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Tauranga Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Step aboard the iconic KEWPIE for an incredible scenic cruise over the beautiful waters of Tauranga Harbour.
Highlights
- Stunning scenic cruise through Tauranga's inner harbour departing hourly from the historical Pilot Wharf
- Discover the Statue of Tangaroa - God of the Sea in Maori culture
- Possibility to see the region's seasonal marine wildlife including blue penguins, sea birds and NZ fur seals!
- Check out the cargo and container ships or visiting cruise ships
- Includes a Hop-on hop-off Matakana Island beach visit
This popular and relaxing cruise journeys through the beautiful inner harbour of Tauranga with the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a stunning backdrop.
The KEWPIE has two cruise decks and plenty of room to soak up the amazing views. It also boasts a fully licensed lounge bar and bar snacks are also available.
Scenic highlights of this great value cruise include:
The Statue of Tangaroa guarding the harbour entrance
A diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive highly developed port infrastructure
Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise like blue penguins, sea birds or NZ fur seals
Matakana Island Hop on / Hop off: If conditions allow, there is the possibility of visiting the island of Matakana where you can explore secluded islands and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. The professional KEWPIE crew can pick you up for the return journey on the next tour. Please note this service is only possible for earlier trips at 11am or 12pm and is based solely on skippers discretion, subject to wind and weather. It is not part of the cruise, but is only an option if possible.
Departure Point: Pilot wharf (base of the mountain). Take a leisurely stroll along Pilot Bay esplanade to the base of the Mountain (Mauao). Walk 100 metres along the base track.
Departures Times:
Daily: December to April 11:00am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00pm.
School holidays: 11:00am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00pm.
Weekends: May to June & October to November 11:00am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00pm.
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
- Adult$40.00
- Youth$20.00
- Child Free of Charge
- Additional Child$5.00
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 325 authenticated Bookme reviews
Debbie Fitzgerald from New Zealand wrote on 02 February 2026
Fabulous cruise loved it thank you
We had a fabulous cruise we are locals and had our son from AUSTRALIA visiting. Our first time to do the cruise. Was really informative and the staff team had great humor and made the experience fun. Was great to do this as locals . I've wanted to do this for a long time. So glad we did and made it more affordable using the bookme vouchers. Thank you
Lynette GREENWOOD from New Zealand wrote on 10 January 2026
Lovely Cruise
Really enjoyed the hour cruise, was so relaxing & beautiful. The coffee was really good to buy.
Renay Berling from New Zealand wrote on 25 January 2021
Disappointing cruise
I went on the cruise yesterday as I was visiting Tauranga with my 2 son's from Auckland .we spent more time circling and waiting just outside the harbor as other bigger vessels we passing by..The Kewpie only went as far as the little white beach to pick up passengers.I spent over 70$ for 3 adults and it wasn't worth it...not sure i will be using them again. A few yrs ago I went on the same cruise and we went much further..more enjoyable and informative then...
From Kewpie Cruises - One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise
Sorry to hear you were disappointed with the cruise. This is a working port and occasionally we have to wait for passing ships as in the interests of a safe passage for our passengers as Im sure you wouldnt want to run down by a large ship entering or exiting the harbour. The route the cruise takes hasnt changed at all and stopping at Matakana to drop off and pick up passengers has always been an option that many people enjoy.
Amelia from New Zealand wrote on 08 January 2026
Best Trip in Tauranga
I did this cruise when I first moved to Tauranga back in 2014 and loved the cruise around Matakana, the Mount and the port. Great "lay of the land" cruise. We did it again when family visited in 2026 and it was a highlight of their stay. Our Captain Berndt and his assistant were super friendly and knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed all of the commentary from Berndt throughout the cruise. I might just do the cruise for fun with the family sometime and spend the day at Matakana Island for a little island holiday. Thanks guys for showing my family a great time! Best of luck to Patrick off to the Navy next year! You'll be great on those Super Yachts in Europe!
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Kevin Rushton from New Zealand wrote on 04 February 2026
Lovely trip
Insightful and very helpful staff.