Tauranga is a harborside city in the Bay of Plenty region that buzzes with activity. It catches a lot of sun in the summer, making it a dream location for days at the beach or out on the water. Here’s our general guide to the Tauranga area to inspire your next holiday escape!
Favorite Tauranga Tourist Attractions
The Bay of Plenty, or Te Moana-a-Toi (the Sea of Toi) in Māori, is a sun-drenched stretch of New Zealand’s North Island coastline. British explorer James Cook bestowed the name “Bay of Plenty” on the region in 1769 when he saw the abundance of food enjoyed by the Māori villages that dotted the shore.
Today, the region is home to the coastal city of Tauranga, the fifth most populated city in New Zealand, and the location of the iconic Mauao volcano and dazzling Mount Maunganui beach.
We also recommend exploring the region as there are many more things to do in the Bay of Plenty including a variety of beaches, walks and many outdoor activities.
Tauranga means ‘place of rest’ in Māori and its sparkling harbor and sandy beaches make it a wonderful place to kick back and relax. For the more adventure inclined, Tauranga also offers plenty to keep busy. It’s the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and virtually surrounded by water. Locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing, diving, swimming, and stunning views from almost every angle.
If you are planning to go on holiday soon, Tauranga has so much to offer it’s an easy choice for the ideal holiday destination. Travelers can explore the local culture, art, and heritage of the city, explore Papamoa and walk along the endless waterfront soaking up the sun and views, or get out on the water of the bay for a wet and wild adventure!
Whether you’re a keen hiker, an art appreciator or are just looking for a well-spent family day out, Tauranga has plenty of activities on offer.
Walking/Hiking
McLaren Falls Park
Just a 10 minute drive from Tauranga is the Mclaren Falls Park, a great spot for walking tracks, fishing, swimming and golf. We recommend taking the waterfall track for a glimpse of the Mclaren Falls themselves. If you walk this track at night, glowworms will often light the way. Find out more about the park here.
Mt. Maunganui Summit Track
Challenge yourself with a steep walk up to the summit of Mt. Maunganui. You’ll be rewarded with great views of the beach and harbour. The summit tracks are well sign-posted with times, and you might find a few sheep grazing on the grass on the way up! If a 232 metre climb sounds a bit much, the base walk is also a great one to do. We also recommend checking out some of the other things to do in Mt Maunganui such as the local restaurants, bars, and beaches. With loads of apartments in Mt Maunganui you’ll be spoiled for choice with accommodation options.
Insider Tip from our local Holiday Manager: “A walk around the base of the Mount and then enjoying NZ made Kapiti ice-cream on the beach is the perfect way to get into holiday mode!”
View our holiday homes in Tauranga/Mt Maunganui by clicking here.
Kaiate Falls
The Kaiate falls track is another favourite among locals and visitors. The walk is short (20 minutes) but steep, and goes through native bush. At the end you’ll find the beautiful (and massive) falls that are a great photo opportunity. It’s good to know that swimming here has been officially banned as there has been contamination in the waters. But if you’re still looking for a dip, keep following the path for another 5 minutes to another falls. Here you’ll find people swimming in summer as well as a rope swing and rocks to jump off!
Water activities
Dolphin Seafaris
Go on a search for dolphins with Dolphin Seafaris. They’ll take you out on a specialised dolphin viewing boat, and you’ll even get the opportunity to swim with dolphins! That’s sure to be a bucket-list tick right there. The tours depart daily in summer, and a little less frequently in the off-seasons.
Learn to Surf
The waves on Maunganui beach are perfect for first-time surfers. The best way to get standing as soon as possible is to have a quick surf lesson at one of the many surf schools along the beach. You’ll be assigned a foam board and then given a short on-shore lesson on how to swim out, catch a wave and even stand up! The rest is just practice.
Child and family-oriented activities
Adrenalin Forest
Suspended up to 20 metres above ground amongst pine trees, Adrenalin forest is the ultimate playground for both kids and adults. Practice your inner tarzan with obstacle courses that’ll have you swinging, jumping and flying all over the place (while being safely clipped in of course). The course difficulties range from beginner to advanced, so there’s bound to be something for any every or level of bravery.
