Tauranga Tourism (2024) - New Zealand > Top Places, Travel Guide

Tauranga Travel Packages

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10 Days / 9 Nights

North Island Explorer: Cityscapes, Waterfalls, ...

Auckland(3N) → Whangarei(2N) → Tauranga(1N) → Rotorua(2N) → Auckland(1N)

$ 2,468

9% off

$2,227/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Maori Culture & Milford Sound: New Zealand's Be...

Auckland (1N) → Tauranga (2N) → Rotorua(2N) → Queenstown (2N) → Te Anau (1N)

$ 836

18% off

$685/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

9-Day North and South Island Adventure

Tauranga(2N) → Auckland(2N) → Nelson(2N) → Wellington(2N)

$ 1,179

10% off

$1,061/person

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Tauranga Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 3-5 Days

Best Time: March to May Read More

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"Simply Superb Tauranga"

Tauranga Tourism

Situated in the north-western corner of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is the most populous city in the region and the fifth largest urban area in New Zealand. Circumscribed by Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton, Tauranga is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, the majestic Mount Maunganui and the gorgeous views it offers and of course the most picturesque and scenic landscape that it has got.

Thronged by hundreds of tourists every year, the coastal town also boasts of a waterfront area that is peppered with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Besides, there are several adventure sports and fun games options that you can undertake here. From fishing and sailing to scuba diving and kayaking, there is no dearth of thrilling activities here.

White Island Tours

Waihi Beach

White Island Tours

Te Puke

Mills Reef

Kaiate Falls

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History of Tauranga

The history of Tauranga can be dated back to the late 13th century when it was settled by Maori. The European activity happened in the 19th century, exact date to be found- on Friday 23 June 1826, when the European ship Herald came to the Tauranga Harbour. In 1835, a Christian Mission society was set up. In fact, in all of the 1830s, Europeans started trading in flax from the Bay of Plenty. After going through a lot of changes and bearing a lot of hardships in the New Zealand Wars of 1864, Tauranga was finally declared a city in 1963. Much later and very recently, as per the Local Government (Tauranga City Council) Order 2003, Tauranga was again declared as a city legally on the 1st of March, 2004.

Best Experiences in Tauranga

One of the fastest growing cities in all of New Zealand, Tauranga also has a booming tourism industry.
The most popular attraction of the coastal town is its many gorgeous beaches that have been formed due to the presence of the Tauranga Harbour. Boasting of gleaming white sand and absolute serenity, the most popular beaches in the region include Ohope, Waihi Beach and Matakana etc.
These beaches are especially thronged in the summer months when there are a host of water activities and adventure sports available near there which including dolphin watching cruises, kayaking, swimming, parasailing, scuba diving, and banana boat rides etc.
The beaches are also known for the gorgeous marine wildlife replete with corals and reefs and therefore, the region is especially thronged by marine enthusiasts and divers.
Other than the beautiful beaches, there is also the majestic Mount Maunganui where you can go for a little trek. And the stunning view that the top of the peak offers is surreal and beyond description.
Considered to be one of the most popular vantage points in the area, the mountain peak offers enchanting panoramic vistas of the surroundings and the valley below, the most stunning of which is the Tauranga Harbor.
Besides, it has a huge statue of Hairy Maclary which are loved by people from all over the world.
In addition to that, the city celebrates a Jazz Festival near Easter which is a big deal and calls for a grand celebration.

Culture of Tauranga

Among the residents of Tauranga, almost 83% are Europeans. The second largest ethnic group in the city is Maori with a 17% ratio. The remaining are Asian, Pacific people and others.
Among the most widely celebrated festival is the National Jazz Festival that happens every Easter.
Other than that, New Year Celebrations are done with a great deal of zeal and gusto. There is a parade and a proper feast.
Besides, the city has a burgeoning art scene with a number of cafes and art galleries displaying modern and contemporary arts.

Food in Tauranga

Home to a plethora of eclectic cafes, quirky nightclubs and buzzing bars and pubs, the food in Tauranga ranges from South Asian cuisine to Mexican, European, English and several others.
From delicious finger foods to proper fine dining restaurants, you can find everything here. Most of these boast of a perfect ambiance, you can choose from a garden setting or an indoor setting.
You can also choose to enjoy a meal on the waterfront. Some of the most popular cafes are Elizabeth Cafe and Larder, Cafe Versailles, Mills Reef, Mount Bistro and the Harbourside Waterfront Restaurant etc.

Nightlife

The city of Tauranga also has a booming nightlife and a vibrant bar scene with a host of fancy cafes, clubs and pubs etc. The beautiful lighting, groovy dancefloors and the blaring music cater to large crowds every day.
The nightclubbing scene is inspired by the English countries as the residents are primarily Europeans.
The city is popular for its delicious wine and also has a lot of wineries, the most popular of which is the Mills Reef.

Shopping in Tauranga

Shopping is the go-to activity among the locals and tourists alike. From high-end shopping malls to fancy boutiques, flea markets and big brand stores, the city has got it all.
Some of the top places to shop are Bayfair Shopping Centre, Downtown Tauranga, Mount Mainstreet, Fashion Island, Papamoa Plaza, The Hub Whakatane, and The Village etc.

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Tauranga Photos

Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau Falls), Tauranga

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FAQs on Tauranga

What is the best time to visit Tauranga?

The summer temperature in Tauranga stays between 20 - 25 degrees celsius and the winter temperature stays between 10 to 15 degrees celsius. The humidity is very high in the summer months though. Being a coastal city, the climate is mostly pleasant and the weather is mostly temperate throughout. So any time of the year is an ideal time to visit Tauranga.
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What are the things to do in Tauranga?

The top things to do in Tauranga are White Island Tours, Waihi Beach, White Island Tours, Te Puke, Mills Reef, Kaiate Falls. You can see all the places to visit in Tauranga here

What are the places near Tauranga?

The top places near to Tauranga are Auckland which is 155 km from Tauranga, Gisborne which is located 194 km from Tauranga, Rotorua which is located 50 km from Tauranga, Whakatane which is located 78 km from Tauranga, Hunua ranges which is located 117 km from Tauranga

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North Island Explorer: Cityscapes, Waterfalls, ...