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

White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

This popular and relaxing cruise journeys through the beautiful inner harbour of Tauranga with the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a stunning backdrop.

The KEWPIE has two cruise decks and plenty of room to soak up the amazing views. It also boasts a fully licensed lounge bar and bar snacks are also available.

Scenic highlights of this great value cruise include:

The Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance

A diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive highly developed port infrastructure

Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise like blue penguins, sea birds or NZ fur seals

Tauranga Harbour Scenic 1.5 Hour Historical Boat Cruise

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!

Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you're welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will explore the Bay of Plenty coastline where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca...even turtles!

Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It's a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families. 

The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you. Don't forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer's dream. 

Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga

Kia Ora! Welcome to V8 Trike Tours, New Zealand
Gold Qualmark Operator *****
2020-2025 Traveler's Choice Award - Top 10% Attraction Worldwide!
As seen on Travel Guides NZ · TV Programme 2021
Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Designed and built in New Zealand, our awesome trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It's the ultimate in power and excitement. With a low centre of gravity, our trikes provide a smooth ride with an impressive grip around corners.
Suitable for ages 2+ and all abilities including disabled.
Registered as a car with NZTA and not a motorbike therefore seatbelts are compulsory not helmets.
Suitable for age 2+ and all abilities, special needs, disabled or those with mobility issues.
Note: price is per vehicle not per person so a max of 4 people can take the tour

TAURANGA SHORE EXCURSION: Epic 25 min V8 Trike tour of Mt Maunganui & Tauranga

Bring your family, swimsuits, barbecue supplies or picnic and make a day of it with our supreme adventure park pass options, or if you're short on time, come down and rent a kayak by the hour.

Tauranga: Waimarino Adventure Park

- Learn to surf at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand's most iconic and beginner-friendly beach.

- Enjoy small group sizes (max 8) for personalised guidance from expert, certified instructors.

- Perfect for beginners, with step-by-step lessons in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.

- All equipment provided, including surfboard and wetsuit—just bring swimwear and a towel.

- Gain ocean awareness and master essential techniques, from paddling to standing on your board.

- Create unforgettable memories as you connect with the ocean and ride your first waves.

- Experience the thrill of surfing while surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.

Group Beginner Surf Lesson in Mount Maunganui

• Receive eSIM QR Code within minutes. 
• Simply scan the designated QR Code to set up the eSIM. 
• Validity Date: eSIM plan starts upon installation. 
• Plan Type: Mobile Data only. Voice and SMS not supported. 
• Mobile Hotspot: Supported. 
• Billing: One-time prepaid package with no auto-renewals or contracts. 
• Compatibility: Works with eSIM-compatible devices that are not carrier locked. Please be aware that most devices bought in China and Hong Kong do not support eSIM. It's advisable to check online to see if your device is eSIM-compatible, or contact your service provider. 
• Do ensure your travel plans are confirmed. No refunds or cancellations are given due to eSIM compatibility issues or changes in the itinerary. 
• Support: Please respond to the email from the Viator Supplier for any assistance or queries. 
• Expiration: Start using the eSIM within one-month of purchase. 
• *Connections to major local mobile network at 4G LTE or 5G speeds, depending on availability. 

New Zealand Data eSIM from 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days

Kia Ora! Welcome to V8 Trike Tours, New Zealand
Gold Qualmark Operator *****
2020 - 2025 Traveler's Choice Award - Top 10% Attraction Worldwide!
As seen on Travel Guides NZ · TV Programme 2021
Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Designed and built in New Zealand, our awesome trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It's the ultimate in power and excitement. With a low centre of gravity, our trikes provide a smooth ride with an impressive grip around corners.
Suitable for ages 2+ and all abilities including disabled.
Registered as a car with NZTA and not a motorbike therefore seatbelts are compulsory not helmets.
Suitable for age 2+ and all abilities, special needs, disabled or those with mobility issues.
Note: price is per vehicle not per person so a max of 4 people can take the tour.

TAURANGA SHORE EXCURSION: V8 TRIKE - 1.5 hour City Sites

This authentic experience will provide interesting insights into the seasonal activities that keep the orchard thriving and make our avocados so delicious. You'll discover why this superfood is adored by so many. To top it off, you'll tantalise your tastebuds with some delicious guacamole and avocado ice cream, a true celebration of this versatile fruit. This experience is suitable for visitors young and old who have a love of avocados, or a desire to connect with local culture and food production in this region.

