The Bay of Plenty is my home, my childhood playground, and I love nothing more than sharing it with visitors. I know it well and have explored many corners of this amazing region including Tauranga. This list of the ‘Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga’ that I have put together for you is in no particular order. There is no way I could justify one of these activities being better than another as they all have something different to offer. If you are not sure what to do then why not do the lot!

EMBARK ON A DOLPHIN AND WILDLIFE CRUISE

No 1 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is the Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise with the Bay Explorer. The captain and crew are keen to share their passion for the marine wildlife you will get to experience on this half-day cruise. Departing the Tauranga waterfront jetty at 9am you may get to witness marine life such as dolphins, seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and possibly even turtles. The Bay Explorer also offers a full-day cruise that includes an island stopover with swimming, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
COST: $55 for children and $130 for adults. There is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more and special rates for education groups.

VISIT THE TAURANGA ART GALLERY

No 2 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is the Tauranga Art Gallery. Hosting numerous exhibitions and events annually the Tauranga Art Gallery is the perfect all-weather activity in downtown Tauranga. The first art gallery to open in the Western Bay of Plenty back in 2007, the Tauranga Art Gallery prides itself on inspiring and educating visitors of all ages with their educational programmes. These include debates, floor talks, guided tours, seminars, screenings, performances and artist residencies.
COST: NZ Residents by Donation. Children (12 years & under) Free. International Visitors $7.

EAT & DRINK IN DOWNTOWN TAURANGA

No 3 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga to Eat & Drink in Downtown Tauranga. There is no shortage of eateries to tantalise your tastebuds in downtown Tauranga. From tasty fish and chips to Asian Fusion cuisine there are dining options for all budgets. This is a foodies paradise! If it is a good bar or local brews you that interest you then choose from a selection of great places to relax and enjoy. My personal favourite place to dine in Downtown Tauranga is Macau Restaurant with its amazing Asian fusion menu.
COST: With such a fantastic range of restaurants and eateries downtown there is something for all budgets.

VENTURE OUT TO THE ADRENALINE FOREST BAY OF PLENTY

No 4 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is the Adrenaline Forest. Adrenalin Forest is an aerial obstacle course that includes over 100 exciting challenges across six levels.  Located in the All Terrain TECT Park this course suits most ages (over 1.45m), levels of ability and confidence. Adrenalin Forest Bay of Plenty is one of three courses in New Zeland with other courses in Christchurch and Wellington along with the fourth course opening in Auckland, December 2019.
COST: $45 Adults, $38 NZ University Student, $30 Under 18 (over 1.45m)

WALK MOUNT MAUNGANUI SUMMIT TRACKS

No 5 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to walk any of the Mount Maunganui summit tracks. Known to locals as Mauao, meaning ‘caught by the morning sun’ the mountain is a historic reserve with a Māori legend that tells of its origin. The wide base track takes approximately 45 minutes to walk and is suitable for strollers. There are several tracks to the summit that take 30-60 minutes depending on fitness and speed. The views in all directions are spectacular on a clear day and it is a real treat to catch a sunrise or a sunset from the top.
COST: Walking the summit tracks is FREE 

CHECK OUT THE TAURANGA HISTORIC VILLAGE

No 6 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is the Historic Village. A collection of original and replica buildings entering the village is like taking a step back in time. Some of the buildings are occupied by boutique shops, galleries, and spaces for hire. The grounds are open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 10pm. However, each business keeps its own hours. There are a number of events each month including the street markets which are on the first and third Sunday of every month from 8am – 12 noon.
COST: Entry to the Historic Village is FREE.

EXPLORE TE PUNA QUARRY PARK

No 7 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to explore the Te Puna Quarry Park. Described as “A community development in the environmental arts”. These incredible gardens are open all year round and change dramatically with the seasons. The walking track through the park takes about 45 minutes but you will want to plan to spend twice as long exploring so you don’t miss a thing. The park also has The Gallery building which can be hired for functions and gatherings. This is a dog-friendly park.
COST: Entry to this park is FREE but donations are welcome. $200 per day to hire facilities for functions.

EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY AT THE CAVE

No 8 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is The Cave. A virtual reality experience is something else and if you have not tried it before then this is the place to do it! With three locations around Tauranga The Cave offers something for all ages. From after school sessions, fitness classes, escape rooms, freaky Fridays to senior sessions. This is not just an experience for gamers wanting to go to the next level but for anyone looking for a different entertainment experience. Run from zombies, race at Bathurst or enjoy a good workout.
COST: Prices range from $20 to $60 per session depending on the experience you choose.

TAKE A SURF LESSON

No 9 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to take a surf lesson with Hibiscus Surf School or Mount Maunganui Surf Academy. If you have always wanted to learn to surf or improve your surfing skills then Mount Maunganui is one of the best places in New Zealand to do so. There are surf breaks suited to all levels including beginners. Starting with a lesson or two is a great way to learn the basics and get out on your own. With two great surf companies to choose from you won’t have a problem finding the lesson or package to suit you.
COST: Starting from $50 for kids, $125 for private lessons and $150 packages.

ENJOY AN EVENING GLOW WORM KAYAK TOUR

No 10 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is the Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour. This unique experience is not one to disappoint. To see glow worms in their natural habit is a ‘bucket list’ activity for many who visit Aotearoa New Zealand. To do it from a kayak is something really something magical. The tour starts at McLaren Falls Park with a taste of New Zealand wine and cheeses while watching the sunset over the hills.
COST: $139 per person – $149 peak season (26 Dec to 31 Jan)

DISCOVER ONE OF NEW ZEALANDS OLDEST HERITAGE SITES

No 11 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to visit The Elms – Te Papa Tauranga. Originally a pā site and the landing site of ancestral waka (Māori canoe), this location later become the home of the Mission Station and its Christian missionaries. This historic site carries stories of interactions between Māori, missionaries, and settlers in the Tauranga area. If local history is your thing then you will love this well-preserved heritage site right in the heart of Tauranga City.
COST: Entry is $7.50 for a Tauranga resident, $10 for a New Zealand Resident and $15 for an International visitor. The cost for children 5-16 is less. The entry price includes a guided tour.

TAKE YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE TO SUMMERHILL RECREATION PARK

No 12 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to go mountain biking at Summerhill. Just 25 minutes from Tauranga is a working beef and sheep farm with a maze of mountain bike and walking trails. There is 20kms of mountain bike trails that weave through hills and forests offering a variety of challenges. Most of these trails are grade 3 so they are suited to intermediate riders. For those just keen on a walk, there are a number of other trails for you to explore. You can even access the Papamoa Hills from Summerhill Recreation Park if you wish. The car park is spacious and you will find public toilets here. If you have a group that wants to make a day of it you can book out the Mongolian Ger and BBQ. The park is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk.
COST: Entry to the park is FREE

GO FISHING OR BOOK A FISHING CHARTER

No 13 of the Best Things to do in Tauranga is to go fishing! The Bay of Plenty offers one of the best fishing experiences in all of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether casting a line from the shore, heading out on a fishing charter or gathering shellfish, this is an angler and seafood lovers paradise. From the shore you can expect to catch Kahawai and Snapper or head out to the reefs for Trevally, Tarakihi, John Dory and Gurnard. If it is some bigger fish that you are after you can look forward to hooking Kingfish, Striped, Blue or Black Marlin (season dependant), as well as deepwater fish like Hapuka, Bass and Blue Nose. Te Awanui (Tauranga Harbour) is one of New Zealand’s largest natural harbours stretching from Welcome Bay to Waihi. To find out more about fishing in Tauranga and booking the best fishing charter then check out my blog Fishing Charters Tauranga.
COST: Fishing from the shores of Tauranga is FREE. Fishing charters start from $90 per person (public charter) and $900 per boat (private charter)

For a complete guide on visiting Tauranga be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand.

OTHER LINKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN THE BAY OF PLENTY
EXPLORE THE AMAZING PAPAMOA HILLS
CAMPGROUNDS IN TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI AND PAPAMOA.

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