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
A seaside city on New Zealand’s North Island, this is a place to sit back and relax on immaculate beaches or go exploring amidst some stunning scenery. 

Tauranga is nestled between Waipu Bay and Tauranga Harbour about halfway along the Bay of Plenty. It’s home to some of the country’s best waterways and beaches, and is surrounded by gorgeous countryside. The local food and wine is excellent, the air is clean, and the atmosphere relaxed. 

Throw on your swimwear and go for a dip. Whether you prefer calmer waters or the open surf, you’ll find somewhere to suit your taste. Pilot Bay has a sheltered beach that is great for sunbathing and picnics. Head to Waihi Beach for medium breakers, which is ideal for kids and novice surfers. Check out Mount Maunganui Main Beach for the city’s biggest and most popular waves. It has some of the best waves in the region and a beachfront dotted with cafés and restaurants.

Divers will find some of New Zealand’s best spots around Tauranga. First-timers can organise training sessions and supervised dives. Anyone looking to try their hand at surfing can take lessons with local instructors. Fishing enthusiasts can jump aboard a chartered boat and drop a line. For a truly unusual experience, head over to White Island across the bay here, you can experience exploring the inner crater of an active volcano.

For a break from the ocean, make your way inland and go exploring. Check out the Te Puna Quarry Park or go further afield to Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Adventurers can go mountain bike riding around Oropi Grove or the Redwoods. If that’s not extreme enough, make your way to the Wairoa River for some of the best white water rafting in the country, or have a go at kayak sliding.

When it’s time to eat, wander around town and take your pick of the restaurants and cafés. Hang around to see some historic buildings and visit the city’s museums and galleries. History buffs will love the Tauranga Military Collection and Classic Flyers NZ. Art fans will enjoy the Tauranga Art Gallery and the Cargo Shed. 

Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s premier seaside destinations. Some great beaches, activities for all ages and a chilled-out atmosphere make many visitors wish they could call it home.

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 Maunganui Beach.

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 Wairakei 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 blokart Recreation Park and Looking Glass Garden.

Papamoa
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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 Mount Maunganui Golf Club and Classic Flyers NZ.

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
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Kairua

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

Kairua
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is AU$159 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$159
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is AU$212 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$212
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
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! (1,215 reviews)
"Enjoy our stay and the room were big and comfortable"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Trinity Wharf Tauranga
4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is AU$218 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
AU$218
includes taxes & fees
28 Mar - 29 Mar
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! (997 reviews)
"Lovely room over the harbour and nice buffet breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 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! (1,215 reviews)
"Enjoy our stay and the room were big and comfortable"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
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! (174 reviews)
"Very impressed with the amenities, particularly the in-unit washer/dryer and kitchen. Extremely clean! Friendly front desk staff."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
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! (926 reviews)
"This property is clean and up to date. My room was comfortable and quiet. Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. The location is a short walk from shopping, restaurants, and local walking trails. I will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

City Suites 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tauranga

4
Top destination
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4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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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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