Katikati Avocado Adventure

Experience the magic of our orchard and see firsthand how seasonal practices keep our avocados at their best. Uncover why this superfood has such a devoted following and treat yourself to a tasting of inventive avocado dishes that highlight its unique flavor. Ideal for avocado lovers and those keen to dive into local food culture, this adventure promises excitement and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Katikati Gourmet Avocado Tasting

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca. 
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Photos of a lifetime!


Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters

Relax sit back to take in interesting and informative commentary about the harbour, region, local legends and history. The ancient Maori Legend of Mount Maunganui is retold as we cruise past the icons base. See the Statue of Tangaroa as he guards the Harbour entrance & learn of his place in Maori folk law. Cross the entrance of Te Awanui, (Tauranga harbour). Tuck into the picturesque shores of Matakana Island, the third largest island of the north. Continue through Tauranga harbours two inner islands, natural history, and orchards. Through the western channel to Sulphur point, and its relation to our active volcano. Tauranga port and industry working up close, with interesting facts on exports, history and ships.

Tauranga Scenic Cruise Two Hours

Why Choose Our Gin Lab Experience?

Personalised Gin Creation: Design a 500ml bottle of gin tailored to your tastebuds, selecting from an extensive range of botanicals, many of which are cultivated in our on-site permaculture garden.

Educational Distillery Tour: Gain insights into our sustainable distillation process and discover how we harness the power of plants to craft our luxury gins and liqueurs.

Award-Winning Tastings: After your session, enjoy a complimentary tasting at our Cellar Door, sampling our award-winning spirits, including New Zealand's Best Botanical Spirit.

36 x 5 star Reviews on Google...

"What an amazing time we had! Our hosts were so welcoming and informative- the gin was delicious and there was plenty of it to try! All 3 of us learnt a lot about tasting notes and pairings, to improve our future gin drinking experiences."

"A must-do for gin lovers. The setting is beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable, and the gin is outstanding."

Make Your Own Gin at the Matahui Gin Lab

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour.

Immerse yourself in the historic and picturesque city of Tauranga on this self-guided audio tour of the city. Tauranga is the arrival point of the Māori in New Zealand. In this audio tour, you will explore the beautiful waterfront and hear the tales of how the Māori crossed the Pacific Ocean in the Arawa Canoe. Visit the Monmouth Redoubt with its old cannon to learn about the battles between the natives and the European colonists at The Elms Missionary. You will also see the Strand, Robbins Park, the Mission Cemetery, the Tauranga Domain Wharepai Reserve, the Old Post Office, the Art Gallery and Brian Watkins House. A diverse and interesting tour with lots of Māori history, myths and legends. This tour takes the frustration out of not knowing what to do, where to go or how to get there. Your tour. Your pace.

Explore Tauranga: Self-Guided Audio Tour

This unique walking tour allows guests to enjoy their experience by learning about the ancient history of Mount Maunganui dating back to the arrival period of our Māori ancestors to current day. A highlight is the ancient pohutukawa tree that was used in tribal rituals. This tree is believed to be one of the oldest in New Zealand. The stories told at the locations are not well-known by many locals, and definitely not by visitors to our community. The stories told are generally from the ancient Māori tribal perspective which leaves guests with a greater understanding of this city. Min of 3 guests for tour to proceed.

Mount Maunganui Hīkoi Walking Tour

What sets this SUP Adventure apart is the opportunity to connect with our local Māori instructors and hear stories of our ancestors, their traditions, and how they lived on Mount Maunganui. Guests paddle along the coastline, explore a nearby beach, and take a short guided walk on Mauao while learning about the local environment and our values of caring for the land and sea. This combination of activity, storytelling, and cultural insight creates a personal, meaningful, and memorable coastal adventure.

Stand Up Paddle Board Adventure in Mount Maunganui

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. With a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Why is Tauranga known as a lifestyle and tourism destination? Tauranga has many outlying islands and reefs, which make it a notable tourist destination for traveling scuba divers and marine enthusiasts. You will be surprised how many stories are in hidden streets, buildings, and corners of Tauranga. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. It is perfect for people visiting the city for the first time and who want to get the most out of it.

