Location: Tauranga
Top Things to do in Tauranga
10 Free Things to do in Tauranga That You Shouldn't Miss
The lush parks and golden beaches of Tauranga make it a popular destination for outdoorsy folks and watersports lovers. Here on New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find a variety of opportunities for surfing, white water rafting, kiteboarding, hiking and golfing. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming holes by Kaiate Falls, which cascade beautifully over the bluffs. Families might like to visit one of Tauranga’s amusement park, take a guided nature tour or swim with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty.
Restaurants in Tauranga
1. Mount Maunganui Base Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 957 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
Hiking the Mount Maunganui Base track is a wonderful way to discover this beautiful part of the east coast of the north island, the track is very popular with locals for their fitness as are the other tracks which go up to the summit of the mount. The suggested time to complete the 2.5 km track is fifty minutes but can be done in a shorter time. Access to the track is at Mount Maunganui Beach, near the surf club and caravan park, paid parking is available on the street.
2. Mount Maunganui Summit Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,720 reviews
Reviewed By sussan59 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Make sure you've got good shoes on and comfortable clothing, this is a great workout, especially for the baby boomer generation. The track was very dry the day we climbed the mount, ergo it was quite slippery, and we had to watch our step going up. The views once you reach the summit are stunning. The sense of achievement feels pretty good too! Going down, we chose the steep steps which were also a challenge, and our thighs felt it the following day. Overall a great experience!
3. Karangahake Windows Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By N7718OPpaulb - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
This easy walk through the gorge and tunnels is a must do if you are in the area. Good tracks along the river and interesting industrial history. Kids loved the tunnels. Highly recommended
4. Mt Maunganui Main Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,643 reviews
Reviewed By raakel-joy - Tauranga, New Zealand
We love the Mount main beach - The beach, the summit and base walks, cafes, shops and overall vibe ???? One of our happy places!
5. Te Puna Quarry Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By SongofaTui - Taranaki Region, New Zealand
Lovely surprise. First thing stepping out of the car was the birds songs - so many! They must love this peaceful place. With the endless different paths you can easily spend a good few hours with the family ( which we did) including young kids and teenagers. Well taken care of, so much creativity with the plants and the art. We loved treasure hunting ( using the info pamphlet) for the numerous sculptures ending with the wonderful dragon. Different areas of different types of plants from various area in the world. You can feel this park is loved by those taking care of it.
6. Kaiate Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By WendyandAlbieN - Auckland, New Zealand
The walk up and down to see the falls, although steep, was amazing. The sight and sound of the water falling is memorable. There are many native birds to look out for, along with the not-so-native colorful roosters and hens. Some of the paths and steps can be a little challenging - wear good firm footwear, and be of reasonable fitness. The view of the Mount form up there is worth it
7. McLaren Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By frangipanimainia - Port Macquarie, Australia
This is an amazingly beautiful park with so much available to do or see. Include a visit to the McLaren Falls Cafe, just a few hundred metres inside the park, with friendly staff and lovely food and coffees. There are walks all around the edge of the lake, some more challenging ones up some of the tracks through the hills. With a gentle stroll you can walk along a track to a waterfall, which at night is lit up with thousands of glow worms. Take a kayak and kayak up the lake and/or kayak up past the power station to the awe inspiring gorge beyond, which also lights up with glow worms at night. Take your paddle board and paddle around the lake. Take a picnic, there are plenty of barbecue tables around, or Frisbees for Frisbee golf. Plenty of room for cricket games, biking etc.
8. Waikareao Estuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Joakkin - Tauranga, New Zealand
Great loop circuit to go for a jog, walk, or simply lie aside to look at the estuary. Wonderful views to the Mt Maunganui as well. My favorite place to run in the neighborhood.
9. Moturiki Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
What a gorgeous walk...listening to the waves crashing and the sound of the Tui birds Lovely views out to sea...and a reasably easy walk with a few steps...
10. Pilot Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By seens_13 - Tauranga, New Zealand
This well used swimming spot is perfect for families with small children safe beautiful and fun, You can kayak paddle board swim relax an just watch the cruise ships leave or arrive if your an early bird