Dialled Indoor Tramp Park
Bounce, flip and jump yourself silly at Tauranga’s indoor trampoline park. This is a great place to take the kids for a family activity. They organise dodgeball games for those with the competitive spirit, and jump classes for those who want to work on their back-flips.
Good Eats: Food, Restaurants, and Bars
Tauranga has a lot to offer in the name of places to dine out. Here’s a list of some of the best rated restaurants and cafes, so you don’t have to make a decision on an empty belly.
The Med Cafe
Located in central Tauranga, The Med Cafe has some of the best food and service in town. Both locals and tourists love it, shown by it’s great ratings on Tripadvisor. They do all of the classics at a very decent price. We recommend getting the blueberry buttermilk pancakes.
Harbourside
Table for two? Have a romantic dinner at the Harbourside restaurant. A little more upmarket than your usual dining place, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Tauranga Harbour.
The Phoenix
If craft beer and hearty meals sound like a bit of you, you’ll love The Phoenix. It’s not your average bar – their dinner menu has your classic burgers but also quality steaks, ribs and small plate options. It’s a family-owned business, sporting a wide range of Monteiths craft beers.
Top Must-Visit Tauranga attractions:
1. Waimarino Adventure Park
If your idea of adventure is constantly pushing you towards the water, Waimarino Adventure Park is the place for you! Known as Tauranga’s “premier kayaking & recreational destination” the park encourages participation by folks of all ages and abilities. They want their guests to try new things and develop new skills while spending quality time with family and friends.
Acting as both a water park and adventure park, Waimarino Adventure Park is a dream come true for children of all ages. Located along the Wairou River 10 minutes from Tauranga, this tranquil park offers kayaking courses, trampolines, diving boards, beach volleyball, water slides and more. Better yet, the Park has some mint BBQ facilities that your family can use to cook dinner after a big day of adventure.
The park offer loads of fun activities including:
- The Blob: Jump onto this giant inflatable pillow at New Zealand’s largest Human Catapult!
- The Rockwall: Face your fear of heights and see if you can climb all the way to the top!
- The UFO: This floating trampoline offers hours of fun! Climb, jump, slide, and swim!
- The Hydro Slide: Grab a foam mat and launch, or even slide down in a kayak!
- The Tarzan Swing: Feel like the king of the jungle as you hold on tight and swing out as far as you can!
- Slip And Slide: Get you sleek on as you slide the full length and make a splash in the pool at the end!
2. Mount Maunganui Hiking
Travelers working on a budget want all the adventure they can get — without high costs, and many Tauranga things to do offer this in spades! One of the area’s best free offerings is to hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui, or simply “The Mount”. There are a number of walking trails that wind around The Mount, but physically fit visitors will want to make the 30-minute climb to the top. There, they’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty’s beautiful beaches, Tauranga city, and the deep blue Pacific!
3. Dine Picnic Style On Mount Maunganui Beach
Looking for one of Tauranga’s best dining experiences? Look no further than a picnic on Mount Maunganui Beach! It’s the ideal spot for travelers to enjoy food, sun, and surf all at once. Not sure what to pack for the perfect picnic on the beach? No worries! Local picnic masters — Bay Picnics — will outfit you with everything you need! They’ll provide items such as pillows, lights, and blankets along with some of the most delicious food anywhere. Looking for a romantic evening? Ask them about adding flowers to your picnic!
4. Relax and Take a Stroll Through Tauranga’s Outdoor Markets
For visitors looking for more easy-going Tauranga attractions or just a bit of downtime from all the water sports, hiking, and other thrill-seeking activities, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui outdoor markets are the answer. Stroll through Mt Maunganui’s famous Little Big Markets in Coronation Park every first Saturday of the summer months, or meander through the stalls and shoppers at the Tauranga Farmers Market. Either of these is the perfect place for foodies looking to immerse themselves in the region’s local flavors and culture!
Tauranga = Destination Perfect!
