Tauranga
New Zealand · Bay of Plenty · 3 m
Description
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and a commercial hub of New Zealand's upper North Island. Its harbour holds the country's busiest cargo port and the main cruise berth for the North Island. The extinct volcanic cone Mauao, known as Mount Maunganui, rises at the harbour entrance above a long surf beach. The Strand carries the city's cafes, bars and restaurants along the water. East of the Mount, Papamoa stretches golden sand for kilometres. The mood is easy and outdoors, built around swimming, surfing and boats. Travellers use Tauranga as a coastal base for the wider Bay of Plenty.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: January – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Mount Maunganui Main Beach
- Mauao / Mount Maunganui
- Mount Hot Pools
- Pilot Bay
- Papamoa Beach
- The Strand waterfront
- Surfing at Mount Maunganui
- McLaren Falls Park(Day trip)
- Tauranga Art Gallery
- The Elms Te Papa Tauranga
- Tauranga Farmers Market (weekly)
- Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
- Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park(Day trip)
- Omanawa Falls(Day trip)
- Bay of Plenty dolphin and orca watching
- Tuhua / Mayor Island(Day trip)
- Kaituna River rafting(Day trip)
- National Jazz Festival (March - April)
- Katikati murals(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- TRG
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry