Step aboard the iconic KEWPIE for an incredible scenic cruise over the beautiful waters of Tauranga Harbour.
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 ($)
Thank you so much for taking your time to write a review and recommending us. Really nice to hear you enjoyed it, we try our best to make sure everyone has a lovely memorable experience.
Captain Amy helped us aboard the picturesque little Kewpie. She provided an informative commentary about the boat, Matakana Island, Port activities and harbour history. We bought a cool drink from the little licensed bar and enjoyed standing in the bow, soaking up the gorgeous views, and the warm wind. Lots of the passengers disembarked at Matakana Island for a swim and walk on the long empty white sand beaches- a good idea for next time. A lovely trip , thank you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review. We love to share the experience on the water with our guests and are happy to hear that you enjoyed it as much as we do! It is definitely worth a trip to Matakana Island and go for a swim :) Amy
Great fun short boat ride, lots of information shared by the captain during the experience.
We found directions a bit vague so we rang up a basically told that if we didn't make it by 12:05 they were leaving so that put us under some pressure to find the jetty, try to find a carpark and run to get there. Luck we got there with 2 mins to spare. Mum and daughter got there a bit late and they had only just about to leave and were told too late the boat leaving and only a metre or so from the jetty. The look on their faces of disbelief, I felt gutted inside for them. I can't see why they couldn't of spent 1 minute to let them on, another couple were also shocked by this. The trip was pretty basic and only did a small circut of the Harbour, I expected a bit more really. As a whole this was pretty average.
Ouch thanks for the scathing review , thats what I get for waiting for people. Im sorry but it clearly says 12pm but I said I'd wait an extra 5 minutes. I know a ferry, bus, plane or ttrain wouldn't be so kind as to give you an extra time. We waited till 12.07pm for the mother and daughter , I can't win as I have people on the boat who are on time and I'll get complaints if I make them wait and then I'm under pressure as I have a schedule. I even offered they can come another not like I wanted to leave them befind. What you don't realize as Im sure you will have never driven a large boat is that when the ropes are off and the wind is blowing you off the wharf its not that simple to tie up again you'll have to do a loop to get back in . It'll add another 5 if not 10 minutes on to the trip. Basic trip REALLY not sure what more you could expect for an hours cruise in a restored iconic old boat maybe I should fit it out with a couple of V8 turbos. Informative commentary along the way, a fur seal at Tangaroas feet which we slowed to look at , close up beauty of Matakana Island , a brief pick up at Matakana , tugs in action, close up look at the ships that were in Port.
Loved it
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Alice Wee from New Zealand wrote on 30 December 2022
Scenic harbour cruise
Highly recommend plp to join this cruise, it was fun and exciting, my family had enjoy it very much. Had put in recommendations for other friends to take up this activity, the captain of the boat know what they are doing. They controlled the boat well. The lady is very friendly and helpful. Came and ask if we need help to take family photos as she offer to help us..very kind and helpful plp..views are absolutely fantastic and stunning. Below are the pictures I had taken..