Twice a year, our community can see first-hand what’s happening behind the scenes at New Zealand’s busiest port – and help support a worthy cause in the process.
Port of Tauranga has been hosting our popular guided bus tours for many years, with all proceeds from ticket sales donated to Waipuna Hospice.
The tours offer visitors of all ages an exclusive glimpse at the dynamic inner workings of our port. Usually off-limits to the public, the bus travels on a one-hour journey into the heart of our operations, from the cruise ship docks through the busy log wharves and container yards.
Children and adults alike are often fascinated to see the cranes, forklifts, and straddle carriers in action working to move vast amounts of cargo. The tour bus travels from the Mount Maunganui bulk cargo wharves over the Harbour Bridge to our container terminal at Sulphur Point, with commentary from a dedicated Port manager keeping guests informed and entertained.
In 2025/26 we hosted more than 1,500 people on our port tours, proudly raising thousands of dollars to help Waipuna Hospice fund specialist palliative care for local patients and their families.
Port of Tauranga is also now an official sponsor of a Waipuna Hospice truck, which means we can support the hospice’s daily work collecting donated items from around the region to be sold in the hospice shops.
In his message of thanks, Ross McLeod, Waipuna Hospice’s Philanthropy Director, said, “It’s a wonderful example of how the Port’s support will make a real difference, helping turn donated items into compassionate hospice care.
“We really value Port of Tauranga’s partnership and look forward to seeing the truck out on the road, helping raise vital funds for hospice care for many years to come.”
Port tours are held in the last two weeks of January and for a week during the July school holidays.
Port tours are held each year in the last two weeks of January and for a week during the July school holidays. They often sell out, so keep an eye out for details on our Port of Tauranga Ltd Facebook page or this website.
To support Waipuna Hospice, visit https://waipunahospice.org.nz/support-us/
