Tauranga New Zealand might not be high on the international tourist radar but it is definitely a favourite with New Zealanders and should not be overlooked as a place to visit. Translating to ‘the place of rest or anchorage’ suggests it is the perfect location to stop, relax and enjoy.   Tauranga’s spectacular surrounds and marvelous array of activities make this a wonderful holiday destination. 

Just across the harbour bridge is the summer hotspot of Mount Maunganui, also part of the Tauranga City region. This gorgeous coastline stretches all the way to Papamoa and is just one of the many reasons why Tauranga is a great place to visit.  Many flock to the shores of the harbour and beaches to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. 

I call the Bay of Plenty (BOP) home and I love to share it with visitors.  Having grown up just down the coast from Tauranga, I can confidently say I know this place like no other.  It can get really busy in the summertime so if crowds are not your thing, then visiting in the shoulder seasons is a great time to visit.  Later February through to early April would be my recommendation as it is the best time of the year to enjoy good weather and activities.

Tauranga is the largest city in the BOP region as well as the fifth-largest and one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand.  It is home to New Zealand’s largest export port with ships coming and going regularly. 

HISTORY OF TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND

Māori first arrived in this area, known today as Tauranga Moana, during the 13^th century on the Takitimu and Mataatua waka (sailing vessels).  Settling along its shores and further inland it was a region that provided well for the first settlers.  Many centuries later in the mid-1820s the first European ship, the Herald, entered the Tauranga Harbour.  It was not to be its only visit as it returned on more than one occasion bringing Christian missionaries and trading for supplies such as potatoes, flax, and pigs.  The establishment of the Church Missionary Society in the 1830s saw the building of a mission house, The Elms, which still stands today.

New Zealand land wars of the 1860s brought much fighting to the region which included the Battle of Gate Pā. This is the most well known of the local wars due to the number of lives lost on both sides.  Māori lost an estimated 25 with an unknown number of wounded.  The British lost 31 including 10 officers and was the most devastating loss of life to them in the New Zealand Wars. Read more information on Māori and European history in the Tauranga area.

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty region, named by Captain Cook ‘The Bay of Plenty’ due to the abundance of food resources he saw. From the 1910s dairy farming started to develop as the population grew and by the late 20th-century horticulture became established with kiwifruit orchards popping up everywhere.  Avocado orchards are also now a common sight in the Bay of Plenty region. 

GETTING TO TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND

The Tauranga region is ideally situated for those looking to enjoy some of the best of the central North Island.  Tauranga Airport is located on the Mount Maunganui side of the harbour with direct flights to and from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.  Air New Zealand is the main airline operator that flies in and out of Tauranga Airport. This airline is my personal favourite for flying anywhere in New Zealand and internationally.

Buses stop in downtown Tauranga and Mount Maunganui with daily services in and out of the city run by Intercity Buses.  If you are driving then you will be able to easily get out and explore at your leisure.  There are many great one-day,  overnight or weekend trips to take from Tauranga.  Here is a recommended list of destinations with estimated driving times:

Auckland – 2 hours 30 minutes
Coromandel Town – 2 hours 40 minutes
Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, Coromandel – 2 hours 20 minutes
Whangamata (Coromandel) – 1 hour 20 minutes
Waihi Beach – 50 minutes
Karangahake Gorge – 1 hour
Hobbiton – 50 minutes
Rotorua – 1 hour
Whakatāne – 1 hour 10 minutes
Hamilton – 1 hour 15 minutes
Waitomo Caves – 1 hour 50 minutes
Taupō – 1 hour 50 minutes
Tongariro Crossing – 3 hours

THINGS TO DO IN TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy in Tauranga and its surrounding areas. You will find something to suit all interests and ages. The list below includes a variety of activities but is by no means a complete account of things to do in Tauranga. For my best recommendations check out my Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga. And for even more ideas be sure to check out the Official Tourism Bay of Plenty website.

FOR THRILL SEEKERS

SKYDIVE TAURANGA – What a great way to take in the views!  From the Coromandel to Mount Ruapehu you can enjoy a scenic flight before plummeting to the ground at 200kms an hour.  To find out more check out Sky Dive Tauranga.

ADRENALINE FOREST – Just a 30-minute drive from Tauranga is an aerial adventure for those who love a challenge at heights.  With six courses to choose from you can start easy and low and work your way up.   To find out more check out Adrenaline Forest Bay of Plenty.

WILDLIFE & ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

DOLPHIN & WILDLIFE CRUISES – There is no better way to enjoy the marine environment than a boat cruise on and outside of the harbour.  Dolphin encounters are common and depending on the season you may also be treated to encounters with seals, penguins, and whales.  For the best and most experienced operator in the region check out Bay Explorer Island & Wildlife Cruises.

