Your Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Arrivals in the Bay of Plenty
Tauranga, located in the stunning Bay of Plenty, is one of New Zealand's most popular cruise destinations. With its beautiful beaches, rich Maori culture, and proximity to attractions like Rotorua and Hobbiton, it's no wonder cruise lines include Tauranga on their New Zealand itineraries.
Below you'll find the complete Tauranga cruise schedule for the current season, along with helpful information about the port, shore excursions, and local attractions.
Location: Sulphur Point, Tauranga
Berths: 2 dedicated cruise berths
Passengers: 200,000+ annually
Duration: October to April
Peak Months: December-February
Ships: 30+ different vessels
Mount Maunganui - 10 min
Hobbiton - 45 min
Rotorua - 1 hour
| Date | Ship Name | Cruise Line | Arrival | Departure | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12 | Celebrity Edge | Celebrity Cruises | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM | 2,918 |
| Oct 15 | Ocean Odyssey | Viking Cruises | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 930 |
| Date | Ship Name | Cruise Line | Arrival | Departure | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3 | Carnival Splendor | Carnival Cruise Line | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM | 3,012 |
| Nov 7 | Royal Princess | Princess Cruises | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 3,560 |
The Celebrity Edge is one of Celebrity Cruises' most innovative ships, featuring the revolutionary Magic Carpet - a moving platform that travels up and down the ship's exterior. With a capacity of 2,918 passengers, it offers luxurious accommodations and world-class dining.
Tauranga Visits: October 12, January 15, March 8
Features: Rooftop Garden, Infinite Verandah staterooms, 29 restaurants and bars
The Royal Princess is a flagship of Princess Cruises, carrying 3,560 passengers. It features the dramatic SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, offering breathtaking views.
Tauranga Visits: November 7, December 12, February 20
Features: Movies Under the Stars, The Sanctuary adults-only retreat, Chef's Table Lumiere
Shuttle Buses: Free shuttles run from the port to downtown Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
Taxis: Available at the port; fare to Mount Maunganui about NZD $15.
Car Rental: Several companies have offices near the port.
Downtown Tauranga: Fashion, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Mount Maunganui: Beachfront shops with surf gear and Maori art.
Local Specialties: Manuka honey, greenstone (pounamu) jewelry.
Mount Maunganui: Try fish and chips on the beach.
Tauranga Waterfront: Excellent cafes and seafood restaurants.
Local Favorites: Pavlova, hokey pokey ice cream, kiwifruit products.
🌤️ 16-19°C
Spring weather, occasional showers
☀️ 18-22°C
Warmer, less rainfall
☀️ 20-24°C
Summer begins, busy season
🔥 22-26°C
Peak summer, beach weather
☀️ 22-26°C
Warm, occasional rain
🌤️ 20-24°C
Late summer, pleasant
⛅ 17-21°C
Autumn begins, cooler
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Tauranga at Sulphur Point, about 5 minutes by shuttle from downtown Tauranga. The port has two dedicated cruise berths with excellent facilities.
The Hobbiton Movie Set is approximately 45 minutes drive from the Tauranga cruise port. Most shore excursions include transportation directly from the port.
While it's possible to walk (about 45 minutes), we recommend taking the free shuttle bus to downtown Tauranga and then transferring to Mount Maunganui, or taking a taxi for about NZD $15.
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