Tauranga is a city on the North Island of New Zealand, the centre of the Bay of Plenty region. According to the 2013 census, the city’s population is 114 789 people; another 101 200 live in the surrounding area and in nearby towns and settlements-making it the 6th largest city in the country by urban population and the fastest-growing city in the country.
The city name can be translated from the language of the local indigenous people as “protected bay” and was given to the very first Māori settlements in these places. The city is one of the most popular holiday destinations for New Zealanders during the summer season.
Tauranga is located in the south-west of the region and today is one of New Zealand’s most important commercial hubs, since it is here that the country’s largest port by cargo turnover is located. In essence, the city is framed around the port, although at the same time it also boasts quite excellent beaches. In addition, Tauranga has earned its reputation as the “kiwi fruit capital,” which has become an unofficial symbol of New Zealand. The city is known more for its landscapes than for any cultural landmarks such as museums, so it is no surprise that it is quite popular with active holiday enthusiasts, first and foremost surfers, kitesurfers, kayakers and divers. There are also plenty of interesting and picturesque parks in the city.
Climate
The climate is oceanic and humid. Average annual precipitation is 1293 mm. The average temperature in the summer months is +11 °C, and the average temperature in the winter months is +19 °C.
Tauranga, New Zealand
Brain Watkins House
Valley of Geysers, Rotorua
White Island
Maunganui Beach
Location on the map
Sights
The House of Brain Watkins
A square, compact house in a classic Victorian style, Brain-Watkins
- an architectural monument built in 1881 from kauri timber -
a New Zealand giant tree endemic, which appeared back in the Jurassic period.
This building is one of six surviving houses in New Zealand from that era with
original interiors. Today, the house operates as a museum.
What to see
Beaches of the Bay of Plenty region
Bay of Plenty - this is how the name of this region in the north-east of the island is translated. It is known for its large beaches, mild climate, and citrus groves. Two beaches here are well worth your attention. Mount Maunganui Beach - a snow-white and very clean coastline stretching at the foot of Mount Maunganui, a dormant volcano. This is a popular seaside resort with many hotels, saltwater pools, campgrounds, and surfing schools. This beach is one of the most popular and beautiful in the country. Ōhope Beach - 11 kilometers of pristine beaches with small shops, campgrounds, and restaurants where most dishes are prepared with seafood.
Recommended excursions
Valley of Geysers in Rotorua
In the Rotorua Valley, you will visit Agrodome - an agricultural park, watch sheep shearing shows, and see a traditional New Zealand farm. Next, you will take a ride on the cable car and stroll through Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve - an unusual thermal park and village where locals effectively use the earth’s energy and heat for everyday needs. Here you can find the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pohutu, and in a specially darkened room you can see the flightless kiwi bird - the symbol of the country. To wrap up the excursion, you will visit the “Maori Institute”, which tells you about the culture of New Zealand’s indigenous people and introduces you to their traditional crafts.
White Island
White Island is a small but well-known island in the middle of the bay.
It is an active volcano, located for the most part
underwater. Only the crater, about two
kilometers in diameter, rises above the water’s surface. During the
1.5-hour boat trip to the island, you can see a variety of marine animals - friendly dolphins and sea lions, as well as formidable orcas. The island route includes sightseeing
of the slopes and a descent into the crater, which houses an incredibly beautiful lake. This is the place where, more than anywhere else, you can feel the breath of the Earth and the rhythm of its heartbeat.
For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can
check after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.
17.10.2026 · 11 nightsDeparts in 5 daysPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound Fjord, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand, At Sea, Tauranga, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 155,553$3,382€2,991
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Interior
UAH 162,683$3,537€3,129
B
Balcony
UAH 184,717$4,016€3,552
S
Suite
UAH 501,289$10,898€9,640
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18.10.2026 · 13 nightsDeparts in 6 daysPort of departure:
Auckland, New Zealand
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, At Sea, Tauranga, New Zealand, At Sea, Napier, New Zealand, Picton, New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Dusky Sound Fjord, New Zealand, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 239,306$5,202€4,602
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Interior
UAH 239,306$5,202€4,602
O
Ocean View
UAH 381,170$8,286€7,330
B
Balcony
UAH 293,586$6,382€5,646
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Suite
UAH 745,398$16,204€14,335
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28.10.2026 · 12 nightsDeparts in 16 daysPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound Fjord, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand, At Sea, Tauranga, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 198,229$4,309€3,812
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Interior
UAH 207,475$4,510€3,990
B
Balcony
UAH 231,901$5,041€4,460
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Suite
UAH 536,237$11,657€10,312
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19.11.2026 · 12 nightsPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound Fjord, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand, At Sea, Tauranga, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 237,835$5,170€4,574
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Interior
UAH 237,835$5,170€4,574
B
Balcony
UAH 327,581$7,121€6,300
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Suite
UAH 584,399$12,704€11,238
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02.12.2026 · 9 nightsPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Tauranga, New Zealand, Napier, New Zealand, Picton, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 136,947$2,977€2,634
B
Balcony
UAH 161,419$3,509€3,104
S
Suite
UAH 297,855$6,475€5,728
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19.12.2026 · 9 nightsPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, Tauranga, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 163,268$3,549€3,140
B
Balcony
UAH 213,546$4,642€4,107
S
Suite
UAH 452,608$9,839€8,704
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23.12.2026 · 14 nightsPort of departure:
Sydney, Australia
ALL
Sydney, Australia, Eden, Australia, Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Cruise Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, Dusky Sound Fjord, New Zealand, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Timaru, At Sea, Tauranga, New Zealand, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, At Sea, At Sea, Sydney, Australia
from
UAH 191,175$4,156€3,676
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Interior
UAH 191,175$4,156€3,676
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Ocean View
UAH 233,137$5,068€4,483
B
Balcony
UAH 294,814$6,409€5,670
S
Suite
UAH 1,445,028$31,414€27,789
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04.01.2027 · 121 nightsPort of departure:
Civitavecchia, Italy
ALL (NO DRINKS)
Civitavecchia, Italy, Genoa, Italy, Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, At Sea, Gibraltar, United Kingdom, Casablanca, Morocco, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Mindelo, Cape Verde, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, At Sea, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, At Sea, At Sea, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina, At Sea, At Sea, Puerto Madryn, Argentina, At Sea, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, At Sea, At Sea, Ushuaia, Ushuaia, At Sea, At Sea, Puerto Montt, Chile, At Sea, Valparaiso, Chile, Valparaiso, Chile, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Hanga Roa, At Sea, At Sea, Bounty Bay Passage, Pitcairn, At Sea, At Sea, Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Moorea, French Polynesia, At Sea, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, Tauranga, New Zealand, At Sea, Christchurch, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, Cruising Milford Sound, At Sea, Hobart, Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, At Sea, Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, At Sea, At Sea, Noumea, At Sea, Luganville, Vanuatu, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Apia, Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Honolulu, Hawai, Honolulu, Hawai, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Los Angeles, California, At Sea, At Sea, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, At Sea, Enter Panama Canal Balboa, Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama Canal (Cruising), At Sea, At Sea, La Romana, Dominican Republic, Tortola/Road Town, VG, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, At Sea, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, At Sea, At Sea, Ibiza, Spain, At Sea, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia, Italy
from
UAH 1,785,784$38,821€34,342
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Interior
UAH 1,785,784$38,821€34,342
O
Ocean View
UAH 2,055,144$44,677€39,522
B
Balcony
UAH 2,540,824$55,235€48,862
S
Suite
UAH 7,934,680$172,493€152,590
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