The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel Peninsula. It's a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and offers an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here; sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.

Many Cruise Ships  arriving from the Pacific Islands, Australia, Europe and the USA come to New Zealand in the summer months and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and boutique shopping.

Across the harbour from Tauranga, the volcanic cone of 'Mauao' - Mount Maunganui dominates the horizon. The mountain is shrouded in legend and history, has great significance for the local Maori people and provides an excellent hiking challenge. Mount Maunganui, the resort town that is situated at the base of the mountain, offers a great atmosphere focused on surf, adventure and fun.


The white sand beach that begins at Mount Maunganui doesn't stop until it reaches Whakatane, 100 kilometres to the east. Whakatane is the launching pad for expeditions to White Island. White Island is New Zealand's only active off-shore volcano, and also one of the most accessible active volcanos in the world. Steam billows from its main crater and spurts of ash keep things interesting for visitors.

Indigenous Trails offers a range of day tour excursions specifically designed for visiting Cruise Ship guests.

With a network of Indigenous operated tour associates, Indigenous Trails is able to provide day excursions in other major Ports around New Zealand; Bay of Islands , Auckland, Christchurch  and Dunedin, hence offering visitors a broader variety and mixture of Cultural, Environmental and Eco experiences location specific to these regions.

Indigenous Trails delivers unique Cultural day excursions with a difference and provides its own personal Maori tour guides, experienced and knowledgeable in delivering excellence for all clientele. We express to our guests 'Manaakitanga - Hospitality' from a Maori perspective, trusting they leave our presence enlightened and Culturally aware during their short time with us.

Indigenous Trails Cruise Ship excursions are designed to deliver the following:

• Informal interaction and mutual understanding with the Indigenous people of New Zealand - Maori
• Exposure and promotion to unorthodox Indigenous tourism operations with 'Exclusive' access
• 'Off-the-beaten-track' itineraries with your own Maori Chaperones
• Introduction to the retention of language and traditions
• Natural picturesque surroundings steeped in Mythology
• Participation in the re-generation of native forestry
• Provide flexibility with time schedules, allowing stress-free enjoyment
• Genuine "manaakitanga" - hospitality, Maori Style
• Value and Quality for money
• Giving back to local communities
• ... the REAL DEAL!

Indigenous Trails Cruise Ship excursions DO NOT:

• Follow Bus "Crowd" masses
• Condone tokenism
• Visit "Cultural Zoos" or "Plastic" Tourist facilities
• Promote mass production of foreign manufactured ornaments and souvenirs
•  Accept tips/gratuities

Remember, be a Responsible Traveller:

• Travel in the spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people; travel to meet, not conquer.
• Reflect daily on your experiences; seek to deepen your understanding. Remember: What enriches you may rob or violate others.
• Be environmentally friendly; conserve energy, water, and other resources. Only bring necessary technological gadgetry. Try not to bring any containers that you don’t plan to take out, and participate in local recycling programs where available.
• Don’t create barriers. Walk, bicycle, and use other forms of non-motorized transportation.
• Acquaint yourself with the local customs. Be culturally sensitive, especially with photography.
• Realize the differences people have in other countries, such as different concepts of time and different thought patterns.
• Be economically efficient. Spend money so that it stays in the community. When buying, remember that a bargain may be obtained because of low wages paid to the producer. Don’t purchase products made from endangered species.
• Cultivate the habit of listening and observing. Discover the enrichment that comes from seeing another way of life.