GLOWWORM KAYAK TOUR – Many visitors to New Zealand want to experience the wonder of glow worms but there is nothing like doing it by kayak.  Enjoy the sunset from McLaren Falls Park before paddling out on to McLaren lake to find the glow worms.  To find out more check out Waimarino Kayak Tours.

MARSHALLS ANIMAL PARK – A great option for the kids!  Marshalls is also located up in McLaren Falls Park, just a 15-minute drive from Tauranga.  Why not make a day of it, pack a picnic and enjoy the animals, walks, and waterfalls.  To find out more check out their website.

WALKS AND WATERFALLS

MAUAO SUMMIT TRACKS (Mount Maunganui) – These are the most popular walks in the Tauranga region and with good reason.  Mauao greets visitors at the harbour entrance and the view from the summit is breath-taking.  On a clear day, you can see up and down the coast and all the way out to Whakaari (White Island), New Zealand’s only live volcanic island.  If climbing to the summit is a bit daunting then you can enjoy a stroll around the base of Mauao, also a lovely walk any time of day. 

KAIATE FALLS – You will find these gorgeous waterfalls between Welcome Bay and the Papamoa Hills, just a 25-minute drive from Tauranga.  Walking tracks lead down to several waterfalls with a great swimming hole at the bottom.  A rock ledge over the pool is well used for those brave enough to plunge into the cold waters.

PAPAPMOA HILLS REGIONAL PARK – Just a 20-minute drive from Tauranga this park offers several walking tracks and amazing views in all directions. The shortest track to the summit will take 30-45 minutes but you can lengthen your walk by taking other tracks through farmland.  Papamoa Hills Regional Park is home to several Pā sites (fortified Māori settlements) which are evident by the terraced peaks scattered around the park, including the summit. 

MCLAREN FALLS PARK – This gem is only 15 minutes from Tauranga City Center.  The park is home to waterfalls, swimming holes, a lake, café, glow worms, disc golf course, walking tracks, camping spots, and Marshalls Animal Park.

OTHER POPULAR ACTIVITIES

MOUNT MAUNGANUI HOT POOLS – These iconic saltwater pools are the perfect place to stop and relax.  With several pools and temperatures to choose from, there is something for everyone. You can also book a massage if you really want to pamper yourself.

FISHING CHARTERS – Fishing is extremely popular in the Tauranga region and there is no shortage of opportunities for those who love to try their luck.  The Bay of Plenty coastline offers a multitude of fantastic fishing spots and there is no shortage of charters that offer an outstanding fishing experience. 

TAURANGA ART GALLERY – Tauranga is fast becoming a popular art center with a number of talented artists living in the area.  The Tauranga Art gallery hosts exhibitions for local, national and international artists and is a ‘must-do’ stop for any art enthusiast.  Located in downtown Tauranga it is an easy stop to make when visiting the city.

EATING AND DINING IN TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI & PAPAMOA

DOWNTOWN TAURANGA

Restaurants line The Strand which runs along the waterfront of Downtown Tauranga. If you are not sure what you would feel like then wander along the street until a menu tempts your tastebuds. You will find everything from fine dining to a good pub meal.

MACAU RESTAURANT & LOUNGE – Macau Restaurant is my absolute favourite place to dine with its tasty Asian Fusion menu. Their dishes are designed with a communal eating philosophy in mind making it a lovely place to enjoy good food with others. Macau Lounge is located above the restaurant and ideal for meeting friends for drinks and nibbles. This restaurant is open from 11.30am until late, seven days a week. The Lounge is open from 4pm until late on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

HARBOURSIDE RESTAURANT – This stunning waterfront restaurant is situated at the south end of The Strand right by the railway bridge. Harbourside prides itself on serving fine dining dishes sourcing the finest ingredients with priority given to organic and local produce. This family-owned and operated restaurant offers a warm and relaxing atmosphere along with superb harbour views.

BOBBY’S FRESH FISH MARKET – For the best fish and chips around you can not beat Bobby’s! You will find a full takeaway menu along with the freshest seafood available for purchase. Located just across the railway line at the north end of The Strand this is a good option for eating on the go or to enjoy down on the waterfront. Just watch out for the seagulls who also love Bobby’s fish and chips.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

FISH FACE – When someone uses the words seafood and wine in the same sentence they have my attention! This seafood and wine restaurant is a local favourite and if you read their reviews you will see why. Fish Face offers a fantastic menu of seafood dishes as well as a great selection of non-seafood dishes. The staff are super lovely and make a dining experience here a very pleasant one.

BARRIO BROTHERS – Known for making the best margaritas in town, this restaurant offers the most amazing Mexican cuisine. A wonderful place to gather with friends and family for fabulous flavours. Be sure to check out their daily deals that run from Tuesday to Sunday. Barrio Brothers also have another restaurant in Tauranga on Grey Street, just a short walk from the main strip on the waterfront.

