Yes. Bargain Rental Cars offers single-day car hire for cruise ship passengers arriving at the Port of Tauranga. A free shuttle collects you from Coronation Park, just across from the port gates, and takes you to the Bargain Rental Cars Mount Maunganui branch at 156 Newton Street, approximately 4.7km away. At the end of your day, staff drive you back to the port in time for your ship’s departure.
Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s most visited cruise ports, and one of the best in the world for exploring independently with a hire car. The Bay of Plenty is compact, the roads are easy, and a one-day rental gives you access to destinations that shore excursion buses simply don’t reach.
How It Works — Cruise Ship Pickup at Tauranga Port
Step 1: Exit the port
Once you’ve disembarked and cleared the Port of Tauranga, take the short walk across Coronation Park to the designated Bargain Rental Cars shuttle collection point. If you need help locating it, call +64 21 026 34240.
Step 2: The free shuttle collects you
The Hire Vehicle Transfer (HVT) shuttle will be waiting or on its way. It runs between the Coronation Park collection point and the Bargain Rental Cars Mount Maunganui branch continuously around the ship’s scheduled arrival and departure times. Call the branch if you’d like a live update on its location.
Step 3: Collect your vehicle
At the branch, staff will check your documents and get you on the road. Allow approximately 20–30 minutes from disembarkation to driving away.
What to bring:
- Valid driver’s licence (physical card — not a photo on your phone)
- International Driving Permit or NZTA-approved English translation if your licence is not in English
- Passport
- Credit or debit card in the primary driver’s name
- Your booking confirmation
Step 4: Explore the Bay of Plenty
You have the day. See the section below for the best day trip options from Tauranga.
Step 5: Return the vehicle and shuttle back to the port
Return the vehicle to the Mount Maunganui branch with a full tank of fuel before the shuttle’s last run. Staff will check the vehicle in and take you back to the port by shuttle. Allow sufficient time. It is recommended building in a comfortable buffer before your ship’s all-aboard time.
If your ship departs later than 6:00 pm, discuss your return and shuttle arrangements with the team when you collect your vehicle. Extended hours may be available depending on the ship’s scheduled departure.
Shuttle and Branch Operating Hours
| Standard branch and shuttle hours | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Extended hours (some cruise days) | Dependent on ship’s departure time — confirm when booking |
| Out-of-hours service | Not available unless specifically agreed in advance |
The shuttle operates only between the Mount Maunganui branch and the Coronation Park collection point. Detours and alternative pickup or drop-off locations cannot be accommodated.
Fuel and Vehicle Return
Fuel: Return the vehicle with a full tank. The nearest 24-hour fuel station is Z Hewletts Road, 81 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Fill up before heading back to the branch.
A $50 refuelling charge (plus the cost of fuel required) applies if the vehicle is returned with less than a full tank.
Late returns: If you are running late, call +64 21 026 34240 immediately. Vehicles returned outside agreed operating hours without prior arrangement may incur an additional charge of $250, plus any towing, parking fees, or fines. Plan your day with time to spare.
Vehicle condition: Return the vehicle in reasonable condition. Additional cleaning charges may apply for vehicles returned in an unreasonably dirty state.
Best Day Trips from Tauranga by Rental Car
Under 20 minutes — Mount Maunganui and Papamoa
The branch is already in Mount Maunganui, putting you immediately close to two of the Bay of Plenty’s highlights. Walk the base track around Mauao (Mount Maunganui) for harbour and ocean views, relax at the famous hot pools on Adams Avenue, or drive a few minutes further to the long golden stretch of Papamoa Beach.
25 minutes (one way) — McLaren Falls Park
A 190-hectare park south of Tauranga featuring waterfalls, native bush walks, kayaking, and a glowworm cave trail. One of the region’s best-kept secrets and an excellent family option. Allow two to three hours.
45 minutes (one way) — Te Puke and Kiwifruit Country
Te Puke is the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand and home of Kiwi360, an interactive orchard experience with tractor tours, tastings, and a café. A fun, uniquely New Zealand stop that’s easy to combine with a beach visit on the way back.
60 minutes (one way) — Rotorua
The most popular full-day destination from Tauranga for cruise passengers. Rotorua offers geothermal parks, Māori cultural experiences, the Redwoods forest walks, and world-class hot pools at Polynesian Spa. Allow a full five to six hours in Rotorua. Check your ship’s all-aboard time carefully before committing to this one.
60 minutes (one way) – Waihi Beach and Bowentown
Drive north through Katikati to Waihi Beach — a long, uncrowded surf beach at the northern end of the Bay of Plenty. Continue to Bowentown for dramatic headland views over Tauranga Harbour.
Which Vehicle Should I Choose for a Tauranga Cruise Day?
| Travelling as | Recommended vehicle |
|---|---|
| Couple or solo | Toyota Corolla or Commuter — compact, easy to park, economical |
| Family or small group | Toyota Camry — comfortable five-seat sedan with good boot space |
| Group of 6 | Mazda Premacy — six seats, more luggage room |
| Group of 7–10 | 10-seat Minivan — ideal for larger cruise groups |
Sharing a rental car between a group of four to six cruise passengers is one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Tauranga independently, often cheaper per person than a pre-booked shore excursion, with far more flexibility.
Book Before You Sail
Cruise ship days are popular at the Tauranga branch and vehicle availability is limited, especially for SUVs, people movers, and larger vehicles. Book before your cruise departs to guarantee your preferred vehicle and ensure the shuttle is ready for your arrival time.
To book or confirm shuttle arrangements, contact the Bargain Rental Cars Tauranga team:
- Email: info@bargainrentalcars.co.nz
- Mobile: +64 21 026 34240
- Freephone (NZ): 0800 566 701
- Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, seven days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car for just one day from the Tauranga cruise port?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars offers single-day hire for cruise passengers at Tauranga. A free shuttle collects you from Coronation Park, just outside the port gates, and takes you to the Mount Maunganui branch at 156 Newton Street, approximately 4.7km away. Advance booking is required.
Where do I get the shuttle from the Port of Tauranga?
Once you’ve disembarked, walk across Coronation Park to the designated Bargain Rental Cars shuttle collection point. Call +64 21 026 34240 if you need directions or a live update on the shuttle.
How much time do I need before my ship departs?
Allow sufficient time to return your vehicle to the branch, complete the check-in, and take the shuttle back to the port before your ship’s all-aboard time. Build in a generous buffer. If your ship departs after 6:00 pm, discuss extended return arrangements with staff when collecting your vehicle.
Do I need to return the car with a full tank?
Yes. A $50 refuelling charge (plus the cost of fuel) applies if returned without a full tank. The nearest 24-hour fuel station is Z Hewletts Road, 81 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.
What documents do I need to hire a car as a cruise passenger in Tauranga?
You need your valid driver’s licence (physical card), an International Driving Permit or NZTA-approved English translation if your licence is not in English, your passport, a credit or debit card in the primary driver’s name, and your booking confirmation.
Can I be dropped off somewhere other than the cruise port?
No. The Bargain Rental Cars shuttle operates only between the Mount Maunganui branch and the Coronation Park collection point at the port. Detours and alternative drop-off locations cannot be accommodated.
What happens if I’m late returning the car?
Call +64 21 026 34240 immediately. Vehicles returned outside agreed operating hours without prior arrangement may incur an additional charge of $250, plus any associated towing, parking fees, or fines.
