THIS ARTICLE IS DEDICATED TO ALL THOSE IMPACTED BY THE ERUPTION OF WHAKAARI WHITE ISLAND WHICH OCCURRED AT 2.11PM ON MONDAY THE 9TH OF DECEMBER 2019. MANY OF THOSE ON THE ISLAND AT THE TIME OF THE ERUPTION WERE PASSENGERS OF THE CRUISE SHIP – OVATION OF THE SEAS. AROHANUI KI A KOUTOU – MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL.
Over 100 cruise ships dock at the Mount Maunganui wharf in Tauranga each season. From October to April, thousands of visitors get to experience the amazing Bay of Plenty region. However, most of the passengers only get a day to enjoy our shores. Not much time at all! As a local, I really enjoy watching these giant ships cruise through harbour entrance from the base track of Mauao. However, I also know to stay away from Pilot Bay once passengers have disembarked as it gets a little crowded.
CRUISE SHIPS TAURANGA SCHEDULE
To find out when ships are arriving and departing you can check the schedule posted by the Port of Tauranga.
FOR PASSENGERS OF CRUISE SHIPS TAURANGA
Arriving on a cruise ship to Tauranga to enjoy the amazing Bay of Plenty? Like any port, there is never a shortage of choices on how to spend your time. As a local who grew up in this region, I can definitely recommend the best things to do in the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty region.
STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI
If it is a lovely day then stay in Mount Maunganui and enjoy all this beautiful beach town has to offer. Put on some walking shoes and sunscreen, pack some bathers and a towel and head straight for Mauao (the big hill you can see). Mauao has a number of walking tracks with spectacular views, especially from the summit. Keep an eye out for seals resting on the rocks around the base track but make sure you keep your distance. They don’t like to be disturbed.
After your walk head straight to Mount Maunganui Hot Pools which you will find on the town side of Mauao. These saltwater pools are great for relaxing and rejuvenating. You may even like to book a massage while you are there. If it is a really hot day then grab an icecream from the renown Copenhagen Cones and go cool down with a swim at the beach. The harbourside (Pilot Bay) is nice and calm and oceanside (Mount Maunganui Main Beach) will offer you fun in the surf. You can even take a surf lesson. Either side is great for sunbathing but be sure to apply that sunscreen. New Zealand sun is harsh!
Feeling peckish? There are loads of great cafes and restaurants right in Mount Maunganui. You will find a number of eateries on the main beach otherwise stroll along the main town street and enjoy some shopping on the way. If you are keen to try some delicious kiwi fish and chips then call into Mount Fish & Chips. You can also catch up on your emails and check-in with family and friends with the free WiFi in Mount Maunganui. Just search your Wi-Fi options for ‘EOL’.
HIRE A CAR AND GET OUT OF TOWN
If you are up for driving yourself you will have so much more flexibility to do and see what you like. This opens up so many more options for a great day out. Pacific Auto Rentals are a great choice for car hire as they will pick you up and drop you back to your ship. For idea’s on what to do check out my recommended Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga and Top Ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty.
THE BEST DAY TOURS FROM TAURANGA
If you are considering a day tour but not sure what the best options might be then here are my recommendations. I know the Bay of Plenty better than any other region of New Zealand and have done most of the tours and experiences on offer. My advice is based on what I think is the best that the Bay of Plenty has to offer.
I am just going to get Hobbiton out of the way as everyone who comes to New Zealand wants to know is it worth it? I have been on a Hobbiton tour and my personal opinion is that it is over-rated. However, if you are a huge fan of Lord of the Rings or get super excited about the idea of visiting a real movie set then it will be worth every cent. Otherwise, don’t make this the one and only thing you do when visiting Tauranga, there are way better things to do!
Spending a day in Rotorua will not disappoint! Rotorua is New Zealand’s only thermal city with mud pools and geysers galore. It is also the best place to experience Māori culture and includes a number of activities for thrill-seekers. Rotorua is truly one of New Zealand’s best tourist experiences with so much on offer. There are a number of tours to choose from with Cruise Tours Tauranga, who cater for all ages and interests.
If there is one exceptional experience I would recommend it would be a Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise with the Bay Explorer. To see dolphins and get near local marine life off the Tauranga coast is really something special. These half-day tours depart from the Tauranga Jetty at 9am and need to be booked in advance. The Tauranga Jetty is about a 15-minute drive away so you can get there by public bus (30 minutes), taxi or Uber. You may also be able to catch the dedicated Cruise Ship shuttle to Tauranga if it is running on the day you are there.
FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS TO TAURANGA & MOUNT MAUNGANUI
If you are a local or just happen to be staying in the Tauranga/Mount Maunganui area then head down to the harbour to witness one of these magnificent cruise ships visiting our shores. The best spectator location when the ships are docked is from Pilot Bay. Note that it can be very busy when the ship is unloading passengers so it is best to wait until later in the day to visit and take a look.
The best experience is to watch a cruise ship depart in the evening. Head down to the sandy beach on the harbourside of Mauao. You can get there by following the base track starting at Pilot Bay. Why not make an evening of it by packing a picnic or picking up some fish and chips from Mount Fish & Chips. The passengers love to stand along the decks and wave goodbye to those onshore.
For a complete guide on visiting Tauranga be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand.
OTHER ARTICLES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Explore the Karangahake Gorge
Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary
ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…
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