What to do and see in Tauranga, North Island: The Best Museums

A unique record of the military history of Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe) from 1890 to 1980. Displays include and Alouette III helicopter, medals, badges, weapons, uniforms, equipment, shop, souvenirs, library and Memorial Garden. Personal service for every visitor. PLEASE NOTE: 1) We are closed on Public Holidays 2)With sufficient notice we will try and accommodate requests to open by appointment outside normal times/days of operation. Please call the mobile phone number above with your request.

A multi faceted community of creative people, enriching the arts and culture within the Bay of Plenty . A vibrant and accessible platform for community arts, performances and exhibitions. Interact with practicing profession artists one-on one in their studios, experience high quality authentic original NZ art in three unique gallery spaces.

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.

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.

The Brain Watkins House is owned and managed by the Tauranga Historical Society, whose volunteers maintain the house as a museum and open it to the public each Sunday from 2-4pm. Admission for public viewing is $5 (children free). Private group tours are arranged on request This unique historic property is located near the central business district of Tauranga city. Built in 1881 by Joseph Brain, it is registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category II Historic Place. Occupied by one family for nearly 100 years and filled with original contents, the house offers an insight into the life of a middle class European family of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has many stories to tell, from the horse given shelter in the hall during the Tarawera eruption to the young couple separated by the First World War who reunited and married in their 70s. Tauranga Historical Society works to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Bay of Plenty.

Established in October 2018, Sumer is a new commercial art gallery in Tauranga, New Zealand.​ Sumer focuses upon the presentation of leading contemporary art by established and emerging artists working in New Zealand and internationally. ​The intention of the gallery is to support artistic practices that are dynamic, challenging and innovative, fostering a strong collecting culture.