Tauranga tours

Things to do in Tauranga

Tauranga offers a unique blend where the relaxed beach vibe converges with a burgeoning urban pulse. Mount Maunganui’s golden beaches entice relaxation, yet there’s much more to uncover. Your local guide will lead you on Tauranga tours, revealing the hidden facets of this coastal locale. Engage in a private tour to explore the local art scene or enjoy a food and wine tour showcasing the area’s freshest produce. Bypass the lines at well-known spots, diving into Tauranga’s core with a guide who understands its rhythm. Discover a side of Tauranga as inviting as its sunny shores. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Tauranga. Explore Tauranga your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Tauranga tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Tauranga for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk the base track of Mauao at Mount Maunganui or summit for coastal views, then head to McLaren Falls Park for a dusk glow-worm walk or a guided night kayak on Lake McLaren. Boat-based wildlife tours in the Bay of Plenty are also an option for seasonal dolphins and seabirds. Layover tours: Docked at the Mount? Your guide can time a beach stroll, a soak at the Mount Hot Pools, and a quick café stop on Maunganui Road. With a bit more time, add a short forest walk at Otanewainuku or a scenic drive before returning to the ship. Food and Drink tours: Visit a kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke to learn how your favourite fruit is grown and taste it fresh, then sample honey at the Comvita Experience in Paengaroa. Round things out with a tasting flight at Mount Brewing Co. or cider at The Cider Factorie in Te Puna. The Mount area is very walkable, but the region is spread out and buses can be slow; for orchards, glow-worms, or countryside stops, book a tour with private transportation or ask your local guide to arrange a driver. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Tauranga inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour in Tauranga and include some noteworthy neighborhoods in your itinerary with a local guide. There's no sweeter way to experience the city than with a local. - Mount Maunganui: An iconic beachside neighborhood, perfect for families and those looking to enjoy the beach, surf, and local cafes. - Tauranga CBD: The heart of the city, offering a taste of urban life with its shops, eateries, and cultural sites, great for multi-generational groups. - Papamoa Beach: Known for its long sandy beach and relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for tourists seeking a leisurely day by the ocean. - The Historic Village: A step back in time for cultural tourists interested in Tauranga's history, with its restored buildings and artisan shops. Day trip ideas from Tauranga You’re based in Tauranga, so it’s easy to branch out to nearby cities and coastlines for day trips that match your pace, and these fit well with your tour so you can focus on the parts you care about. - Rotorua: Geothermal activity, Māori culture, and the Redwoods make this an easy win, with forest trails, lake lookouts, and steam vents in town. If you like nature, photography, and a taste of local culture, your tour can balance short walks with time in the city’s geothermal areas and quiet lake shores. - Karangahake Gorge and Waihi: Old rail tunnels, swing bridges, and river tracks give you gold-mining history mixed with big scenery, then you can roll on to Waihi town or the beach for a simple meal. Great for easy hiking, history, and coastal time, with your tour pacing the walks and stops so you see more and backtrack less. - Whakatāne and Ōhope: Wide beaches, coastal viewpoints, and a relaxed harbour scene keep it low-key while still giving you strong Bay of Plenty vibes. If you like beach walks, birdlife, and local eats, your tour can link scenic lookouts with a stretch of sand and a café stop. - South Coromandel: Whangamatā and the Wentworth Valley offer surf-town energy and a waterfall trail in native bush. Ideal if you’re into light hiking, swimming in season, and small-town browsing, with your tour adjusting time between the valley and the shore. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Tauranga most travellers miss.