Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

Itinerary

1. 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. (1h 0min)
2. 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. In Tauranga you will see some of the earliest European settlement buildings in New Zealand, beautiful gardens and hear about the settlement of Maori and Europeans in the Bay of Plenty, creating the city of Tauranga as it is today. (1h 0min)
3. Leaving Tauranga, you will head west to the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges to see stunning views of the area with a stop for lunch, some shopping and an opportunity to taste handpicked teas sourced locally and from around the world. A short drive will take you to a Kiwifruit orchard where you will hear about the Kiwifruit industry, sample its fruit including the famous gold kiwifruit, see Avocado trees, hear how this amazing tree produces one of the worlds super foods and sample some of the local avocado produce. After a short drive the last stop is the lookout on the Minden hills where you will get a breathtaking view out across the bay and the harbour. Afterwards we head back to Mount Maunganui to finish the tour in time for you to return to your ship. (2h 0min)