About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team booked onto V8 Trike Tours in Tauranga, he climbed into a seriously loud, genuinely fun three-wheeler powered by a 5.7-litre Chevrolet engine. The 90-minute blast takes you around the Bay of Plenty's coastal sites at a proper pace — you feel every corner through the low-slung chassis, and the driver keeps up a running commentary about local spots. It's the kind of tour that makes you grin like a kid and worry about your hair in equal measure. Groups up to four share one trike, so mates or families can pile in together.
Highlights
- Proper V8 power — 5700cc Chevrolet motor, open-air thrills
- Driver knows the Bay of Plenty and points out genuine local history
- Photo stop included; driver explains what you're seeing
- Low centre of gravity gives tighter cornering than you'd expect
- Works for ages 2 up to older folk — genuine accessibility credentials
- Up to four people per vehicle keeps costs reasonable when shared
- Registered as a car, so seatbelts only — no helmet faffing
What to expect
Jake showed up expecting a gimmick and got something genuinely well-engineered. The trike sits three across with the driver, and the thing is loud — the Chevrolet V8 announces itself. Your driver handles the route with real local knowledge, stopping to point out bays, headlands, and town landmarks whilst you're gripping the sides. The ride isn't bone-jarring; the geometry works. Pacing is brisk but not rushed. You'll feel the salt air and hear the engine over the ocean noise.
One thing to brace for: it's completely open-air and exposed. Wind, sun, spray if you're near the water — dress accordingly. The 90 minutes moves fast because your brain's busy processing "we're actually doing this." Groups of four mean it's either intimate mates touring together or a couple squished with a family. Either way, the driver keeps things moving and informative without overselling it.
What travellers say
- Authentic V8 power, well-balanced handling, genuinely thrilling
- Driver combines local knowledge with practical commentary
- Accessibility and family-friendliness backed by real provisions
- Vehicle registered as car — seatbelts, structural safety
- Per-vehicle pricing favours groups sharing the cost
- Open-air exposure — weather and wind not for everyone
- Loud engine makes conversation difficult between passengers
- Early departure common; not ideal for sleep-in travellers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're after adrenaline without technical risk (it's a car, not a bike, so seatbelts, proper suspension), this delivers. Groups of four split the cost per vehicle nicely. Kids from age two onward are genuinely catered for — infant seats available, prams no problem. Accessibility is legit; disabled and mobility-limited folk are considered, not afterthought.
You will be windswept and possibly sunburnt. Bring or borrow a jacket; they provide them if you forget. Sunscreen and sunnies essential. Early start likely (typical tour timing for cruise ships), so tired travellers should know that now. It's loud enough you won't hear your mate next to you. Not ideal for people who hate wind or can't tolerate engine noise. Check with operators about group size and whether your crew fits one trike comfortably — tight for five, but four is standard.
Pricing is per vehicle, not per head. Gratuities aren't included in the package. They supply jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen if you're caught short. Duration is genuinely 90 minutes, not padded with waiting. Public transport nearby if needed.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.