In Māori, Tauranga means 'Resting Place for Canoes' and some believe it to be the place Polynesians first arrived in New Zealand. Nestled on the beautiful Bay of Plenty with a temperate, sunny climate, Tauranga is the kiwi growing capital of New Zealand. Maori settled here late in the 13th-century bringing Polynesian culture and establishing roots in the Bay of Plenty area. Arriving in large canoes or waka like the Tākitimu and Mātaatua, they established rich settlements and complex societies, with archaeological evidence and oral histories, making them the first inhabitants of the region before European arrival. From incredible hikes, stunning beaches, exploring Lord of the Rings movie sets, or the surreal experience of seeing a forest lit up with thousands of glow worms, Tauranga is a piece of heaven on earth found in New Zealand.
Joining a small group for Tauranga's famous glow worm cave nestled on Lake Rotoiti, we departed with a small group from our ship and joined Waimarino Kayak Tours. Arriving at Manupirua Bay, we were all suited up with kayaks, spray skirts and lifejackets, anxious to explore one of New Zealand's hidden gems. Paddling through the fresh water bay, we passed cascading native bush and charming Kiwi beaches tucked into cliffs and coves. Along the way, our guide captivated us with Māori myths and legends tied to the area while spotting an abundance of birdlife in this serene setting.
After a short stop at Manupirua natural geothermal pools and a quick bite of New Zealand's famed meat pie, we suited up again and kayaked to the secret Glowworm cave at the lake’s edge, where we saw the magical New Zealand Glowworm in its natural habitat — a true Kiwi experience we'll never forget.
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