Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga is the largest and most populated port in the Bay of Plenty region. This is an appropriate name due to the abundant beaches, rolling white water, mineral hot springs and even kiwi orchards. We passed on excursions offered by Cunard and decided to hike around Mount Maunganui and its beautiful water views (except we did it in the rain) , walk along the towns main beach and wandering through The Strand – the towns shopping and dining district. It turned into a 5-mile stroll and of course the sun came out as we returned to the ship. Not all lost – caught some rays and enjoyed the return to warmer weather in the afternoon.