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 sandy beach, general coastal views and a city

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 Mercury Baypark.

Welcome Bay
Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Trinity Wharf Tauranga
4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is NZ$220 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$220
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Waking up to beautiful views across the water."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is NZ$156 per night from 18 July to 19 July
NZ$156
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"I liked the area. Peace n quiet. Easy parking. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Hotel on Devonport
Hotel on Devonport
4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is NZ$179 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$179
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was pretty good. The location was accessible to many places and the room was clean and spacious. Only issue we had was poor wifi signal but other than that great views from the balcony."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,262 reviews)
"Didn't realise they were doing a bit of work around the property. Overall cleanliness was OK but feel the rooms were dated & in need of a revamp. Location is great."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
City Suites Tauranga
City Suites Tauranga
4.5 out of 5
32 Cameron Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (964 reviews)
"Service was outstanding thank you Sam. Staff friendly and approachable. I will recommend City Suites to everyone. Location vicinity close to everything in city. and will stay here again. Has all necessary amenities you need."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

City Suites Tauranga
Quest Mt Maunganui
Quest Mt Maunganui
4 out of 5
2 Rata St, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tauranga

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Top destination
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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