TAY STREET BEACH CAFE – Open for breakfast and lunch (dinner changing seasonally) this award-winning cafe is definitely a local favourite! This cafe makes great coffee and they offer an indulgent selection of cakes and slices including gluten-free and raw. The menu will not disappoint with an array of dishes from eggs benedict to Thai green curry. Also on offer is a splendid selection of premium wines and craft beers to compliment any meal.

PAPAMOA

BLUEBIYOU – You can not get closer to oceanside dining that this cafe, bar, and bistro. Located right on the beach next to the Papamoa Beach Resort, you can enjoy a delicious meal with views out over the Pacific ocean. A popular venue for functions, it’s an excellent place to book for a large gathering. Open for lunch and dinner every day and breakfast on the weekends.

PAPA MO’S – If you are looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui then head down to Papa Mo’s in Papamoa East. The staff, service, and menu are exceptional! A real favourite with locals and visitors alike.

ACCOMMODATION IN TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND

There is no shortage of accommodation in Tauranga, from luxury hotels to holiday homes and camping. With so much to choose from it is hard to know where to start. Think about your budget, preferred conveniences and the level of comfort you expect and go from there. You can find accommodation on all the normal websites such as Booking.com, Wotif and Trivago but it is good to compare places and read reviews before making a choice.

TRINITY WHARF, TAURANGA – Trinity Wharf is an exceptional 4.5-star luxury hotel located right down on Tauranga’s waterfront. On-site is the superb Halo restaurant with its fine dining menu and stunning views across the Tauranga Harbour.

OCEANSIDE RESORT & TWIN TOWERS, MOUNT MAUNGANUI – If beachfront luxury accommodation is what you are after then you can not beat the Oceanside. Just a minutes walk from restaurants and cafes, the Mount main beach, Mauao Summit Track sand the Mount Hotpools you have everything nearby for an exceptional beach holiday.

BEACH HOUSE MOTEL, MOUNT MAUNGANUI – One day this motel impressed me with their warm friendly service and now I always recommend it to visitors looking for this type of accommodation. Ideally situated between Mount Maunganui and Papamoa it is only a few minutes stroll from the beach.

HOLIDAY PARKS AND CAMPING IN TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI AND PAPAMOA – Camping and freedom camping are popular budget accommodation options for many. Campgrounds get very busy in the Tauranga area over the summer months. It does pay to book ahead if you want to secure a campsite, especially during the summer school holidays when many Kiwi families take their holidays. To find out more about the campgrounds and freedom camping in the Tauranga area click on the links above.

AIRBNB – Looking for a home away from home? Airbnb is a great option if you are looking for a bed, a room or a whole house for the family. There are no shortages of Airbnb’s in Tauranga area. If you are new to Airbnb you can sign up with this link and get up to $31 off your first booking.

SHOPPING IN TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND

DOWNTOWN TAURANGA – This shopping hub has a great selection of stores for all your shopping needs. You will find everything including fashion, homewares, accessories, artworks, gifts, toys and beauty essentials from local boutique designer stores to national chains.

Parking: Fees apply on weekdays 9am-3pm. Parking is free outside of these hours including weekends and public holidays. Street parking is $2 per hour with time restrictions in some areas.

DOWNTOWN MOUNT MAUNGANUI – Mount Maunganui’s main street offers the best boutique shopping experience in the Tauranga area. From fashion and beauty to souvenirs and fine art there are some real treats to be found here. There is also a great selection of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Parking: On-street parking in Mount Maunganui is free. However, weekends and summer holidays can be extremely busy and finding a free park can be difficult. There is paid parking ($4 for two hours) about half way along the main street, just across the road from Paper Plus.

BAYFAIR MOUNT MAUNGANUI – This is your one-stop shop with over 140 stores including a food court, cafes and restaurants, a supermarket and some of New Zealand’s most popular chain stores. Open seven days a week, shops hours are 9am-6pm with Countdown, Kmark, Timezone and restaurants open for longer hours.

Parking: There is plenty of covered and uncovered free parking at Bayfair with several entry and exit points.

PAPAMOA PLAZA & FASHION ISLAND – The main hub of Papamoa is home to two main shopping centers. Papamoa Plaza is a mall with a food court and over 40 stores including Countdown and The Warehouse. Fashion Island is a collection of exclusive brands, outlet stores, salons, eateries and more. You will also find Mitre 10, PaknSave and a number of other stores and services in the vicinity.

Parking: There is plenty of free uncovered parking. Time limits may apply at some parking spaces so take note.

Other articles that may interest you:
Top ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty 
The best things to do in Tauranga
Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary, Whakatāne

ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…

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