Overview
Introduction
The most populous and fastest growing city in the Bay of Plenty region, Tauranga is a popular tourist area and is a hot spot for business and trade. Outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and water rafting, are popular among locals and visitors. The waterfront area, called The Strand, has experienced a revitalization in recent years and is home to many of the city's hippest restaurants and bars.
Location
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Tauranga, which is actually in the town of Mount Maunganui. There is a visitor information center close to the dock. Some cruise lines offer shuttle buses to nearby Tauranga, which is 20 minutes away, or it is possible to take a public bus.
Rotorua is 31 mi/50 km (about an hour) away from the port. To get to Rotorua, hire a taxi, sign up for a shore excursion through your cruise line or join one of the tour operators available at the port gates. It is not possible to squeeze exploring Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Rotorua into one day.