Tauranga

Where is it?

Sitting at the western end of the Bay of Plenty lies the busy port town of Tauranga. The bay sits on the eastern edge whilst the other side of the town is bordered by the Waikareao Estuary. Sprawling out as far as the resort ‘town’ of Mount Maunganui, Tauranga is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

What’s it like?

Bustling. Tauranga is a busy port, centre of a fertile agricultural area, a retirement destination and resort town. It has all the amenities one would expect of a 21st century city and a sublime climate for most of the year. Even the rapid speed of the city’s growth has not spoiled the centre therefore, Tauranga is a great place to stay.

What to see and what to do.

There are a number of sites of historical interest; there is a huge carved war canoe right in the heart of the city that is still used for ceremonial occasions. A stroll along the waterfront with its cafés and bars can be very relaxing as can a walk in the rose gardens of Robbins Park.
There is walking of a more energetic kind on Mount Maunganui or for a better view of the area you could skydive. There is white water rafting and in the summer every kind of water sport imaginable is available on the ocean coast. Tauranga is one of the many places in New Zealand where you can swim with dolphins. For a real buzz try the Bungee Rocket, a kind of bungee jump in reverse where you are catapulted into the sky on a rubber rope. Leave a good long gap between breakfast and this ‘attraction’ unless you want to leave a really big gap between you and your breakfast.

Eating, drinking and sleeping.

Accommodation is generally cheaper here than at Mount Maunganui. It’s slightly busier at peak times but availability is generally good and although there is accommodation all over there is a good choice close to the centre. Tauranga has better pubs but as with Mount Maunganui, the nightlife is subdued except during the season when it really hots up. Tauranga has a good culinary reputation and there is a wide choice.