Tauranga

Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty region, is a unique coastal city favoured by abundant sunshine all year round, beautiful beaches and fertile soils. The Bay of Plenty region has a population in excess of 75,000 and is one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand. One of the biggest influences on the region's prosperity is the Port of Tauranga. As New Zealand's largest export port, it handles locally produced paper and timber products, kiwifruit and dairy products bound for the international market. Tauranga is only 2 and a half hours drive from Auckland and an hour and a quarter from Hamilton.

Activities

• Visit the amazing Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which was formed during the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.


• The Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley can shoot water 100 feet/30metres skyward.


• Gain a different perspective of Rotorua from the air. Choose a flightseeing excursion to White Island, an active volcano, or over the awesome crater of Mount Tarawera.


• Bathe in a crystal clear hot spa at the Blue Baths. A museum in the old changing rooms showcases the building's colourful past. Dine upstairs in the elegant 1930s tearooms, with views over the beautifully manicured Government Gardens.

Adventures

• Hike to the top of the majestic Mount Tarawera (a day trip). The more adventurous can enjoy a scree run down into the crater!


• Choose from a variety of lake and river excursions - cruise, kayak, raft or white water sledge.


• Get a taste for white water rafting - the thrilling rapids of the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River.



Shopping

Rotorua is known as the heart of Maori culture. Souvenir and gift shops have exquisite examples of Maori arts and crafts.

Food

Rotorua offers a feast of excellent eateries. Cafes and restaurants line both sides of the lake end of Tutanekai St, which locals have coined 'The Streat'. Here you'll find everything from traditional New Zealand dishes to authentic international cuisine.

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.




Cruise Lines	Oct	Nov	Dec	2009 Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep
Celebrity
Crystal
Holland America
Oceania
Princess
Regent Seven Seas
Royal Caribbean
Silversea

Click to view sailings.