Tauranga is the perfect destination for your next getaway, and accommodation options are easy to find when you use Bachcare.co.nz Regardless of your budget or your holiday home needs, Bachcare has got the right “home-away-from-home” for you!
5. Lounge the day away in the hot pools
Located in Mount Maunganui and just a stone’s throw away from the beach is the Mount Hot Pools. Perfect for families who want to enjoy the stunning day but want a safer environment for the kids to enjoy the water, the Mount Hot Pools are a must-do while in Tauranga. The pools are set up brilliantly so that adults and kids alike will be able to enjoy and whether it’s rain or shine, the water temperature is absolutely perfect.
6. Enjoy an afternoon out on the greens
Tauranga offers one of the coolest mini golf courses in the Bay of Plenty and it’s one we know your whole family will love. Mini Golf Tauranga is located right along the Tauranga Harbour and offers 18 holes of family-filled fun! Open seven days a week, there’s no excuse to not fit it into your family’s holiday itinerary.
7. Take in the views from the sky
What better way to bond as a family than jump out of a plane and go skydiving together?! Skydive Tauranga offers the most beautiful skydive in the North Island and an incredible way to take in the stunning sights of the coastline. You’ll see Mt Taranaki, White Island, Mt Ruapehu and The Coromandel while soaring through the sky.
If that’s not reason enough, they are also doing a sustainability initiative where every tandem jump results in a donation to Trees that Count (so a tree will be planted in your honour after free-falling from the sky). Does a family bonding activity really get any better than this?
Three Charming Tauranga Homes Perfect for Your Next Holiday:
Suite by the Sea – Mt Maunganui Holiday Apartment
1 Bedroom • 1 Bath • Sleeps 3
When it comes to holiday homes on a tight budget, it’s tough to beat Suite by the Sea! Centrally located, this Mount Maunganui holiday apartment offers everything young couples need for their next retreat! Bright and clean, this suite is furnished with comfort in mind and features a cozy living-dining space that opens an airy patio, complemented with stylish outdoor furniture and a BBQ.
When it’s time to venture out, guests will find plenty of shops, eateries, and attractions nearby, and Mount Maunganui Beach is just a short two-minute walk from your door!
Oceanside Bach – Tauranga Holiday Home
4 Bedrooms • 2 Baths • Sleeps 9
Situated right by the beach with beautiful views of the sea, Oceanside Bach is the perfect place for your next seaside holiday at Mount Maunganui.
Imagine waking up in the mornings to head out onto the balcony to admire the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand. While away your evenings with a glass of wine and bring along your family and friends to enjoy this place with some good company!
Sleeping up to 9 people across 2 stories, the home has plenty of space all around with a separate open plan living, kitchen and dining area downstairs. Upstairs, experience the seamless flow from the living area out onto the outdoor balcony.
Treetop Mount Escape – Mt Maunganui Holiday Apartment
1 Bedrooms • 1 Bath • Sleeps 2
For a contemporary take on the Mt Maunganui holiday spot, welcome to Treetop Mount Escape!
Tastefully furnished with modern decor and fitted with the must-haves, your trip to the Mount could be easy and fuss-free, but with all the modern comforts of home.
This holiday apartment features open-plan living with a fully equipped kitchen for all those delicious holiday meals. Of course, a dishwasher is available to ensure you spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning up.
Throughout your stay there is WiFi available to keep you connected, as well as a Smart TV with Freeview when you feel like throwing something on.
In the warmer months, take some time out at the shared outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and gym. Enjoy a dip in the water to cool off, or help the stress melt away with a soak at the end of the day.
You’ll love being right next door to Mixture Cafe, offering some of the best brunches in town. Even if it’s just for your morning cup of coffee, you have to pop in when you’re here. As well as other great cafes within a few minutes walk so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Holidays Don’t Book Themselves!
It’s pretty easy to see why Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are a favorite destination for travelers from around the globe. But remember, holidays don’t book themselves. Get your next getaway started today! Dream of exciting adventures, plan your itinerary, and book the ideal holiday home right now on Bachcare.co.nz!
