Shore Excursion: Local Tasting Tour from Tauranga
Active
5h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A day of Epicurean delights, visiting a boutique brewery, travelling through scenic countryside to Rotorua, then up on the gondola to a cellar door with spectacular views and great wine! The tour finishes with a cocktail (or coffee) and dessert at our last venue, overlooking our beautiful harbour. Clients enjoy the diversity of venues and the variety of tastings. A chance to treat your palate!
This approximately 6-hour small group tour has a range of great sights to see on the way and the starting time can be adjusted to accommodate variations in ship arrival time.
Available options
Shore Excursion: Local Tasting Tour from Tauranga
Pickup included
What's included
Wine, Beer or cider or gin tastings
A sumptuous anti pasto platter will accompany your wine tasting
Driver/guide
Cocktail or coffee & dessert
Time permitting, we stop to explain the kiwifruit industry & also a short walk into the Okere Falls
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our accredited agent driver/guide will meet you at the port gate & escort you to the vehicle in which you will be travelling. The driver/guide will have your name on a placard.
2
Stop 2
The Local Tasting Tour commences by visiting a boutique craft brewery, where the process of producing the natural beer, with no preservatives or additives, is explained & a range of beer is sampled.
3
We travel South to Rotorua. This Sate Highway follows the route which was originally a walking track for Maori between Tauranga & Rotorua.
4
On arrival in Rotorua, we visit Volcanic Hills Winery, to have platters & a wine presentation & tasting. The Tasting Room at this venue sits at the top of the gondola at Skyline, Rotorua. During your visit you will be able to soak up the magnificent view overlooking Rotorua town & lake, while relaxing with a glass of wine & sumptuous platters.
This will be an opportunity to sample excellent NZ wine, and to ask questions about NZ wine-styles & terroir.
5
We return to Mount Maunganui via a different route, so that clients get a scenic overview of the area. If time permits, a brief stop will be made at a kiwifruit orchard to explain the industry from planting to export.
6
The tour returns to Tauranga for dessert & a cocktail (or a coffee if you prefer) at one of Tauranga's most popular restaurants, Salinity Restaurant & Bar, overlooking our beautiful harbour & marina.
7
We then return you to ship-side via what we claim is the best beach in the Southern Hemisphere.
What's not included
Additional food and drinks not specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
51 reviews
5★
46
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
23 reviews
5★
20
4★
1
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 18 years
Important notes
Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Tauranga
Tauranga is a picturesque coastal city in New Zealand's North Island, known for its stunning beaches, lush parks, and vibrant waterfront. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxed coastal living, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Top Attractions
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui, also known as Mauao, is an iconic volcanic mountain with stunning views of the Bay of Plenty. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the beautiful coastline.
Nature
2-3 hours for a round trip hike
Free
Tauranga Art Gallery
The Tauranga Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and historical artworks, including works by local, national, and international artists.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free entry, donations welcome
McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park is a beautiful park with a large lake, walking trails, and a variety of wildlife. It's a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and water sports.
Nature
Half-day or full-day visit
Free entry, fees may apply for some activities
Tauranga Waterfront
The Tauranga Waterfront is a beautiful area with a mix of sandy beaches, parks, and cafes. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the Bay of Plenty.
Beach
Half-day or full-day visit
Free
Waimarino Adventure Park
Waimarino Adventure Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. It's a great spot for families and adventure seekers alike.
Adventure
Half-day or full-day visit
Fees apply for activities, ranging from NZD 10-50 depending on the activity
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seafood Chowder
A creamy and flavorful soup made with a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, mussels, and prawns. It's a popular dish in Tauranga and a must-try for seafood lovers.
Dinner
Contains seafood and dairy
Hangi
A traditional Maori method of cooking food in an earth oven, using heated rocks and steam. Hangi is a unique and delicious dining experience, featuring a variety of meats and vegetables cooked to perfection.
Dinner
Contains meat and may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Pavlova
A popular New Zealand dessert made with a crispy meringue base, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It's a sweet and refreshing treat, perfect for enjoying after a meal or as a snack.
Dessert
Contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Surfing
Zip-lining
Beach visits
Spa and wellness treatments
Picnics in the park
Best Time to Visit
December to February
This is the summer season, perfect for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor adventures. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the city's natural attractions.
20-25°C
68-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tauranga is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. It's also recommended to avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Tauranga Airport • 10 km from city center
- Auckland Airport • 170 km from Tauranga
By bus
Tauranga Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The BayBus system is reliable and user-friendly, with frequent services and clear signage. Fares are affordable, and daily passes are available for frequent travelers.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Mount (Mount Maunganui)
Downtown Tauranga
Pyes Pa
Ohauiti
Day trips
Rotorua
60 km from Tauranga • Full day
Rotorua is a popular destination for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and outdoor adventures. It's home to a variety of geothermal attractions, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, as well as a rich Maori heritage and a range of adventure activities.
Hobbiton Movie Set
90 km from Tauranga • Full day
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit destination for fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. It's a fully immersive experience, with guided tours taking visitors through the Shire, including Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn.
Mount Ngongotaha
40 km from Tauranga • Half day
Mount Ngongotaha is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic views. It's home to a variety of walking and biking trails, as well as a historic lookout tower and a scenic chairlift.
Festivals
Tauranga Arts Festival • February
Bay of Plenty Food and Wine Festival • October
Matariki Festival • June or July (depending on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit Mount Maunganui for stunning views and outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and picnicking
- Explore the Tauranga Art Gallery and other cultural attractions to learn about the region's history and heritage
- Try local seafood dishes, such as fish and chips, seafood chowder, and hangi, for a taste of the region's culinary delights
- Take a day trip to nearby destinations, such as Rotorua, Hobbiton, or Waihi Beach, for a more immersive and diverse experience
- Support local businesses and communities by purchasing locally-made products and services, such as kiwifruit, honey, and craft beer
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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