Day 50 - ROTORUA (TAURANGA), NEW ZEALAND

 Date: 2/24/2024     Day 50                       Port: ROTORUA (TAURANGA), NEW ZEALAND

Description: Tauranga is the center of a large citrus and sub tropical fruit-growing area and is a favorite base for deep-sea anglers. Across the harbor is the major port for the region, Mt Maunganui, which is also the major overseas outlet for the vast timber industry established in the center of the North Island. Tauranga has become a rendezvous for thousands of holiday makers to whom the lure of its sun-baked sands and sparkling waters prove an irresistible attraction.

Planned Excursion: TAURANGA HIGHLIGHTS

3.5 Hours            Moderate Activity            # TAU-005: Free

Enjoy a drive around Tauranga, whose natural attributes have made it one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities.  Tour the Elms Mission House and grounds, dating from 1847 and kept in its builder’s extended family for some 150 years.  Pass by wartime landmarks like Monmouth Redoubt and Gate Pa, and visit Minden Lookout for stunning views out across the Bay of Plenty.  Drive back through the Matapihi Peninsula, sacred home to an extinct volcano known as The Mount.

Today's Notes: Another beautiful day that started out a bit cloudy but by midday it was warm and sunny temps in the mid to upper 70's.  The port is a major export port for New Zealand. It's also a vacation holiday, surfing and tourist kind of place.  The pier we tied up to was just a short walk into town. 

We took the early excursion and arrived back to the ship around 1 PM.  Back onboard time was 3:30 PM which didn't leave much time in the afternoon.  There was a lovely hike around the beach area and on up to trails leading to the top or around the base of Mt Maunganui.  I would have loved to have had the time to hike to the top.  With just a couple hours left after lunch I was only able to hike up part way.  It was a very lovely place and would have been nice to spend more time there.  

Click Here --> Tauranga Pictures (updated 2/27/2024)

Click Here --> TAURANGA Harbor hike video (Updated 2/28/2024)