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Cultural & heritage · Tauranga

Top 6 cultural & heritage things to do in Tauranga

Heritage walks, museum days, temple complexes, and the kind of guides who explain why a place matters rather than reciting dates. The cultural side of Tauranga, paced for actual seeing.

  1. Tauranga History and Culture, Tauranga1

    1. Tauranga History and Culture

    4.9· 19 reviews· 5.5 hours

    Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures. Your authentic Māori storyteller guide will take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with significant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD. This is not just a window to our culture, it's an immersion. Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning. A minimum of 4 guests is required for this tour to proceed.

  2. Tauranga City & History Scenic Tour – 2 Hours, Tauranga2

    2. Tauranga City & History Scenic Tour – 2 Hours

    4.9· 12 reviews· 2 hours

    Discover the fascinating stories, coastal scenery, and rich cultural heritage of Tauranga on this relaxed two-hour scenic history tour through one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important settlements.

  3. Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Wonderland Tour – Depart Tauranga, Tauranga3

    3. 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.

  1. Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana Tour, Tauranga4

    4. Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana Tour

    4.8· 40 reviews· 7 hours

    Discover the dramatic volcanic history and breathtaking geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this unforgettable full-day journey through one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural environments.

  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. Rotorua Discovery Te Puia Tour, Tauranga6

    6. Rotorua Discovery Te Puia Tour

    4.6· 26 reviews· 7 hours

    This tour ticks all the boxes. If you only have one day to see the unique and special part of New Zealand then this tour is a great option. The tour is informative and fun, and our knowledgeable guides will provide a day of exciting discovery as you journey into the heartland of the North Island. We will visit places the big coaches do not go to and tell you the stories and legends of the land.  • Native bush and lush countryside • Geothermal wonders - Geysers, boiling mudpools, bubbling hot springs and steaming sulphur vents • Stunning volcanic lakes and crystal clear streams • Visit the Maori arts and crafts institute and see a cultural performance including the famous Haka • New Zealand's iconic Kiwi bird

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