Tauranga Shore Excursion: Small-Group Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Tour

Mount Maunganui

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 will take a short stop so you can walk on the beach before continuing.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tauranga means ‘safe anchorage’ in Māori and while the sparkling harbour and magnificent views make it a great place to relax and recharge, there’s also plenty to keep you busy. Tauranga is the largest city in the Coastal Bay of Plenty and is home to approximately 140,000 people. The sprawling city is virtually surrounded by water -but city centre has a totally different look and feel to its neighbour Mount Maunganui just across the harbour bridge. Let’s stop in town and have a look at what is different.

15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tauranga

We cross over the harbour bridge from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga City. Unfortunately the waterfront has just begun a major makeover which means we are no longer able to visit Hairy Maclary and his Friends. Characters in a series of children's picture books created by New Zealand author and illustrator Dame Lynley Dodd. So instead we will we stop close by and view the carved monuments (Pou) which represent a cluster of the stars known in Maori culture as Matariki - which today is celebrated throughout New Zealand.

5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Elms

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.

• Admission Ticket Free

Gate Pa Memorial Reserve

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.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Minden Lookout

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.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

McLaren Falls Park

McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren. 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 kiwifruit and honey's. Followed by a cuppa and a muffin / slice.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

If time permits we will stop at a Kiwifruit Orchard.

5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mount Maunganui

Your tour will end back at Mount Maunganui - either be dropped off at your ship or in the main street to peruse the shops.

5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free