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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Papamoa

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

Papamoa
Default Image

Kairua

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

Kairua
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is NZ$160 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$160
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Good staff clean rooms"

Reviewed on 16 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$199 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$199
29 July - 30 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! (1,003 reviews)
"The quietness , cleaningness , service was spot on"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is NZ$220 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$220
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Great stay. Only downside was that you could hear everything and everyone in the hallways and sometimes through the walls. Not great on a Saturday night. Otherwise the bed size was great, bathroom nice and clean and easy to find a car park"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Trinity Wharf Tauranga
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! (1,266 reviews)
"We had a great check in by Jass who has a lovely caring and welcoming personality. She really made our stay worthwhile with her friendly nature. Thank you so much"

Reviewed on 19 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! (971 reviews)
"Great location for walking to The Strand for dinner and shopping in city centre. Stayed in winter and room was lovely and warm without needing the heat pump on. It was also great to have undercover parking on site."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

City Suites Tauranga
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"Travelling for business and this is a great option. Nice clean quiet rooms with plenty of amenities"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

6 on Adams
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

Cities near Tauranga