Location: Tauranga
Top Things to do in Tauranga
Top 8 Sights & Landmarks 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Anzac War Memorial Cenotaph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Aromatomic - Tauranga, New Zealand
Should you be visiting Tauranga on the 25th of April of any year, then attending the dawn service at the Mt Cenotaph will be something you never forget. Before dawn, returned servicemen and women gather. To the sound of the bagpipes they march to the cenotaph where a brief service takes place. Often a local high school student with speak or sing. As the service concludes you can hear the breaking of the waves and see the dawn breaking over the water, this is when a plane will fly low overhead and raise the hackles on your neck. NOT TO BE MISSED.
4. The Historic Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Whether you want to buy art, attend a workshop, see a movie, get a haircut, host a meeting, get married, use a social service or get in some retail therapy from one of our boutique shops, you need to experience what is on offer here at one of Tauranga’s best kept secrets. You will find an amazing collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga nestled in amongst gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. Seven indoor and outdoor venues are available for hire to accommodate meetings, functions and special events. The Historic Village grounds are open seven days a week and entry is free.
Reviewed By BrentN165 - Cambridge, New Zealand
We called in to the village market and just stayed. The village was open (free entry) and the market was fine as were the shops. We sat at the Whipped Baker cafe on the corner, listened to the old time music from 1XT, the AM radio station that broadcasts from the village, enjoyed god coffee, enormous sausage roll with really nice atmosphere and ambience. A trip down memory lane and a great place to spend a Sunday morn.
5. Monmouth Redoubt
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By JanG446 - Tauranga, New Zealand
Had no idea of this small but significant part of Tauranga/ New Zealand history. Well worth a visit along with the rose gardens next door.
6. Minden Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Tauranga's Best View Point
Reviewed By norian222 - Tauranga, New Zealand
The very best Area to view the clean green New Zealand and bay of plenty landscape Look out over the orchards to the Mount and Bay of Plenty Absolutely brilliant area of New Zealand in a beautiful landscape
7. Gate Pa Memorial Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By mariarN8184TY - Napier, New Zealand
If you prefer the outdoors to an indoors museum, to learn about Aotearoa/New Zealand history, this is for you. I visited a few years ago.
8. Fountain Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
