Tauranga Shore Excursion: Wairoa River Kayak Tour
Tauranga, New Zealand
Trip Type: Ports of Call Tours
Duration: 4 hours
Once your cruise ship docks at Tauranga Harbour, embark on another kind of water adventure with a relaxing kayak ride along the Wairoa River. Grab your swimsuits and towels and take off with your expert guide to learn about the fertile stretch of New Zealand’s North Island. As you drift along the upper reaches of the Wairoa River, spot an old timber mill and learn about how locals transported kauri logs along this route in the 1800s. Stop on a river bank for cheese and fruit, and take in the quiet beauty before heading back toward land.
More About This Activity All Ports of Call Tours →
Once your cruise ship docks at Tauranga Harbour, embark on another kind of water adventure with a relaxing kayak ride along the Wairoa River. Grab your swimsuits and towels and take off with your expert guide to learn about the fertile stretch of New Zealand’s North Island. As you drift along the upper reaches of the Wairoa River, spot an old timber mill and learn about how locals transported kauri logs along this route in the 1800s. Stop on a river bank for cheese and fruit, and take in the quiet beauty before heading back toward land.
Your Tauranga shore excursion begins with pickup at the Port of Tauranga. Take a short drive in your air-conditioned minivan to the Waimarino Adventure Park, where you will begin your relaxing, easy kayaking experience along the Wairoa River. En route, you’ll learn more about Mt Maunganui and Tauranga from your guide.
Once you arrive, listen to a short safety briefing before hitting the water in your kayak. Once you slide into the water, the pastoral beauty of this ancient river immediately captivates you. Wairoa means ‘long water’ in Maori, a circuit of streams and rivers that once served as the main source of food and transportation for Maori settlements. In the 19th century, Europeans established timber mills that exported logs of kauri trees. Pass an old mill as your guide points out the native vegetation that surrounds you, including the now-protected native trees. Don’t forget to bring your camera: dry bags are provided to protect your equipment.
Perhaps the best photo op waits on the banks of the river, where you and your fellow kayakers stop for gourmet refreshments including cheese, crackers, fruit and juice. Sit back along the lush grounds and take in the calm, steady flow of the water.
Once you’re ready, start your journey back to land with your guide. Paddle along and enjoy the peaceful wildlife once more before you are returned to your port.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to Tauranga port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Once you arrive, listen to a short safety briefing before hitting the water in your kayak. Once you slide into the water, the pastoral beauty of this ancient river immediately captivates you. Wairoa means ‘long water’ in Maori, a circuit of streams and rivers that once served as the main source of food and transportation for Maori settlements. In the 19th century, Europeans established timber mills that exported logs of kauri trees. Pass an old mill as your guide points out the native vegetation that surrounds you, including the now-protected native trees. Don’t forget to bring your camera: dry bags are provided to protect your equipment.
Perhaps the best photo op waits on the banks of the river, where you and your fellow kayakers stop for gourmet refreshments including cheese, crackers, fruit and juice. Sit back along the lush grounds and take in the calm, steady flow of the water.
Once you’re ready, start your journey back to land with your guide. Paddle along and enjoy the peaceful wildlife once more before you are returned to your port.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to Tauranga port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
« Go Back