Tauranga is harbour side and is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. It is loved by English visitors and has a lovely cricket ground. Central to Auckland is Rotorua and Hamilton, and just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand’s most popular beach towns Mount Maunganui where the cricket takes place the Bay Oval. The ground was built in Blake Park and opened in 2005. Bay Oval has hosted men’s and women’s international limited overs matches since 2014. It hosted its first Test match with England v New Zealand in November 2019.
Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Across the road on the water’s edge, tidal stairs bring the harbour literally to your feet. View the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures – a story-book scene featuring the beloved characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.
Tauranga’s harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are easy to arrange, or check out one of the local beauty spots.
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Things to do.....
Rotorua / Tauranga Photography Workshop
The Beautiful Bay of Plenty (Te Moana-a-Toi) was named by Captain James Cook in 1769 after he noticed the abundant food supplies, compared to other bays. Its abundance of natural thermal features, majestic waterfalls and dynamic coastline make it a gift to a budding landscape photographer. We aim to guide you to these locations and help you create a hero shot to be proud off.
On this tour, you will learn how to shoot long exposure waterfalls and awe-inspiring coastal landscapes. You will benefit from expert photographic know-how from one of our professional landscape photographers and be guided into any one of a selection of locations for a unique photography experience tailored especially for you.
Papamoa Hills Helicopter Flight
Get the best views of the bay with panoramic views from the sky.
This scenic flight takes you around the region of Tauranga. This includes our iconic Mount Maunganui (mauao), a view of the inner harbour from the Bowentown Heads of Waihi to Matapihi, see the vast expansion of the city with industrial and residential builds, the historical remains of Maori Pa sites, and even marine life can often be seen during the summer months. This flight provides a blend of different landscapes with white sand surf beaches, kiwifruit, and avocado orchards, the valleys carved out of the rolling hills and our bustling city centre.
Harbour Hoorah – 3 hour city trails cycle tour
Let the DayTrippers team take you on a 3 hour electric cycle adventure exploring the amazing grade 1-2 cycle trails circling the Bay of Plenty city of Tauranga. Meander on your cool Giant Fathom 3 electric mountain bike to explore coastal harbour edge tracks, lush wetland trails through bush, saltmarsh tidal ponds & across the rail bridge to experience the full beauty our harbour city offers.
The team at DayTrippers will guide you to various cycle trail locations to navigate the city trail loops for a fun adventure filled 2 hour cycle. Complimentary bottled water, DayTrippers energy pack and NZ ice cream tub is included.
The Cider Factorie
The Cider Factorie has been crafting award winning ciders from their Micro-Cidery in Te Puna since 2012.
A short drive from Tauranga CBD, you will find this stunning location with its ciders on tap or the chance to try their full range, by creating your own tasting paddle selection.
Extend your visit and stay for lunch too. The small plate menu has been designed to let you taste a selection of flavours that complement their growing range of ciders. You will also find a selection of local wines and craft beers.
Family friendly and a range of non-alcoholic drinks are available too.
