Things To Do
in Tauranga
Tauranga is a sunny coastal city in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island, known for its busy port, long sandy beaches and the iconic volcanic cone Mauao / Mount Maunganui. The city blends relaxed beach-town vibes with a growing urban centre of shops, cafes and arts venues, and strong Māori heritage woven into daily life. Outdoor living dominates — surfing, boating and hill walks are local pastimes year-round — while a booming horticulture and tourism economy has made Tauranga one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing urban areas. It’s a great base for exploring nearby islands, volcanic landscapes and the broader Bay of Plenty region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tauranga and check into your accommodation to settle in. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the local cafés, sampling delicious New Zealand coffee paired with fresh pastries. Take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront to absorb the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the iconic Mount Maunganui and enjoy a scenic walk up to the summit for panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. After descending, relax at the beautiful beach, where you can sunbathe or take a dip in the ocean. Stop by a local fish and chip shop for a taste of classic Kiwi cuisine.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the harbor. Explore the nightlife in Mount Maunganui, with options ranging from cozy bars to lively music venues. Wind down with a stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle sound of the waves.
Start your day with a visit to the Tauranga Art Gallery, where you can immerse yourself in contemporary art and local exhibitions. Take a guided tour to learn about the significance of the works and the artists involved. Enjoy a light lunch in the gallery's café, which offers seasonal dishes.
Explore the historic sites around Tauranga, including the Elms Mission Station, one of the oldest buildings in the area. Engage with local guides to discover the rich history and Māori heritage of the region. Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens on the property.
Experience a traditional Māori cultural performance at a local marae, where you’ll learn about customs and Tikanga while enjoying a hāngī feast. This immersive encounter will provide insights into the Maori way of life and its significance in New Zealand culture. Reflect on the day’s experiences while sitting around a warm fire under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕️Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-10 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (5 km) | $12-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastline and excellent outdoor activities (beaches, walks, boating).
- Mild climate year-round and lively café culture.
- Good access to nearby islands, parks and regional attractions.
- Strong local food scene with fresh seafood and produce.
- Can be crowded and expensive during peak summer season.
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities.
- Public transport is limited compared to major metropolitan areas — a car helps.
- "Kia ora" - Hello / thank you (common Māori greeting)
- "Tēnā koe" - Hello to one person (formal Māori greeting)
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite anō" - See you again / goodbye
- "Cheers" - Thanks (common informal English usage in NZ)
Places to Visit in Tauranga
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sunrise and sunset viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of the coastline, harbour and Pacific Ocean — great for wide-angle shots and dramatic skies.
Marina scenes, public art and lively waterfront activity provide candid street and maritime photography opportunities throughout the day.
Long sandy shoreline with surfers and a distinctive pier — ideal for golden hour beachscapes and action shots.
Lush bush, waterfalls and reflective pools — a quieter nature spot for macro and landscape photography.
Harbour viewpoints near the port capture colourful skies, silhouettes of vessels and calm water reflections as day ends.
Food in Tauranga
Tauranga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Kiwi classic — freshly fried local fish served with chips; best enjoyed on the beach (widely available along The Strand and Mount waterfronts).
Must-Try!
Traditional Māori cooking such as hāngī-inspired dishes or locally smoked fish provide a taste of indigenous cuisine — look for community events or restaurants highlighting Māori ingredients.
Small, delicate fish traditionally fried into fritters; available in season and at select seafood stalls and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market featuring local fruit, vegetables, baked goods and prepared foods; a great place to sample Bay of Plenty produce and artisan treats.
On and around Mount Main Beach you’ll find stalls and mobile food vendors offering coffee, pastries, poke bowls, and casual street food — perfect for beach picnics.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Acknowledge local iwi (Māori tribes) and cultural sites; follow any protocols at marae and be respectful when photographing culturally sensitive places or ceremonies.
Kiwis are generally informal, friendly and unpretentious — polite small talk, punctuality for bookings, and modest dress at public venues are appreciated.
Take rubbish with you, follow local conservation rules, and respect signage on beaches and reserves — locals value outdoors sustainability.
Safety
Tipping in Tauranga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in New Zealand is appreciated for exceptional service but not mandatory — many locals do not leave large tips. Round up bills or leave 10% for outstanding service in high-end restaurants; tipping bar staff is uncommon.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry a small amount of cash for markets or very small vendors, but most places are card-friendly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny weather (December–February), perfect for beach time, swimming and water sports; busiest tourist season with peak accommodation and activity bookings. Bring sun protection and plan early for popular dining spots and hikes.
Stable, mild weather with fewer crowds and still-warm seas; good time for walking, cycling and local festivals. Cooler evenings make layering useful.
Mild but wetter (June–August) with cooler temperatures and occasional storms — fewer tourists and lower prices, but reduced beach swimming and choppier seas. Ideal for bush walks in clear spells and enjoying cosy cafés.
Flowering orchards and warming temperatures; variable weather with both sunny days and rainy bursts. A good season for outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.
Tauranga at Night
Hiking in Tauranga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively short but steep coastal climb to the volcanic summit with panoramic views, well-formed paths and cultural interpretation panels.
Extensive network of trails inland offering day hikes and multi-day routes through native forest, waterfalls and ridge-top viewpoints.
Family-friendly walks through parkland and around waterfalls with picnic areas and native bush.
Smaller local trails and reserves suitable for short walks, birdwatching and photography close to town.
Airports
How to reach Tauranga by plane.
Small regional airport with domestic flights to cities like Auckland and Wellington; convenient for fast access to the city centre by taxi or shuttle.
Major international gateway ~2–2.5 hours’ drive away (depending on traffic) offering global connections; shuttle, coach or rental-car options connect to Tauranga.
Smaller regional airport about an hour away; useful for connecting flights and as an access point for nearby geothermal attractions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in the city, participating across business, arts and community life.
Strong indigenous presence with active iwi, cultural sites and community initiatives; Māori language and customs feature in local signage and events.
Growing Pacific and Asian populations contribute to the cultural diversity, food scene and local businesses.
Tauranga attracts retirees and people seeking a coastal lifestyle, reflected in some neighbourhood demographics and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is hugely popular across New Zealand and the Tauranga region supports club and provincial rugby teams, with strong community participation.
Given the harbour and easy water access, sailing, yachting and recreational boating are widely enjoyed by locals and visitors.
The Mount and nearby beaches attract surfers, paddleboarders and swimmers year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tauranga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Plenty of cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, often built around fresh local vegetables, salads and grain bowls. Ask staff for daily specials or adaptations.
Many eateries provide gluten-free choices — look for gluten-free breads, pasta and batter alternatives; always confirm cross-contamination precautions if you have celiac disease.
Because seafood is common, make allergies known when ordering; most establishments are used to accommodating dietary needs but check kitchen practices if reactions are severe.