Top 10 Things To Do And See Around Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest-growing population centres in the country. Central to Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton, and just a 15-minute drive from one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui.
Source — Newzealand.com
1. Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’ by TripAdvisor and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world. Often referred to as the Mount by locals.
Perhaps most iconic is Mount Maunganui, Mauao, which rises 232 meters from the sea. The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360-degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty.
Relax on white-sand beaches, surf in the warm ocean waves, or swim in the relaxing waters of Pilot Bay. This is a great place to kick back and people watch. Numerous beach, ocean, and multisport events are held here utilising the natural features of the Mount and people of all ages enjoy the Main Beach year-round.
Stroll across the road and choose a table at any number of beachside cafes and restaurants. This relaxed beach town can be likened to Southern California and Australia’s Gold Coast with the charm of New Zealand.
There is a Gourmet Night Market with an incredible selection of food and fresh produce straight from local farms. You'll also find plenty to keep you occupied in the outdoors too - big game fishing, dolphin tours, blokarting, and dive trips are easy to organise. Accommodation options range from private holiday homes to sophisticated serviced apartments and hotels.
Source — Newzealand.com
2. Rotorua Highlights
See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. You’ll travel to one of New Zealand’s famed regions in the North Island, observing otherworldly landscapes and Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa’s thermal springs. Visit Okere Falls at the Bay of Plenty; receive a traditional welcome at an authentic Maori village where you’ll watch a 'haka' (war dance); and view the Government Gardens, a historic bathhouse and more in Rotorua.
What to Expect
Start your shore excursion with pick up from the cruise port in Tauranga, departing Mt Maunganui for a day trip through the North Island’s lake country, sprinkled with more than a dozen pristine lakes. En route to Rotorua, hear insightful live commentary onboard the vehicle as you travel past the lovely waterfront and Bay of Plenty.
A short drive brings you to your first stop in the town of Te Puke, considered New Zealand's kiwifruit capital. Visit Kiwifruit Country, and learn more about this special fruit. Next, drive past rolling farmland and pine tree forests then disembark for a brief stroll to Okere Falls, a small town popular for its waterfalls and lakefront views.
Stop for lunch beside Lake Rotorua (own expense) before visiting the thermal wonderland of Whakarewarewa in the afternoon. Follow a Maori guide through a lunar-like landscape of hot springs and mud pools, and see the eruption of Pohutu Geyser.
You’ll hear how the indigenous people used the jets of steam from the bubbling cauldrons for everyday functions. Discover more Maori customs at a Maori village, starting with a traditional welcome. Enjoy a performance of song and dance, including the warlike haka.
After, go sightseeing in Rotorua city. View the Government Gardens, historic bathhouse and natural hot springs at Whangapipiro (Rachel's Pool) as well as Lake Tarawera if time allows. Complete your Rotorua shore excursion with the return to Mt Maunganui, following a scenic route via the Tauranga city center before crossing the harbor bridge to the port.
Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to the Tauranga port for this activity. In the rare event, your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Source — Viator.com
3. Tauranga Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour
If any of the above words described the activity you and your group are looking for, then the Glow Worm Kayak Tour is for you.
This is a truly unique experience; while you can see glow worms elsewhere in New Zealand, and you can paddle a sea kayak in many places around the world, this is the only place when the two combine for a magical & truly unique experience. This glow worm kayak tour is great fun with great refreshments, beautiful scenery, fantastic birdlife, and awesome glow worms.
Enjoy wine from the award-winning Mills Reef winery, delicate New Zealand cheeses and refreshments on the edge of Lake McLaren. Our kayak tour guides will prepare and brief you on how to kayak effectively before launching you onto picturesque Lake McLaren at twilight to paddle your kayak to the mysterious glow worm canyon.
The glow worms are situated in a narrow, high-sided canyon at the top of the lake, not in a cave, so our kayak tour only departs once a day before sunset so by the time we get to the glow-worm canyon it’s completely dark, as required to see the glow worms to the best effect.
Paddling a kayak may be something you have tried before, but you probably haven’t kayaked at night (we provide head-torches) and certainly not have kayaked in the dark to see constellations of glow worms. It is a fully guided kayak tour, with our professional kayaking guides leading your group and providing a fascinating & informative brief about the life cycle and peculiarities of the New Zealand fungus gnat (glow worms).
