Kewpie Cruises offers a fun, family-friendly way to explore Tauranga’s stunning harbour. Whether you're after a relaxing scenic cruise, a memorable Christmas or work function, or an educational school trip, we have something for everyone. Our cruises travel through Tauranga’s inner harbour, passing secluded islands and peninsulas rich in history and natural beauty.

Step aboard our iconic 52-foot vessel, launched in 1953 as one of Fuller’s first charter boats in the Bay of Islands. With two spacious levels, a fully licensed lounge bar, and room for up to 75 passengers, Kewpie is the perfect venue for scenic tours, private events, and functions.

Kewpie is fully equipped for entertainment, featuring a dance floor, surround sound system, flat-screen TVs, and optional catering. From scheduled 1-hour scenic cruises to private charters, our experienced crew is here to make your time on the water memorable.

Whether you're cruising with family, colleagues, or friends, Kewpie Cruises combines local charm, stunning harbour views, and warm hospitality to create an unforgettable Tauranga experience.

Private Charters Available All year round.

Months of Operation: One-hour Cruises
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

FACILITIES AND FEATURES

Proximity to town:
10min walk from Mount Maunganui. 10min drive from Tauranga city.

Proximity to airport:
10 min drive from Tauranga Airport. 45min drive from Rotorua Airport. 2.5 hr drive from Auckland International Airport.

Proximity to bus:
The buses arrive in Mount Maunganui at various stops, please call us for directions.

Parking:
Please park in any available parking places in Pilot Bay area. Special arrangements can be made for groups with vans or buses.

Weather Considerations:
Subject to weather. The vessel 'Kewpie' is fully enclosed in rain.

Amenities:

PRICING AND CONDITIONS

Pricing

Adult $40

Other Charges:
Youth 12 - 16 years $20.00

Children under 12 years travel free if accompanied by family. ( conditions apply).
Bookings are recommended.

Activity Duration:
One Hour with option for Matakana island drop off

Conditions:
Trip times November through to April: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm.

New Zealand Public and School Holidays: 11:00am, 12:00pm 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm.

Cancellation Policy:
Please call us on +64 21 605 965 internationally or 021 605 965 from New Zealand mobile or landline. We have updates on our cruises everyday on these same phone numbers. Full refund if we do not depart.

The MV Kewpie was launched in 1953, the same year as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Built from native Kauri timber in Opua, Bay of Islands, Kewpie has a rich and colourful history spanning over 60 years on New Zealand waters.

Originally commissioned by Fullers, Kewpie was designed to service the Bay of Islands' famous "Cream Run", a daily route from Russell collecting milk cans from the outer islands, as well as transporting passengers and mail. As tourism in the Bay grew, sightseeing eventually overtook freight as the boat’s main purpose.

The vessel was named KEWPIE after the legendary local guide Ted Kewbit, whose cheeky character and love of the sea made him a favourite among passengers. Ted, affectionately nicknamed "Kewpie" by his pub mates, was deeply moved when the vessel was launched bearing his name. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy lives on through the boat that still carries his spirit.

Kewpie continued working New Zealand’s waters, later renamed Miss Motuhea while serving as a mail run vessel in Auckland and on regular trips to Kawau Island, famously frequented by author Zane Grey. Over the years, she passed through several owners, at times falling into disrepair, until being revived for tourism and private charters.

In 1988, Kewpie was purchased without an engine and lovingly restored to working order, making trips to Great Barrier Island and up the Warkworth River. She was later brought to Tauranga by Henry C, where she began a new chapter as a simple cruise boat running harbour trips.

Under Darryl Herbert, Kewpie gained a reputation as Tauranga’s floating party boat, fitted with fridges, sound systems, and flat screens—becoming an iconic venue for celebrations and summer fun.

In 2012, Bay Explorer purchased the vessel and reintroduced 1-hour Scenic Harbour Cruises, attracting locals and tourists alike. The cruise became a must-do Tauranga activity, showcasing the harbour’s beauty and wildlife.

A major renovation in 2013 restored Kewpie’s classic charm, with extensive upgrades to the superstructure, wiring, sound system, and interior spaces, finishing with her now-iconic blue exterior.

In 2020, history was made when Amy Neale became Kewpie’s first female owner and skipper. Today, Kewpie continues to run popular scenic cruises, Matakana Island drop-offs, and private charters for work functions and special occasions — keeping her legacy alive as Tauranga’s most loved harbour cruise boat.