Location: Tauranga
Top Things to do in Tauranga
Top 10 Things to do in Tauranga, North Island
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. Waimarino Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 709 reviews
Waimarino Adventure Park is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and over the past 35 years, Waimarino has become Tauranga’s premier kayaking & recreation location. Waimarino Adventure Park has New Zealand's only kayak slide, The Blob, kayaks, rock climbing, diving boards, Italian Pedallos and plenty more. Grab your swimwear and visit us for a great day of action & fun.Waimarino Kayak Tours offer a great range of kayak tours in Tauranga & Rotorua region including magical glow-worm experiences, fantastic scenery, lake-edge thermal hot pools, catering and transport.Enjoy light refreshments & NZ wine on the edge of Lake McLaren at sunset, surrounded by the ducks &swans. Glide across the calm waters at twilight, before entering our enchanting glow-worm canyon. Our glow-worm kayak tour is truly unique, and a fantastic ‘must do’ experience while in NZ. This glow-worm kayak tour experience is not available in any other location globally. ONLY in Tauranga!Enjoy our kayak tour on scenic Lake Rotoiti, paddle past pohutakawas, (NZ’s Christmas tree) cascading native bush& abundant birdlife along the lake edge. Classic kiwi holiday homes nestle amongst the cliffs & coves. Enjoy the myths and legends of the Maori people linked to Lake Rototiti, before entering the glow-worm cave. Cross the lake to the Manupirua natural thermal hot-pools to relax and reflect on your exhilarating experiences.Please see our website for more information about our park and kayak tour options.
Reviewed By stitches2016 - West Sussex, United Kingdom
Had a brilliant evening!! Cheese and wine on arrival by the river. Then we kayaked along stunning vegetation and trees into some caves to see the glow worms and on our return journey we were fortunate enough to have a full moon to light our way back in the stillness of the evening with occasional night sounds of birds! A very memorable experience.
3. 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!
4. 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
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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.
9. The Elms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Kia ora and welcome to The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, one of the Bay of Plenty’s oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Maori and Pakeha, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to the region. For generations The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga has been a place for community to gather and learn - this tradition continues today. We invite you to come and journey through the expansive grounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic house and library. As you do you will get a rare glimpse into the past of this now bustling city. The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga has in time become a well known venue for special events in the Bay of Plenty. With stunning grounds and vintage buildings available for use, please consider The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga for your wedding or next function. With experienced co-ordinators on site we are ready to help plan your special events at this beautiful venue.
Reviewed By 51SandraS51 - Auckland, New Zealand
Unfortunately the house is being restored, but there is plenty to see during your visit. Our guide Judy, was very informative and it was really like stepping back in time. The old buildings - including the library (this is open), the new garden area - are really worth a visit.
10. Hairy Maclary & Friends Tauranga Waterfront Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By wanhillfamily - Tauranga, New Zealand
Thank you Tauranga for bringing our favourite story book characters to life! We love the collection of Hairy Maclary characters.
