Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Tauranga is also just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui which has spectacular b... Show More
Tourist Information About Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Tauranga is also just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui which has spectacular beaches great for surfing. Located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand, Tauranga's harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Tauranga has many activities and tourist attractions with fishing, sailing, diving, windsurfing, dolphin and wildlife tours and cycling and walking adventures. Go on a biking adventure, visit Waimarino Adventure Park, McLaren Falls Park, Kaiate Falls, or explore Leisure Island. Delicious food and drink, stunning walking tracks and trails. Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view and home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs plus a vibrant nightlife.
Best Attractions and free things to do in Tauranga
1. V8 Trike Tour
If you're looking for a fun-filled adrenaline rush, the V8 Trike Tour is just the place! It's the top 10% Attraction Worldwide and voted #1 Outdoor Activity in Tauranga. The unique and thrilling experience starts on a V8 Chevrolet trike as you explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. A perfect and memorable way to spend an evening.
2. Tauranga Art Gallery
The Tauranga Art Gallery consists of breathtaking pieces of exquisite art, appreciated by everyone. Whether it's a cloudy, sunny or cold day, the Tauranga Art Gallery should be at the top of your bucket list. There is something for everyone to enjoy with the vast variety of art forms the building takes in. Why not take an hour or two out of your day to have a look?
3. Kaituna River Rafting
Often the bay of plenty can be too sunny to spend the day in the sun. So, why not send it in the river! Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! You even take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!
4. Rotorua
Wherever you are staying in the bay of plenty, it's always worth taking a day trip to Rotorua. With so many wonderful things to do it would be a missed opportunity not to take the drive. From Volcano hikes to mud spas, there's something for everyone!
5. Hike Mt Maunganui
Don't miss out on the views from the peak of Mt Maunganui, often known as Mauao or "The Mount." There are several walking trails that lead up and around The Mount, but the 30-minute journey to the peak rewards you with panoramic views of the beaches, Tauranga city, and the Pacific Ocean. A morning run up and down "the Mount" is one of the most popular activities to do in Mount Maunganui for locals and visitors trying to keep in shape.
6. McLaren Falls Park
When you ask the locals about things to do in Tauranga, they will recommend McLaren Falls Park. McLaren Falls Park is a 20-minute drive from Tauranga. Walking through the many sections of native and exotic trees, through the extremely reflecting Lake McLaren, and marveling at the McLaren Falls at the park's entrance may take up a whole day. The 10-minute waterfall trail to the unidentified waterfall is highly recommended!
7. Browse the Markets
In Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, there's always something going on, and marketplaces are generally featured. For food, crafts, design, and art, visit the Little Big Markets in Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui, every first Saturday of the month throughout the summer, 9am-2pm. On Saturdays, the Tauranga Farmers Market is also packed with vendors and consumers from roughly 8 a.m until 12 p.m. The Tauranga Primary School on Fifth Avenue/Cameron Road hosts the event. Finally, if you're up early on Sundays, the Tauranga Market is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Historic Village on Seventeenth Avenue West.
8. Te Puna Quarry
Riddled in marvelous statues, Te Puna Quarry park has magic to be discovered at every turn.
The gardens are brimming with unique features, including irises, cactus and succulents, a palm grove, bonsai nook, butterfly garden, and so much more, including orchids by the thousands. With our Australian and South African areas, you can experience a taste of distant places.
9. Surfing
Mt Maunganui Beach is a great place to go wave-riding when the swell is big. There are several surf businesses in the Mt Maunganui area that frequently offer surf hire discounts. Alternatively, several hostels in town, such as Pacific Coast Lodge, provide complimentary boarding to its visitors, so take advantage! Surfing is undoubtedly one of Tauranga's most popular pastimes.
10. Blowholes on Leisure Island
Leisure Island is one of the most accessible islands in the world. Simply cross a footbridge that connects the island to Mt Maunganui's main beach and take a 10-minute walk down a pathway that leads to a blowhole. One of the best things to do at Mount Maunganui is take a leisurely stroll.
