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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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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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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Welcome Bay

While Welcome Bay isn't home to many top sights, Memorial Park and Tenpin Tauranga 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 P5,252 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P5,252
P6,040 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Close to dining areas."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Hotel on Devonport

Hotel on Devonport

4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is P5,876 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,876
P6,758 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)
Always the best
"Currently doing a project in the area and staying here once a week. I cannot fault this hotel. Quiet, comfortable, great staff who are super friendly. Great car parking too."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
Fully refundable
The price is P6,584 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P6,584
P7,572 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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)
"From my room, had stunning view overlooking Tauranga harbour. With this view alone, all I wanted to do was stay in the room. Enjoyed long soaks in spa bath and even ordering room service. Staff I had interactions with were very pleasant, helpful and provided impeccable customer service. Highly recommended ..."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Trinity Wharf Tauranga
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! (976 reviews)
"Another great stay. Good rooms friendly staff thank you!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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! (1,268 reviews)
Great Location
"Great location right by the main beach at Mt Maunganui. Friendly staff. Quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

6 on Adams
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