About 100 olympic size swimming pools worth of kiwifruit is exported from Tauranga Port each year - just one of the many intriguing facts you will learn about on this year's Port of Tauranga guided tours held next week from Monday January 17 to February 2, 2011.
Kiwifruit, flour, logs - to name a few - are all imported and exported from the Tauranga Port annually. The Port sees 1227 vessels through each year, including 40 to 60 cruise ships.
This is the opportunity to see New Zealand's largest port in operation, which incorporates, marine, bulk cargo and container handling facilities.
The tour starts from the Port office on Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui where everyone will be loaded onto a bus. The bus will then tour around the port with a running commentary informing passengers what things are, what they do and what they are used for.
Spot some wildlife on the way and enjoy the sights.
The tours are on twice a day at 11am and 1.30pm from Monday to Saturday.
Port tour guide and security supervisor Eoin Gorrie has been taking the tours for five years and said, "This is a good opportunity to see a wharf in action, which is not something many people get to see. People who are inquisitive can come and see what happens over the other side of the fence.
NEED TO KNOW:
What: Tauranga Port guided tours
When: January 17 to February 2
Where: Depart from Port office on Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui
Cost: $4 Adults, $2 children under 12
What to bring: Adults must take photo ID or they will not be permitted entry
To book: Phone the Port office on 07 572 8899 Monday to Friday. Bookings are essential.
Payments by cash or cheque. No eftpos.
