CRUISE
Cruise isite
The 2026 – 2027 cruise season is anticipated to welcome 79 ship visits (subject to change) between Oct 2026 – April 2027. Tourism Bay of Plenty manages a temporary i-PORT at the Tauranga Port to welcome ships passengers and crew during the season. You an view the cruise schedule here.
Cruise Shore Excursion Licence RFP
Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) is seeking proposals from appropriately licensed tour operators to supply shore excursion services to cruise passengers via the Cruise i-PORT operation, located on arrival into the Port of Tauranga. TBOP may award up to five contracts to successful Respondents at its discretion.
RFP Timelines:
- RFP released: 19 August 2026
- Notification of Intent to Respond: 2 August 2026
- Deadline for Proposals: 11 September 2026
- Contracts issued: 14 September 2026
- Anticipated start date: 13 October 2026
All queries refer to the contacts below:
Nicole Ellis
Visitor Services Manager
E: nicole@bayofplentynz.com
Mary Tolley
Head of Destination
M: mary@bayofplentynz.com
Request For Proposal Response Form 26-27
RESOURCES FOR OPERATORS
If you're thinking about selling to cruise ship visitors next season, visit the New Zealand Cruise Association website for some great resources to get you started:
How to create a Shore Excursion
Myths and Facts about cruising