Tauranga’s waterfront is the stunning hero piece that brings so many tourists to the region. From ‘The Strand’ you can explore most of the city’s local dining and nightlife while taking in beautiful bay views. The waters of the Bay of Plenty aren’t just popular with human tourists; whales, dolphins and seals are all known to be regular visitors to this region.
One of the more popular activities in the Bay of Plenty region is whale and dolphin watching. From November to May, you may have the opportunity to spot Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback and Pilot whales, as well as Orcas. While it can often be difficult finding the whales and dolphins, take it from us – when you do, it’s a breathtaking experience. Some tour companies may even give you the opportunity to swim with your new marine friends!
For a cosmopolitan experience, pay a visit to Mt Maunganui, a suburb of Tauranga located north-east of the CBD. A favourite holiday spot for Kiwis, Mt Maunganui is the perfect spot for a round of golf, a surf, a swim, or a stop off at a day spa. At the tip of the peninsula you will find Mauao, the mountain overlooking the suburb. Mauao can be climbed, though some walking tracks are more challenging than others, so make sure you pick the right one before you head off.
Tauranga is a popular family destination, with young families making up much of the town’s population. If you’re visiting, there’s plenty to do to keep the little ones occupied. On Tauranga’s downtown waterfront, you’ll find the Hairy Maclary & Friends sculpture, based on the popular children’s book series authored by Tauranga-local Dame Lynley Dodd. Children can often be seen marvelling at the larger than life dog statues, which are also admired by nostalgic adults! For the big kids, a trip to the Adrenalin Forest will keep them satisfied for hours as they make their way through the multiple ropes courses in the heart of the forest.
As with all coastal North Island towns, there are an abundance of restaurants to suit all tastes and price ranges. For fine dining options, Postbank on Maunganui Road offers a seasonal menu with a classy ambiance. For cheap eats, Cafe Istanbul serves up mouthwatering Turkish-style pizza – the ‘Chicken Banana’ pizza sounds strange, but trust us, it’s delicious! Finally, for the best local seafood, we have a couple of favourite options. Bobby's Fresh Fish Market is the perfect place to stop off for some fish and chips with a view of the Tauranga Harbour, and Fish Face is a bustling restaurant that is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Once you’ve explored Tauranga’s city, the Bay of Plenty offers a wide variety of picturesque natural scenery including McLaren Falls (a great spot for fishing, picnicking or camping), Omanawa Falls (good for some amazing photo ops from afar) and Kaiate Falls (a lovely spot for a swim in the warmer months). Hiring a car allows you to freely move from site-to- site as you please.
