Tauranga’s Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and maritime history. Aboard the historic Kewpie ferry, guests embark on a captivating one-hour journey, taking in the stunning landscapes of the iconic volcanic cone, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife. With informative commentary from a live tour guide, passengers can discover the secrets of this picturesque harbor. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the option to disembark at Matakana Island opens up a world of further exploration, leaving one curious to uncover more about this remarkable destination.
This experience made our list of the 8 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Tauranga.
Key Points
- A 1-hour sightseeing cruise along Mount Maunganui Harbour, offering panoramic views of the iconic volcanic cone, white sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife.
- Guided commentary in English, providing insight into the area’s maritime history and culture, as well as opportunities to spot blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals.
- Option to disembark at Matakana Island to explore the pristine white-sand beaches and natural wonders, with guided tours available.
- Comprehensive package including hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience with a high overall customer satisfaction rating.
- Comfortable attire and sun protection recommended to make the most of the scenic views and coastal conditions during the cruise.
Activity Overview
The Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise is a 1-hour activity that costs from KΓ4558 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The activity features a live tour guide in English, and you’ll need to check availability for the number of participants and date.
The cruise takes place aboard the Kewpie, a 70-year-old ferry constructed from native Kauri trees. The 52ft boat has two levels and a licensed bar, offering scenic views of Mount Maunganui, a close-up look at the working port and docked ships, and the possibility of spotting wildlife like blue penguins and NZ fur seals.
You can also choose to disembark at Matakana Island for beach exploration.
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Cruise Experience
Aboard the Kewpie, a 70-year-old ferry constructed from native Kauri trees, passengers can enjoy a 52ft boat with two levels and a licensed bar, offering scenic views of Mount Maunganui, a close-up look at the working port and docked ships, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like blue penguins and NZ fur seals.
The cruise experience features:
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Panoramic views of the harbor and its natural beauty
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A chance to learn about the area’s rich maritime history and culture
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The option to disembark at Matakana Island for beach exploration, weather permitting
This sightseeing cruise provides a unique and immersive way to discover the captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife of Tauranga’s Mount Maunganui Harbour.
Mount Maunganui Scenery
On the Tauranga sightseeing cruise, passengers can take in the breathtaking scenery of Mount Maunganui, which dominates the landscape with its striking volcanic cone rising above the white sandy beaches and lush coastal forests.
The cruise offers incredible views of this iconic New Zealand landmark, allowing visitors to appreciate its natural beauty and geological history.
As the boat glides through the harbor, passengers can spot the Statue of Tangaroa, a striking sculpture that stands guard over the port.
The surrounding scenery is a perfect blend of rugged coastline, verdant greenery, and bustling maritime activity, creating a truly memorable experience for all who embark on this sightseeing adventure.
Port and Wildlife Sightings
During the Tauranga sightseeing cruise, passengers enjoy a close-up view of the working port and the array of docked ships that call this harbor home. The cruise gives them an insider’s look at the maritime activity that underpins the local economy, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals that thrive in the harbor’s waters.
The cruise highlights include:
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Observing the hustle and bustle of the port operations, including cargo loading and unloading
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Spotting native seabirds and the elusive blue penguins that nest along the coastline
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Catching glimpses of the playful New Zealand fur seals that frequent the harbor’s waters
This sightseeing experience offers a unique perspective on the vibrant marine ecosystem that thrives alongside Tauranga’s thriving port activities.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMatakana Island Exploration
For those interested in exploring beyond the harbor, the cruise offers the option to disembark at Matakana Island, where passengers can venture onto the pristine white-sand beaches and discover the island’s natural wonders.
Accessible during the 11 am or 12 pm cruises, weather permitting, this add-on experience allows visitors to enjoy the island’s tranquil environment.
Guided tours are available to showcase the island’s diverse flora and fauna, including coastal forests and migratory bird species.
Travelers can also opt to simply relax on the secluded beaches or embark on self-guided hikes, truly embracing the island’s serene and untouched character.
An ideal way to extend the sightseeing cruise and deepen one’s connection with the local environment.
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What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are the main essential for passengers embarking on the Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise, as the tour involves walking on the boat and potentially exploring the shores of Matakana Island.
Other useful items to bring include:
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Sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as the cruise offers ample outdoor viewing opportunities.
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A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings.
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Light layers or a jacket, as the coastal environment can be breezy, especially during the cooler months.
Travelers should pack light and prioritize comfort to fully enjoy the immersive sightseeing experience on the historic Kewpie ferry.
Transportation and Pickup
The Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience for travelers.
No need to worry about finding your own way to the departure point – the cruise operator will pick you up from your hotel and bring you back after the tour. This service is included in the cruise price, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views without any added transportation hassles.
The cruise’s comprehensive package makes it an excellent choice for visitors who want to make the most of their time in Tauranga and explore the stunning Mount Maunganui harbour.
Customer Reviews
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise, with an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating based on 41 reviews.
The cruise has received high marks for various aspects, including:
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Positive feedback on the overall experience, with visitors describing it as ‘interesting’ and ‘family-friendly’.
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Favorable ratings for the transportation, with a 4.4/5 score for this category.
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Excellent value for money, with a 4.3/5 rating for the cruise’s pricing.
Reviewers have particularly highlighted the informative commentary provided by the live tour guide, as well as the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings.
The Tauranga sightseeing cruise has proven to be a popular and enjoyable activity for visitors to the region.
Recap
The Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise offers an immersive one-hour experience showcasing the region’s natural wonders.
Passengers can admire the iconic volcanic cone, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife while learning about the area’s maritime history from a live guide.
With the option to disembark at Matakana Island, this cruise provides a unique and comprehensive way to connect with the stunning landscapes of Mount Maunganui.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Tauranga
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