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Tauranga City Tour: Historic Sights and Harbour Views
5.0
7 Ratings
Mount Maunganui
A tour of Tauranga city taking in the sights of early European settlements, the Battle of Gate Pa, views of the harbor, local history, and how Tauranga grew to be the city it is today.
A tour of Tauranga city taking in the sights of early European settlements, the Battle of Gate Pa, views of the harbor, local history, and how Tauranga grew to be the city it is today.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Mount Maunganui - Your driver/guide will take you on an interesting journey through the different aspects of life in Tauranga. From the forming of the landscape, the arrival of man and the founding of the city, through to the different produce grown in the province and what modern life is like in the area. Departing from the port gates you will…
- Mount Maunganui - Your driver/guide will take you on an interesting journey through the different aspects of life in Tauranga. From the forming of the landscape, the arrival of man and the founding of the city, through to the different produce grown in the province and what modern life is like in the area. Departing from the port gates you will travel through Mount Maunganui township past Mauao the iconic landmark mountain and one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches “The Mount Main Beach” home of surfing, professional beach volleyball and surf lifesaving competitions. Crossing over the Tauranga harbour bridge you will go through the Port of Tauranga and hear about how industry has shaped Tauranga to be the busiest port in New Zealand and see stunning views of the harbour and Matakana Island.
- Tauranga - Moving into the city to The Elms mission station you will see some of the oldest European settlement buildings in New Zealand and get an understanding of how Europeans became established in the Bay of Plenty and started to trade with the local tribes. At Monmouth Redoubt you see will evidence of the British army’s occupation of the area and learn about the Musket Wars, the New Zealand Land Wars and the significance of the battle of Gate Pa. You then move through the city center past the Clarence Hotel, the site of the first government buildings in Tauranga and learn how the site was used by the local mission, the British army and the local government.
- Otūmoetai - You then travel across to Matua to the remnants of the Otumoetai Pa site where there are beautiful views across the harbour from what was considered by the first Europeans to arrive here as the capital of Tauranga. You will learn more about the Musket Wars, how peace was brought to the area after much conflict and how the harbour of Tauranga has since developed to become the busiest port in the country.
What's Included
- Tauranga CBD accommodation pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- Local driver/guide
- 12-seater modern, clean air-conditioned minivan for your comfort and safety
- Tauranga CBD accommodation pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- Local driver/guide
- 12-seater modern, clean air-conditioned minivan for your comfort and safety
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Passengers must be able to embark / disembark with minimal assistance.
- Passengers must be able to embark / disembark with minimal assistance.
Location
Port of Tauranga Ltd
Salisbury Avenue
Please meet at the WICKED WANDERS sign board on the grassy mound opposite the port gates.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(7 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Carole_p
Mar 2, 2024
Very nice personal tour :) - February 20 2024.
Russel pick us up at the cruise ship, then we traveled in MT Maunganui valley in a very comfortable minibus.
Love the legend of Mt Maunganui! Very beautiful.
Russel is friendly, very knowledgeable about the area. We learned a lot.
Thank you for making it a beautiful and educational day.
From The Poulin Family :)
Review provided by Viator
Robert_s
Jan 13, 2024
Great history tour of Tauranga area. - Russell was an excellent guide and very well versed in the history of the area. Great tour! Would definitely recommend to others.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_o
Mar 21, 2023
Great little tour if you do not have a lot of time. - Small intimate group which gave us plenty of time to look at places of interest Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Enjoyed our tour immensely.
Review provided by Viator
Piccapii
Dec 27, 2022
A must do while you're in town - This trip is well worth it, especially if you want to quickly learn more about the history of NZ. We've tried a few other cultural experiences here but they felt impersonal and weren't as fun or knowledgeable.
Since it's a small tour we got to ask a bunch of questions, and Russ knows his stuff. He's also great to have a laugh with & I recommend asking for him when you book.
We went with a family group including parents, grandparents, Aunts etc. but it'd be perfect whoever you're with.
Thanks for the great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H845dhannes
Oct 18, 2022
Awsome - Russel was a lovely welcoming guide who took great care of us. Very informative and relaxed. Highly recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T6728bijuliank
Apr 21, 2022
Fascinating and enjoyable - This was a really enjoyable and informative experience! Russell's encyclopedic knowledge and engaging personality made it a relaxed and interesting trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingrid_t
Feb 16, 2020
Great outing for cruise visitors - Russell was a great guide, lots of interesting information, plenty of stops to enjoy views or historical sites and a good sense of humour. We had limited time in Tauranga and this was a great way to get to know a bit about the place and local history. Lovely pub at the end too.
Review provided by Viator