A truly magical & unique experience; not to be missed!
Source — Glowwormkayaking.com
4. Mayor Island
It’s one of the few places in New Zealand where obsidian is found. This black glassy rock was used by early Maori to make tools and weapons, and the name “Tuhua” is a direct reference to this treasure. The island’s English name was bestowed by Captain James Cook in recognition of the Lord Mayor’s Day due to be held in London a few days after he first saw the island in 1769.
The deeper waters surrounding Tuhua are filled with marlin, mako sharks and swordfish which have long attracted big game fishermen. But a marine reserve has now been established at the northern end of the island. Fishing is restricted within this reserve but it’s a perfect spot to enjoy snorkeling and diving with lots of subtropical species arriving on the warm ocean currents.
This island is privately-owned but the Tuhua Trust Board does allow visitors to land at South East Bay when Tuhua’s caretaker is in residence. You can book a cabin or campsites nearby from late October until April each year and there are shower facilities and an ablution block available.
There is no electricity, shop or supplies on this island, and you’ll need to boil all water before drinking it. So make sure you come fully prepared.
Spend your days hiking through this island’s dense pohutukawa forest and climb to the highest peak which stands 355m above sea level. Tuhua’s volcanic crater has two distinct lakes you can visit – the waters of Lake Aroarotamahine are green while Lake Te Paritu is almost black. Negotiate the ‘devil’s staircase’ to reach the crater floor, or hike around the crater rim instead. Several shorter walks are also marked out or spend the day relaxing on the beach instead.
Tuhua is a pest-free island and home to many native birds and threatened species such as bellbirds, tui, wood pigeons, morepork, kaka (brown parrot), grey warblers, kingfishers, shining cuckoos, North Island robins, kakariki karaka (Orange-fronted parakeets) and brown kiwi. Because of this, certain biosecurity rules must be followed if you’re planning to come ashore.
Source — Bayofplentynz.com
5. Memorial Park, Tauranga
Something for everyone at this park – 2 playgrounds (including slides coming out of a rocket ship!), mini putt (see under ‘contacts’ for more details), outdoor pools in the summer months and a miniature train. There are also BBQs, lots of grass for running around on and big old trees providing shelter for a picnic.
The train operates year-round – weather permitting with petrol, diesel and even mini steam trains running on different weekends. There’s more than one circuit but all have at least one tunnel. Great for train enthusiasts young and old! Check here for more train info.
The pool is only open in the summer months and has a learners’ pool and lap pool. See under ‘contact info’ for more details or here for the pools’ own website.
Source — Kidsonboard.co.nz
6. Tauranga Air Adventures
Fancy the ultimate 'feel-good' destination experience? If so, then Tauranga is the place to tick one off the bucket list! There is no more exciting way to discover the pristine coastal Bay of Plenty region, than with an exhilarating, bird's eye view air adventure.
Journey skywards with a nostalgic, wind-in-the-face historic flight, feel the soaring freedom of the glide, dance above Mount Maunganui in a gyroplane, or go exploring with an incredible helicopter or light aircraft seascape adventure tour.
If you want to get even closer to the action, there's parasailing, hang gliding and the ultimate pulse racing adrenaline rush of a freefall skydive. Whatever your desire, there's loads of Tauranga air activities to choose from. Make your way to the Tauranga City Airport and claim your share of life's natural high, with a memorable air adventure over Bay of Plenty and beyond.
Source — Taurangatourism.com
7. Sapphire Springs Holiday Park, Katikati
The family-owned and operated Holiday Park set in 32 hectares of beautiful native forest at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges. A haven in the bush bordered by a sparkling stream, complimented by warm swimming pools, hot tubs, and private spas.
Guests can choose from a range of accommodation such as powered and non-powered camping sites, lodge, cabins, self-contained motel units, and a five-bedroom bungalow. Motorhomes welcome. We offer warm fresh swimming pools, relaxing hot tubs and private hot soaking spas. Bring your family and friends for a picnic and a swim. BBQ's available and day visitors welcome with plenty of space to throw a frisbee or kick a ball. There are bush walks among the well-established native trees and ferns for you to explore and enjoy.
Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and Thermal Pools are located 30 minutes north of Tauranga, 2 hours south of Auckland, 3km off the Pacific Coast Highway. The golden sands of Waihi Beach are a short 20-minute drive away and 10 minutes to catch that big one' from the Tauranga Harbour. Come for the day and play, or stay for a relaxing holiday
Source — Sapphiresprings.nz
8. Leisure Island (Moturiki)
You won’t find an island more accessible than Moturiki.
This iconic landmark is actually connected to Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach by a man-made land bridge and has had a long and colourful history.
It was originally inhabited by early Maori settlers who built a terraced pa on the island. The Crown later took ownership of Moturiki and established a quarry in 1911 to source the loose stone foundations required to build railway lines around the Bay of Plenty.
This quarry continued for 12 years and the blasts created deep pits which were later used by two tourist attractions.
Marineland opened an aquarium here in 1966 where dolphins and other marine life were on display. Fifteen years later it was replaced by another venture, Leisure Island, which used the large pools for swimming, bumper boats, and hydro slides. Many Bay of Plenty locals still remember this attraction (it closed in 1990), hence Moturiki is often referred to as ‘Leisure Island’.
Today the island (which covers almost 2.5ha) has reverted back to its natural state, with no signs of the former facilities or attractions visible. A popular walking track will lead you to the northern tip of the island where you’ll find a blowhole that spectacularly shoots water skyward during high tides and large ocean swells.
It’ll take you between five and 10 minutes to reach the blowhole from Mount Maunganui’s main beach. Follow the well-marked track up the gentle slopes and scramble over the rocks at the top for the best vantage point. You’ll also have a great view over the Pacific Ocean, back towards Mount Maunganui and down the coastline towards Papamoa.
This is a great track to explore with your kids as there’s plenty of things like rock pools to spark their imagination.
Moturiki is also a popular spot for rock fishing. Just make sure you choose a spot where you’ll be safe from rouge waves and high seas.
Source — Bayofplentynz.com
9. Port of Tauranga Tours
Visitors with a day at the Port of Tauranga have two different options for how to spend the day: Explore the communities of Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui or take a shore excursion to the city of Rotorua.
For those who choose to stay in town, start the day by grabbing a bite at a café in Mt. Maunganui. This is a “surf city” for the Bay of Plenty, and the beach town vibe and consistent waves create an artsy and laidback community.
Follow the road north towards “The Mount” beach for a look at the shoreline and surfers, and those who are feeling particularly fit can make the climb to the top of “The Mount.”
This 750-foot promontory offers panoramic views looking out over the beach and back towards the city of Tauranga, and it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy an hour-long hike. After you’ve soaked up the Maunganui beach scene, head to The Strand in downtown Tauranga for the dining, entertainment, and shops.
While Tauranga might be one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, a visit to the historic Brain Watkins house provides a glimpse of 19th-century New Zealand. Constructed out of native kauri wood, the house is still in the exact same order as it was over 130 years ago.
For those heading to Rotorua, the shore excursion to the geothermal playground will likely occupy the whole day. Given Rotorua’s large population of Maori, try to find a tour that combines the thermals with a visit to a Maori marae.
Source — Viator.com
10. Wairoa River below McLarens Falls
McLaren Falls was once a fiercely spectacular waterfall but has lost most of its power after the power generation station was built in 1925. Swimming at the bottom of the falls during low flow can be really dangerous as there are steep and fatal drop-offs along the way.
Swimmers are encouraged to scout out the lake instead. The McLaren Falls Park lines the lake and is complete with picnic tables, bbq's, camping grounds, cafes, toilets, and a hostel. Glowworms light up at night and line the trails along the waterfall and park. Part of the waterfall track is mobility accessible.
The Wairoa River flows into the Tauranga Harbour. The river was at the heart of a water rights controversy in the 1970s. The Tauranga Joint Generation Committee proposed a hydroelectric power plant on the Wairoa River. The Kaimai Canoe Club opposed the scheme, citing that it would destroy the recreation use of the water for fishing and water sports.
The hydroelectric plans succeeded but the waters are released for 26 days a year to allow for whitewater recreation. Light paddling and swimming are enjoyable activities on the northern end of the river.
There is a permanent caution advising against swimming in Lower Wairoa River at Bethlehem for 48 hours after rainfall.
Source — Theswimguide.org
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