Excursion Tauranga & mt maunganui hop on hop off tour at Tauranga

Discover Tauranga and Mt Maunganui entirely at your own pace with a flexible hop-on hop-off loop.

Begin your flexible sightseeing as you board the hop-on hop-off coach directly from the pier, with three scheduled departures spaced through the day and a final pick-up loop to gather returning guests. The convenient looping service lets you linger where you like and shape the day to your interests.

Mount & Main Beach, Mt Maunganui village

After leaving the pier, the route first brings you to the Mount and Main Beach, an iconic coastline where sweeping sands and the presence of Mauao create a postcard-perfect setting. Stroll the lively beachfront promenade, unwind on the sand, or choose to soak in the renowned Mount Hot Pools. From here the loop flows naturally into Mt Maunganui’s vibrant village, a sun-soaked boulevard of surf-inspired boutiques, artisan stores, and colourful cafés that capture the easygoing energy of “The Mount.”

Bayfair Shopping Mall, Classic Flyers Aviation Museum

Continuing along the circuit, you reach Bayfair, a bright, modern shopping hub offering fashion, fresh food, and local and international brands - ideal for a refresh or a browse before you continue. Next comes the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum, where beautifully restored vintage aircraft and nostalgic exhibits celebrate New Zealand’s aviation heritage, with an aviation-themed café adding to the experience.

The Elms Historic House, Tauranga Art Gallery and City Centre foreshore, Bobby’s Fish Market

The loop then reaches the tranquil Elms Historic House, one of the country’s oldest mission properties, where heritage gardens and early colonial history offer a quiet window into Tauranga’s past. Further on, you arrive at the cultural heart of the city around the Tauranga Art Gallery, the waterfront foreshore, and local favourite Bobby’s Fish Market, where exhibitions, cafés, and harbour views combine.

The Historic Village, Salisbury Avenue

Your day continues into the charming Historic Village, a cluster of preserved heritage buildings now home to artisan workshops, creative studios, and leafy courtyards that feel delightfully old-world yet vibrant. The route concludes near Salisbury Avenue, an easy walk back to your ship at the pier, the perfect finish to a self-paced day by the coast.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, entirely dependent on how much you choose to explore at each location; three scheduled departures operate with a final pick-up-only loop; admission fees apply at select venues (including the Mount Hot Pools, Classic Flyers Aviation Museum, and The Elms Historic House); free time varies based on where and how long you choose to disembark; this is an unguided, self-paced experience; wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection; food and beverages are available for purchase at multiple points along the route.