Tauranga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Maunganui showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Katikati featuring outdoor art
Katikati featuring outdoor art
Martha Mine featuring wild flowers
Katikati featuring a statue or sculpture, a park and outdoor art

Ride a boat out to an active volcano, go whitewater rafting or just relax on a sheltered beach in this coastal town surrounded by wild hills.

Encompassing a collection of bays within a dramatic volcanic landscape, Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city. Enjoy the variety of different beaches lining the bays and explore the hilly countryside for some panoramic views of the whole region. And, if you’re brave enough, venture inside an active volcano.

Choose from a wide range of beaches along Tarauga’s bays and peninsulas. Mount Maunganui Main Beach is the best beach for surfers, as it has some of the area’s largest waves. Beginners should catch the medium-sized waves at Waihi Beach, which is located to the north of the city. Surfing lessons are available if you are just starting out. If you are looking for a place to take the family, visit the calm waters of Pilot Bay, which is protected from the surf by Mount Manganui.

Book a seat on a boat to explore the waters off the Tauranga coastline. One of the area’s most interesting attractions is White Island, a small landmass crowned by an active volcano. Board a diving boat and explore the coral reefs or ride a fishing boat out into deep water and catch some fresh seafood.

Explore Tauranga’s inland attractions. Go rafting on the nearby Wairoa River, which features some intense rapids. Visit one of several nature parks near the city, such as Te Puna Quarry Park or Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Hike or bike through the wooded hills.

If you have had enough outdoor adventures for the day, explore the Tauranga city centre. Learn about local history at museums such as the Tauranga Military Collection or admire art by local residents at the Tauranga Art Gallery. Enjoy a meal at one of Tauranga’s many gourmet restaurants and make sure to try some regional wine.

Tauranga is located in the northwestern part of the Bay of Plenty. The city’s beaches and bays make it one of the best places to experience New Zealand’s north coast.

Where to stay in Tauranga

Mount Maunganui showing a city, a coastal town and a sunset

Mount Maunganui

5/5(1 area review)

Mount Maunganui is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Pilot Bay Beach or Mount Hot Pools.

Mount Maunganui
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Papamoa Beach

Unique features of Papamoa Beach include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by Papamoa Beach or Gordon Spratt Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Papamoa Beach
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Papamoa

While visiting Papamoa, you might make a stop by sights like Looking Glass Garden and blokart Recreation Park.

Papamoa
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Kairua

While Kairua isn't home to many top sights, Papamoa Beach and Mercury Baypark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kairua
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Omanu

While Omanu may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

Omanu
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Welcome Bay

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Welcome Bay and surrounding area, you can visit Memorial Park and Tenpin Tauranga.

Welcome Bay

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tauranga

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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Still a lots of road work going on at moment, take more time as usual.

Cities near Tauranga