Are you planning to spend this weekend in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, with thrilling activities and interesting sites? If yes, head to the fifth largest city in the Bay of Plenty, known as Tauranga. One of the fastest-growing cities, due to population and development, and also home to the largest port in New Zealand. Nestled amidst Rotorua, Hamilton, and Auckland and just a short drive from Mount Maunganui, which is considered one of the most popular beach towns in New Zealand. Join us and embark on a journey to explore this relaxed harbourside city in New Zealand.
All You Want To Know About Tauranga
Image Credit: Joshville for Wikimedia Commons
In Maori, Tauranga suggests a ‘place of rest or anchorage’, and the sparkling harbour and majestic sights prove that Tauranga and the city make it a great place to relax and unwind. Downtown Tauranga offers various historically significant sites to witness during a scenic walk. The Strand waterfront in Tauranga is a trendy and always buzzing place and is home to several pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes, as well as numerous luxury accommodation options for tourists and explorers.
Fantasies become true as they climb over the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures, a storybook scene featuring the memorable characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books. You can also arrange tours or explore the local beauty attractions, such as Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and McLaren Falls, to get the fantastic experience of watching dolphins, fishing, diving, and sailing.
Also Read: Milford Sound
Things To Do At Tauranga
Tauranga is a relaxing harborside city with warm and sunny weather that offers something to do for everyone. You’ll be covered here, from hiking to discovering gourmet food to sunbaking on the beach. Some of the popular activities that you can do at Tauranga are here:
1. Explore Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)
Image Credit: Pseudopanax for Wikimedia Commons
Within walking distance from Mount Maunganui Main Beach, you’ll be at the exquisite Moturiki Island, which offers panoramic scenes and a relaxing atmosphere with lush green forests. It has a fascinating and colourful history, and early Maori settlers inhabited it.
It was established in 1911 as a blasting quarry and then transformed into an aquarium and a water park, which earned the island the name ‘Leisure Island’. The Island is now a famous walking track from the beach to its northern trip that offers dazzling blowholes shooting water upwards, usually during high tides and large ocean swells. You can do a fantastic activity in Tauranga and get a tremendous experience.
2. Soak in the Mount Hot Pools
Image Credit: CoolNathan64 for Wikimedia Commons
After exploring Moturiki Island near Mount Maunganui Main Beach, head to the Mount Hot Pools to relax and chill your soul and mind. The Mount Hot Pool is a geothermal-heated natural saltwater pool at the base of the Mount.
Different types of pools, such as large activity pools, private pools, and smaller passive pools, all have different temperatures. The pools are open all day and perfect for warming up in the winter with a low wind chill. The Mount Hot Pools are a unique town feature and are very popular among tourists and locals.
Related Post: Mount Cook
3. Explore Adrenalin Forest Bay of Plenty
Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for Wikimedia Commons
Finding the best adventure tourism for the whole family in New Zealand, which offers exciting and fun activities, can be difficult, but Adrenalin Forest solves that problem. Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, surrounded by pine forests and multiple fun activities, it offers over 100 activities, from ultra-challenging for adults to children-friendly.
It tests your skills with its aerial obstacle course designed to be fun but also boasts confidence. The challenges include wrecking balls, a commando flying fox, the Tarzan, and the Indiana jump. You can experience these activities with a full safety line.
4. Explore The Waterfront and The Strand in Tauranga city
Image Credit: Michal Klajban for Wikimedia Commons
If you are a nightlife lover and a gourmet foodie, head to The Strand, which has various cosy restaurants & bars in Tauranga City. Visit Lone Star Cafe & Bar, famous for its juicy loaded burgers and ribs, or try Brooklyn Patio and Eatery for fizzy cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and daily specials.
Get your sports fix at Cornerstone Pub, with its extensive outdoor screens and Sky Sports channels. The Rye Bar and Grill, near the corner of The Strand, is an amazing pub that serves delectable American cuisine. Also, you can take pictures with the famous Hairy Maclary Sculptures on the Tauranga waterfront.
Related Post: Abel Tasman National Park
Best Time To Visit Tauranga
Image Credit: Timo Breidenstein for Wikimedia Commons
The ideal season to visit Tauranga is from December to February. However, the best time to visit Tauranga is late spring, in October & November or late summer, around March & April. There are 22-25 degrees in Tauranga from November to March, so you’ll have a surplus of sunny days.
By travelling during these months, you’ll avoid huge crowds of tourists and the higher “peak” prices of accommodations from December to February. However, visiting in the peak summer is also suitable for exploring Tauranga; you must search harder for less crowded spots.
You May Also Like To Read: Camping Site In Auckland
Over the years, Tauranga has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the North Island of New Zealand. Tauranga has numerous exciting sites and thrilling activities for every interest and age that offer many fun things to do in Tauranga. It is also considered the home of New Zealand’s most famous harbour and beaches. With plenty of things to do, it becomes an ultimate weekend escape for lots of us, and you can also benefit from this. By planning your trip to New Zealand with our guiding tour packages, you can experience this wonderful city and make incredible memories in this beautiful city with your family and friends. It is what this city has to offer that makes it such a lovely place.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: W. Bulach for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Tauranga
Why is Tauranga famous?
Tauranga is the fifth largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest-growing cities due to population and development. It is popular for its gorgeous beaches, including the famous Mount Maunganui.
Is Tauranga in New Zealand a good place to live?
Tauranga offers an excellent quality of life like other cities in New Zealand. But the blend of clean air, warm weather, and close-knit suburban lifestyle make it more special from other cities.
Is Tauranga a city or a town?
It is the fifth-largest city in the Bay of Plenty located centrally in Rotorua, Hamilton, and Auckland and just a short drive from Mount Maunganui, one of the most popular beach towns in New Zealand.
What is the ideal time to visit Tauranga?
The best time to visit Tauranga is late spring in October & November or late summer around March & April. There are 22-25 degrees in Tauranga from November to March so you’ll have plenty of sunny days.
Is there public transport in Tauranga?
Yes, Tauranga has public transport Buses that run all day a week even on public holidays except Christmas Day. It is locally known as the Bay Hoppers and each bus stop and shelter is numbered.
People Also Read:
Fun Things To Do In New Zealand Kawerau In New Zealand Hiking In New Zealand
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
