Private tour in Tauranga Toby L
5.0
(15) reviews
6 hours
1
6 hours
1
Toby L.
5.0
Guide rating
32
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
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Gidday, My name is Toby, I am a young old New Zealander. I grew up on an isolated sheep farm in the middle of our unique country, that is unlike any other in the world. My passions are: *meeting people from other countries/cultures that have diverse views setting us up for robust conversations lol. *paddling my outrigger canoe on the seas and lakes that are just a stones throw from where I reside. * travelling to new and exciting destinations, or to ones that I have discovered before that I really like. In July I spent a month in California (and old faithful destination of mine) and the UK, a brand new and totally surprising destination in a positive way * I am passionate about our indigenous Maori culture and it's roots (Hawaiiki nui), the dynamic geology of this young piece of earth that us Kiwis live upon, the history of recent colonisation, mainly by the English and Scottish, and New Zealand in the present day. * I like to follow and support the lives and achievements of my two grown sons, both of whom have significant Maori blood coursing through their veins. *I am knowledgable about our economy, flora and fauna and conservation efforts with regards to these, our population diversity (mind you there is only 5 million of us in an area just tad bigger than the UK). I love to share my knowledge in an entertaining manner to visitors to New Zealand from overseas countries, as well as of course New Zealanders. Our Port of Tauranga, where cruise ships where once again will be visiting later this year is just 60 minutes drive from the iconic tourist destination of Rotorua, famous in NZ for Geothermal activity (Geysers, mudpools, hot mineral baths), beautiful lakes and Native Forests and the centre for Maori cultural performances. I live just 500 m from the terminal for the cruise ships making it easy for me to retrieve you and your family, partner and/or friends once you have disembarked. I am relatively young compared to many Tour operators bringing more energy and vibrancy (humour??) to the role of a tour guide. Undergraduate in Horticulture and Science. Current affairs nut. Coastal Yachtmasters ticket. Avid student of Polynesian/Maori history and legends P endorsement (i.e. I am licensed by the NZ Govt authority to drive vehicles that carry paying passengers.) Port of Tauranga induction for all zones of the Port. Extremely skilled waterman with lifesaving certificates. There are no restrictions on the New Zealand experiences that I can be a guide for you, except the time that we have available.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Toby L.
This local tour with a captivating narrative about the colonisation of this region, by the English, and the Maori who had sailed down here from Hawaiki-Nui (Tahiti/Rarotonga) in their wakas approx 1200 AD, with visits to relevant sites of the conflict between the two races such as Gate Pa and Elms Historic Homestead (a fully guided tour here) who hailed from opposite ends of the world and were both skilled and knowledgeable in warfare . Another popular stop, is a Kiwifruit farm, where you will be intrigued with the cultivation of this special fruit. We view the landing place of 6 of the 9 wakas (catamaran offshore sailing vessels), travel to an elevated photo opp location that looks across a large slice of the 25, 000 km region of Waikato in the centre of the North Island which is the hub of our dairy farming economy, and where many images of our "green" New Zealand come from. We also visit McLaren Falls and walk a trail through the unique native flora of New Zealand to another smaller waterfall.
My wife and I had a great day touring the Tauranga area with Toby. He showed us the things we wanted to see and gave us a thorough history lesson of the area. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, a visit to Hobbiton is a must. Good fun!!
Toby took us through the beautiful countryside to see dairy and sheep farms as well as kiwi fruit orchards. We stopped at a traditional NZ pub for toasties and a pint. We also added on a Hobbitton tour which turned out to be the highlight. A gorgeous sunset lookout capped off the tour. THANKS Toby!
Toby was great! He made sure our one day in Rotorua was perfect! Highly recommend!
We had an outstanding day with Toby! Learning about the history and culture while being thoroughly entertained (although I never quite got the hang of the MÄori language despite his great teaching). We would highly recommend Toby for anyone looking to explore Tauranga or Rotorua. Be sure to ask about the steak pies đ
Very enjoyable tour with an excellent guide. Extremely personable with a dép understanding of the history and culture of the area. We especially enjoyed the short hike to the waterfall
Very knowledgeable and professional, great driver. Add a great sense of humor and we all had a wonderful time!
Port Tauranga, Mount Maunganui: we greet you just outside the customs controlled pedestrian gate and show you to our a/c comfortable vehicle. Pilot Bay, Mt Maunganui: Main Beach, Mt Maunganui; Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, Omanu Beach, Minden Rd. Lookout, Te Puna, Kiwifruit Orchard, McLaren Falls an Kaimai Mountain range; At this spectacular photo opp site, your group can decide to continue on to Hobbiton, a 20 minute drive and enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of this famous movie site. (contact me for the customized tour) The non Hobbiton tour will include the below: McLaren Falls; Gate Pa battle site. Tauranga downtown; lunch at a choice of one of the many harbour view cafes restaurants that line the Harbourside Strand; The Elms (additional charge for entry to this original mission homestead in themiddle war cemetery; Minden Road, an elevated photo opp site of the magnificent Bay of Plenty coastline. Fernland natural Hot Pools (time permitting) for a soak in a natural setting surrounded by thick NZ native bus
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
We travel in one of 2 Mercedes coaches, both comfortable, but more importantly being conducted by an experienced, considerate driver (me) We collect you from just outside the Customs controlled Port Pedestrian gate. The total time we spend travelling in the vehicle is less than 2 hours ie, we spend 4 hours either stopped to embrace sights or out of the vehicle taking walks at the Elms or MacLaren Falls, going to lunch, under the Kiwifruit, taking in the fresh air of New Zealand
2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty Region, 3116, New Zealand
I will be waiting for you 20 m outside the port security controlled pedestrian gate with a sign itâs your name on it. This is a 150 yards walk north of your ships gangway.
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6 hours
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6 hours
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