* A local and charismatic guide will guide you.
* You will hear the stories and legends of the city.
* You will visit charming places.

The Best of Tauranga Private Walking Tour

- Discounted Family rates. 

- Small group sizes (max 8) with expert, certified instructors ensuring a safe experience.

- Tailored for ages 10+, and all skill levels - making it perfect for beginners and kids alike.

- All equipment provided, including boards and wetsuits—just bring swimwear and a towel.

- Learn ocean safety and master basics like paddling and standing on the board together.

- Bond as a family while creating fun, unforgettable memories in the surf.

- Soak in stunning coastal views as you share the joy of catching your first waves.

- Widely regarded as the safest place to learn to surf in New Zealand.

- Ideally situated right next to the best beach in the area. 

- Coaches with years of experience. 

Family Surfing Lesson in Mount Maunganui

Discover the Health Benefits of Pure Mineral Hot Pools in a Natural Oasis
Bathe in Pure Mineral Waters Amidst Spectacular Native Bush Scenery
Experience the Serenity of Natural, Chemical-Free Hot Pools in a Tranquil Setting.
Pools are drained and refilled every day.
Hot Pools in a Tranquil Setting

Geothermal Mineral Bathing Hot Pool Experience 

What sets this Waka Ama experience apart is the opportunity to connect with local Māori instructors while learning the basics of paddling and teamwork in a Waka Ama (outrigger canoe). Guests enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment, making it an easy and confidence-building way to cruise the ocean — perfect for those who may be nervous on the water. Along the way, instructors share the history of Waka Ama and voyaging, insights into Māori culture, and the values of caring for the land and sea, creating a personal, meaningful, and culturally rich adventure.

Waka Ama Lesson in Mount Maunganui

Paddling a Waka Ama (Outrigger Canoe) along the beautiful Pilot Bay beach, and taking a 90 minute guided walk through the stunning scenery of Mauao, brings together everything that attracts people to the area. Guests are bonded through collaboration on the water, experiencing paddling in unison to make the waka (canoe) glide. Then on to explore the mountain with local Māori guides who share ancestral stories, history, and insights about the environment and culture. This mix of water and land activities, teamwork, exploration, and cultural storytelling creates a fun, memorable, and immersive experience from mountain to sea.

Waka Ama and Guided Walk at Mount Maunganui

What sets our SUP experience apart is the chance to connect with local Māori instructors and learn from their perspective. Guests enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment, experience our care for the land and sea, and gain insight into the values that guide us — creating a personal, meaningful, and culturally rich adventure.

Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson in Mount Maunganui

The focus of this historical and cultural self-guided audio tour is the tales and myths that surround Mount Maunganui, also known as The Mount, including the arrival of the Maori in New Zealand. 

Perfectly suited for discovery on foot, our self-guided audio tour allows you to set the pace and explore at your leisure as you uncover the stories of this exciting city.

Wander along white sand beaches while listening to the stories of the natives' past. Learn about the battles that took place between the Maori and the European settlers, and the lore that brings the mountain to life. 

To discover this wonderful city in your own time and at your own pace just download this self-guided audio tour, pop in your headphones, open the map that comes with your download and start walking.

The tour will take approximately two hours, but you can pause the audio guide when needed. Grab a bite to eat or do some shopping along the way.

Please note that this tour is only available in English.



Explore Mount Maunganui: Self-Guided Audio Tour

What sets this Waka Ama Adventure apart is the opportunity to connect with our local Māori instructors and hear stories of our ancestors, their traditions, and the history of Waka Ama and voyaging. Guests paddle together as a crew along the coastline, explore a nearby beach, and take a short guided walk on Mauao while learning about the local environment and our values of caring for the land and sea. This combination of teamwork, activity, storytelling, and cultural insight creates a personal, meaningful, and memorable coastal adventure.

Waka Ama Adventure in Mount Maunganui

An exclusive Private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Did you know The lush parks and golden beaches of Tauranga make a popular destination for lovers? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. What is so special about the mount of Maunganui? Why is it considered a favorite spot for couples? Tauranga has a good mix of modern amenities and nature, making it a favourable place to explore with your loved one. Many festivities take place on and around the main beach in the north of the suburb. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period! 

Things to do in Tauranga