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 city, a coastal town and a sunset

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 Mount Hot Pools.

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 Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

Omanu
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Kairua

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

Kairua
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Bethlehem

If you're spending some time in Bethlehem, Fernland Spa and Waimarino Adventure Park are top sights worth seeing.

Bethlehem
Hotel on Devonport

Hotel on Devonport

4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is AU$173 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$173
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"No mini bar, very noisy and poor sound proofing, local bar sounded like it was in the same room, stayed before was ok, this time my family barely slept"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is AU$149 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$149
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable room. Friendly staff and lots of parking available."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is AU$176 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$176
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Very clean and great location"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 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! (1,290 reviews)
"Excellent location facilities and service"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
Best location
"clean, best location"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

6 on Adams
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! (988 reviews)
"Always a great stay"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 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
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Still a lots of road work going on at moment, take more time as usual.

Cities near Tauranga