Tauranga

Travel Guide

Mount Maunganui which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbor and general coastal views
Katikati showing outdoor art
Katikati which includes outdoor art
Martha Mine which includes wildflowers
Katikati which includes a park, a statue or sculpture 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 Harbor 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 coastal town, a sunset and a city

Mount Maunganui

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 Emerald Shores 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 isn't home to many top sights, Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Omanu
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Kairua

While Kairua might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Papamoa Beach and Mercury Baypark.

Kairua
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Welcome Bay

While Welcome Bay isn't home to many top sights, Memorial Park and Oropi Hot Pools are some notable places to visit nearby.

Welcome Bay
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is P4,704 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P4,704
P5,410 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Access to the strand and all the eatries. Short Walking distance to the bus stations and shopping centers"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is P6,881 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,881
P7,913 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Fabulous room, with a view. Nice and warm. Lovely place to relax"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Hotel on Devonport

Hotel on Devonport

4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is P5,749 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,749
P6,612 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,000 reviews)
"No complaints at all"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Hotel on Devonport
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.
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! (979 reviews)
"Nice and spacious"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

City Suites Tauranga
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! (1,273 reviews)
Mt Hotel
"Great Hotel,very close to the Veach,hot pools & restaurants. Lovely big room with kitchen"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Quest on Durham

Quest on Durham

4 out of 5
6 Durham Street, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (573 reviews)
"Hotel was good"

Reviewed on May 14, 2025

Quest on Durham
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

Things to do