Tauranga is a charming coastal city located along the shores of the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Its proximity to Auckland has made it a rapidly growing metropolitan hub, while still maintaining its stunning coastline where you can go sailing, fishing, dolphin watching, or just soak up the sun.
Downtown Tauranga is home to several historically significant areas, which can all be explored on foot. The undoubted jewel in Tauranga’s crown is its waterfront, complemented by its array of modern cafés, restaurants, pubs and a range of boutique accommodation options.
Explore Tauranga’s Historic Buildings
The Elms is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important heritage sites. It was a place where early contact was made between Māori people and invading British colonialists. To this day, the site remains a central part of Tauranga’s history and identity. With category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set among a manicured garden – this listed property is a must-see for visitors to Tauranga. Join a guided tour to hear the fascinating account of the mission founded by Anglican priest Alfred Nesbit Brown in 1838 and its relations with local Māori. The property remained in the Brown family until 1997, and still retains much of its original features.
Tauranga Art Gallery
The Tauranga Art Gallery, which is one of New Zealand’s newest and most lauded regional galleries, is located on the corner of Wharf Street and Willow Street, in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD. The gallery opened in 2007 in an old bank building, which now houses a delightful collection of contemporary art. With a rotating array of exhibitions that features both international and local art, the gallery is highly deserving of the praise it has garnered, making it well worth a visit.
Mills Reef Winery and Restaurant
Mills Reef Winery was established in 1989 by the Preston family and has since established itself as one of New Zealand's best-loved labels, with a well-earned reputation for producing outstanding Bordeaux varietal reds and Syrah. The winery is located is located just minutes from the city on beautifully landscaped grounds. The winery features full winemaking and bottling facilities, two underground barrel cellars, an aged wine cellar, wine tasting areas, and an award winning restaurant. You could easily spend a long afternoon here, which we would thoroughly recommend.
Explore the Water
Tauranga is famous for its beautiful waterfront, so it behooves visitors to the city to get out onto the water. The waters of the Bay of Plenty are known for their wildlife, including humpback and pilot whales, orcas, seals, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Hector’s dolphins. Because there’s such an abundance of sea creatures, there are plenty of opportunities to get out among them and spot some for yourself. Check out Bay Explorer for an island and wildlife cruise. Like any other New Zealand coastal city, there is no lack of fishing charter tours in Tauranga. Book your place on one and you’ll be sure to catch your supper.
