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Tauranga & Rotorua

Get free information on local attractions and booking assistance wherever you go with i-SITE Visitor Centres located right around New Zealand. Read more

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Long before the first Europeans arrived in the Bay of Plenty, Maori were drawn to the area by its easy access to the coast and its "fruit bowl" qualities.

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Tauranga
The region, with the major city of Tauranga and the popular Mount Maunganui, is blessed with a mild climate year-round, which enables produce such as kiwifruit and citrus to prosper. The vast harbour, islands and proximity to the open sea ensure that seafood is a local specialty. The region’s legendary beaches attract swimmers, surfers, kayakers and kite-surfers throughout the year.

Tauranga is also where cruise ship passengers will access Rotorua, a place known for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture.

Rotorua
With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations. When explaining the appeal of their region, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits:

Feel the spirit of the earth, as it rumbles beneath, escaping and hissing through fumaroles and geysers.
Witness the spirit of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences.
Rejuvenate the spirit with a soak in a natural hot spring or with a relaxing massage.
Free the spirit with outdoor adventures whether it's trout fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking or mountain biking.
Challenge the spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing.

The sunny city of Tauranga has an excellent range of restaurants and plenty of shopping too.

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Transport
Amenities
Activities
Events
Port Facilities

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Your cruise ship will berth less than 1km (0.6 miles) away from Mount Maunganui (also known as ‘The Mount’) which has everything you may need.

If you need to get to Tauranga city which is 6.8km (4.2 miles) away, you will need to catch a bus or a taxi which will take around 8 minutes of drive time. Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services from the pier into Tauranga city centre with drop off at the Tauranga i-SITE centrally located on Willow Street.

Driving to Rotorua, which is 86km (53.4 miles) will take around 55 minutes. Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services into Rotorua city with drop off at the Rotorua i-SITE.

On foot
Your cruise ship will berth in Mount Maunganui which is easily explored on foot. Exit the port and head right to Mount Maunganui’s stunning Main Beach and waterfront walks. Turn left to walk along the Pilot Bay harbour area and to the scenic walks around and up Mauao (the hill at the opposite end of the port).

Public Buses
From the Mount Maunganui i-SITE, you can catch the Bay Hopper to all parts of Tauranga city. A day-pass will cost NZD6.

Taxis
Taxis are available in the maritime precinct.

In Tauranga, freephone 0800 829 477, to hire a taxi.

Not all taxis accept credit cards - please ask your driver before boarding.

Car Rentals
We recommend booking rental cars in advance. Visit Transport section on newzealand.com for more details of rental car companies in the Tauranga.

Recommended Shopping
Popular shopping options include the Mount Maunganui shops along Maunganui Road or in the Tauranga city centre.

Mount Maunganui also features the popular Bayfair shopping centre which has 80 speciality stores including two supermarkets and a food court. Bayfair Shopping Centre is situated on Girven Road, a 10 minute drive from the Port of Tauranga.

Recommended Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
You can find a list of restaurants, cafes and bars in the Tauranga region on BayofPlentyNZ.com. Click on 'Taste the Bay' for a variety of dining options.

Nearest Post Shop
Mount Maunganui Post Shop: 155 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, +64 7 574 3505

Tauranga Post Shop: Corner of 11th Avenue and Cameron Street, Tauranga, +64 7 571 1690

Visit the New Zealand Post website for more details.

Nearest Internet Cafe
Mount Backpackers and Internet cafe: 87 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, +64 7 575 0860,

The Gateway Cyber cafe: 26 Devonport Road, Taurange, +64 7 571 1112,

CyberZone Internet cafe and Amusement Centre: 1, 75 Gret Street, Tauranga, +64 7 578 6983

Nearest Supermarket
New World Supermarket: 1 Tweed Street, Mount Maunganui, +64 7 572 7080

Activities within 5km of the port

Visit the Bay of Plenty i-SITE Visitor Centres to get some ideas on the outstanding range of scenic highlights, activities and attractions in the Bay of Plenty region.

Mount Maunganui i-SITE: Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui, +64 7 575 5099

Tauranga i-SITE: 95 Willow Street, +64 7 578 8103

Rotorua i-SITE: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, +64 7 348 5179 or freephone in New Zealand 0800 768 678

Activity:
	Kingsview Resort & Towers Conventions/Venues Treat your delegates to luxury accommodation and conference facilities in the Tauranga CBD at Kingsview Resort.
	Mount Classic Tours Ltd Weddings Classic Rolls Royce and Daimler limousines, modern Ford and Holden sedans plus a super stretch limo offers you the greatest choice of wedding car in the region, all driven by professional chauffeurs.
	South Sea Vagabond Dolphins Join us on the awesome sailing cat South Sea Vagabond for a marine adventure in style and comfort. Swim and Kayak with dolphins, visit offshore islands, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy.
	Tauranga i-SITE Visitor Centre Visitor Information Centre The Tauranga Visitor Centre offers total information and reservation services for travel, events, accommodation and activities. Let us make your visit a memorable one.
	Dolphin Blue Dolphins Have you ever looked into the eyes of a dolphin? It is said to be a life changing experience. At Dolphin Blue, we not only observe but also give you the chance to swim with a pod of dolphins.

Upcoming events in Tauranga & Rotorua

The Port of Tauranga welcomes cruise visitors and you will be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who will supply you with maps and information as well as important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

As cruise ships berth in Mount Maunganui, you will also be handy to shopping, dining and all sorts of urban comforts. If you need some local assistance, call into the Bay of Plenty i-SITE Visitor Centres, one of which is located a 5 minute walk as you exit the wharf.

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Tauranga & Rotorua

Activities within 5km of the port

Upcoming events in Tauranga & Rotorua