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Adventure · Tauranga

Top 7 adventure things to do in Tauranga

If your idea of a good day in Tauranga ends with sore legs and a great photo, start here. Treks, kayaks, ziplines, off-road runs and the occasional adrenaline-up — every operator below is licensed and safety-checked.

  1. White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals, Tauranga1

    1. White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

    5.0· 1354 reviews· 2 hours

    Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft guides - so you know you'll be in great hands!! No where in the world can you raft down such a beautiful river that drops into a vertical walled canyon filled with raftable waterfalls and countless playful rapids. The water is deep and warm (most of the year) and is usually a highlight of peoples visit to NZ. All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We will give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river! This is also most definitely the best value for money rafting in NZ too. Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience. Cheers & see you on the river - Pete & Blue

  2. Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Depart Tauranga, Tauranga2

    2. Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Depart Tauranga

    4.9· 150 reviews· 6 hours

    Experience a fascinating journey through the culture, geothermal wonders, and natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua on this immersive six-hour adventure.

  3. Scenic Short Hike Tour - McLaren Falls and Puketoki Reserve, Tauranga3

    3. Scenic Short Hike Tour - McLaren Falls and Puketoki Reserve

    4.9· 17 reviews

    Escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty on this relaxing scenic hiking tour featuring native forest walks, tranquil lakes, panoramic viewpoints, and hidden local gems. RUNS SEPTEMBER TO APRIL ONLY

  1. Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour, Tauranga4

    4. Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

    4.9· 332 reviews· 3.3 hours

    Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are the central areas for this kayak tour - it uses double kayaks on the calm sheltered waters of Lake McLaren. The tour operates in the evening due to the visibility of the glow worms.. As the evening unfolds, begin your journey with a short scenic drive through rolling countryside, you’ll arrive at the breath taking Lake McLaren. Here, you’ll be welcomed with “Te Reka O Te Whenua- the Taste of the Land” a curated tasting session featuring flavours unique to Aotearoa. Savour the flavours of New Zealand Cheeses, sweet RewaRewa honey, and other artisanal delights, perfectly paired with locally brewed kombucha. In the cooler months, sip on warm, spiced 0% mulled wine to keep you warm.

  2. Ports of Tauranga/Rotorua/Tga - 6 Hours Rotorua Highlights Tour, Tauranga5

    5. Ports of Tauranga/Rotorua/Tga - 6 Hours Rotorua Highlights Tour

    4.7· 39 reviews· 7 hours

    Pick up from Ports of Tauranga and travel 40 mins to Okere Falls. Walk down through our native forest to the waterfall that is on the Kaituna River – you may be lucky enough to see some of our local rafters coming over the fall. Next travel into town and head out to visit 3 of our lakes. Stop at the lookout between Blue and Green lakes. Stop at Tarawera Lake lookout for picture opportunities and visit Rangiruru Bay to take some pics on the jetty. Travel into town and walk through the Redwood Forest at your own leisure. At your own expense you can take a tour through the forest from above (this takes 45 minutes). Redwoods Treewalk offers suspended bridges high amongst the trees, adorned with intricate wooden lanterns and history of the trees on each platform between the trees. Head to Rotorua Lakefront/Sulphur Point, take a stroll through Government Gardens, wander through Kuirau Park, and have a foot soak in the heated foot pools and take in the bubbling mud pools.

  3. Tauranga Daytime Scenic Lake McLaren Tour, Tauranga6

    6. Tauranga Daytime Scenic Lake McLaren Tour

    4.6· 45 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Paddle out to the middle of the wonderfully calm Lake McLaren in a 18 seater canoe if you are from a Cruise Ship, where serenity takes a new name. On days when there is no Cruise Ship in the Port of Tauranga you will be in kayaks

  4. Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga, Tauranga7

    7. Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

    4.5· 196 reviews· 6 hours

    Join this tour for a must-do, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat!  Number 1 on Trip Advisor and Trip Advisor Award of Excellence 4 years in a row! We guarantee dolphins or whale sightings as we want you to have this amazing experience! Get up close and personal with playful dolphins who love interacting with people. You can stay dry and watch the magic from the boat or get in the water and swim with these fantastic wild dolphins. Our vessel Guardian is a fast, stable, full facility power catamaran with a 100 percent safety record over the last 14 years.  Our crew is the most experienced in the Bay.  Join us for the experience of a lifetime!! This is the perfect tour for everyone so book now and don’t miss out!

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