Welcome – Kia Ora!
During your New Zealand voyage, as you cruise into the beautiful Bay of Plenty, you’re entering a region celebrated for its abundance of the world’s most nutritional foods. While you enjoy your port visit to Tauranga, we invite you to choose one of our exclusive excursions. We will take you to the heart of this glorious coastal hinterland, where the unique climate and soils have created a truly globally unparalleled environment.
This is the home of three of New Zealand’s greatest nutritional treasures: NZ Kiwi (Kiwifruit), NZ Manuka Honey, and NZ Avocados. Each is regarded as a superfood, and here in the Bay of Plenty, we produce them to a quality higher than anywhere else on earth.
The Bay of Plenty coastline is also steeped in New Zealand’s history and folklore. It was here, 700 years ago, that many of the migrating Maori waka (ocean-going canoes) from central Polynesia made their first landfall. This area is considered part of the birthplace of Maori civilisation in New Zealand.
The name “Bay of Plenty” was bestowed by Captain James Cook in 1769 during his Voyage of Discovery. As he sailed close to our coast, he was struck by the sight of the thriving Maori villages with their flourishing gardens and the dense, green native tree foliage, and he recorded the name in his log.
Our excursions will take you deep into this abundant paradise—our orchard-growing centre—and to destinations that reflect our rich Maori heritage and everyday life in New Zealand. You will have the opportunity to touch, feel, and taste these wonderfoods and learn what makes them world-renowned.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions
Kiwifruit Country Tours’ excursions are exclusively available to Cruise Ship visitors. To book your tour, please select your cruise ship from the list below to see which excursions are being offered onboard. You will then be redirected to the cruise line’s booking page.
Excursion Options
Tauranga Highlights & Kiwifruit This tour offers a perfect blend of local highlights and an immersive kiwifruit experience. Explore the scenic beauty of Tauranga before heading into the heart of a working kiwifruit orchard.
Glorious Bay of Plenty Discover the majestic landscapes and natural beauty of the wider Bay of Plenty region. This excursion showcases the diverse scenery and agricultural richness that gave the bay its name.
‘AS NZ…as it gets’ Experience an authentic slice of New Zealand life. This tour provides a deep dive into the local culture, agriculture, and heritage, connecting you with the land and the people in a truly Kiwi way.
‘The Little Tribe That Could’ Delve into the inspiring story of a local Maori community. This tour highlights the resilience and innovation of the “Little Tribe,” sharing their history, traditions, and connection to the land and its bounty.
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