state of the art cinema experience that will surprise and thrill as you travel through time. Learn about the fascinating history and geology of the Rotorua area, the 1886 eruption, history of the Thermal Baths and City.

$12.00 per person, includes admission to the Blue Baths [not bathing]

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Blue Baths

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Visit the Blue Baths Museum (part of the Rotorua Museum Tour] and see how past generations found enjoyment in this natural phenomenom. Take a swim in our historic thermally heated pools, open 10 am tol 7pm daily. Enjoy our magnificent setting in the Government Gardens.

Entry $12.00 [includes Rotorua Museum] bathing pool $9.00 extra.

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Skyline Skyrides

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Adventure playground offering a Gondola ride of 900m to scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Rotorua.  5 Km of Luge track and 3 wheel gavity ride with 3 levels of exhilaration. Unique 150 foot Sky-Swing experience. Bush walks. Restaurants. Gondola ride included in entry fee, all other rides extra.

Special offer buffet lunch including Gondola ride is $47.00pp.

Gondola return $22.00 per person, Luge and other attractions extra.

Tamaki Maori Village

Experience life in an authentic Maori village as it was before the impact of European settlers.  Learn how the Maori cultivated, stored and prepared their food, of the traditional Maori arts, music and crafts.  See demonstrations of fighting skills and weapons used to defend the village. $100.00 per person including a Hangi buffet meal.

Te Puia [N Z Maori Arts and Crafts Institute]   

Maori cultural experience. Geothermal valley with famous Pohutu Geyser, silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and unique geothermal vegetation.  View native Kiwi birds and learn about their place in New Zealand's rich heritage. See Maori being taught wood and jade carving.  Cultural Performance of Maori traditional dance and song at 12.15pm.

$50.00 per person, includes cultural performance.

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Waimangu Volcanic Valley

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Waimangu Volcanic Valley was born out of the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera on 10 June 1886 and is the newest geothermal system in the world. But its uniqueness doesn't stop there. The only geothermal system created within written history, it is also the only one in the world wholly created as a direct result of a volcanic eruption. Steaming craters and streams, unique thermal plants and two of the world's largest hot springs - Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater Lake – draw visitors from all over the globe. Walking and hiking trails and tours for all ages and fitness levels lead to volcanic craters, newly forming silica terraces, mystical waters and beautiful panoramic views.  

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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal area

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Claims to be NZ's most colorful and diverse volcanic area. The walk through the area offers visitors a stunning picture of geothermal activity. Lady Knox geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. Mud pools, huge volcanic craters, boardwalk through steaming lakes allow you to get close to the action.  Easy access throughout. 

$27.50 per person.

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Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

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Through the memorial archway on Tryon Street, Rotorua is Whakarewarewa Thermal Village; an authentic living Maori village nestled in the heart of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and Reserve also home to the Tuhourangi  Ngati Wahiao people. Take onboard a guided tour and learn the history of the area along with the utilization of the geothermal. Sample the steam Hangi and be entertained at our twice daily Cultural Performances

$25.00 per person, includes cultural performance.

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ZORB

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Want to roll down a hill inside a giant plastic ball? then try ZORB, another New Zealand extreme sport. A chance to partake in a totally bizarre and fun experience. Where mad scientists have combined ancient technology with the force of gravity to create an awesome experience. Ride inside this big ball, with a 700 mm air cushion between you and the ground - this keeps you safe as you hurtle down the side of a hill at speeds of up to 50 kph. Try a solo or double [with a good friend], wet or dry, a ride you will never forget.  First ride $49.00, with your own swimsuit, see web site for info.

Waitomo Destinations

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

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One of the wonders of the world – underground. The caves were first discovered by a British surveyor and his Maori companion during the 19^th century and they have evolved into a popular tourist destination. Waitomo is just south of Otorohonga, a country town in the King Country, a region which is itself steeped in history. Maori land wars were fought here and many Waitomo staff are descendants of the original tribes. The landscape is green, rolling and remote.
You can enjoy both a cave walk and a boat ride to view the famous Glow Worms, plus plenty of more extreme options such as Black Water Rafting for the adventurous - One of the "Must See" destinations in New Zealand.

Spell Bound Caves Tour

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If you wish to see the famous Limestone cave formations of the Waitomo region, but on a more personalised basis then this is the choice for you. In groups of no more than 12 persons we travel into a cave system separate to that of the main Waitomo Caves (25 minutes drive away) and enjoy peace and tranquility. Walk and raft through the caverns, this is a safe and accessible tour for all.

No significant fitness level is required and you will be spellbound by what you see. Bookings are essential during high season. Combine this tour with a visit to the Kiwi House at Otorohonga to see New Zealands iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi.

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Woodlyn Park Kiwi Culture Show

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Woodlyn Park"s NZ Sheep Shearing Farm Show, near Waitomo Caves is the New Zealand experience of a life time! See our pioneer history combined with a farm show. This is New Zealand's first Kiwi Culture Show with audience participation, see sheep shearing, bush animals, the kiwi bear and the dancing pig. This show has it all!  As the Lonely Planet says "this is one helluv'a show". Hosted by the legendary "Billy Black" or one of his team, they will leave you in fits of laughter as you watch or even participate in anything from log sawing & log explosions to helping shear the sheep. Animals from the bush including a kiwi bear and a dancing pig plus farm animals and working sheep dogs complete this unique story.

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Waitomo Black Water Rafting

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The worlds first Black Water Rafting company has truly earned the title Legendary during its 20 years of successful operation. Visitors come from all over the world, in fact, www.ShermansTravel.com recently included us in their Top 10 Extreme Vacations list.

With two exhilarating tours, namely Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss, to choose from, there is something to suit all adventurous spirits. Cave tubing involves the use of an inflated rubber inner tube, the kind you would normally find in a car or truck tyre, as a flotation device to take you down river.

Black Labyrinth is a 3 hour cave tubing excursion that calls on you to weave, jump and gently float your way through Ruakuri Caves Glow Worm lit underworld universe. 

Black Abyss takes a slightly more vigorous approach to the same underground domain by mixing abseiling, climbing and cave tubing into a physically demanding 5 hour adventure. Our friendly, knowledgeable local guides will help you step outside yourself and leave with a huge sense of accomplishment.