Tauranga (population 158,000) is a city 105 km east of Hamilton and 85 km north of Rotorua in the western Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and the fifth largest in the country.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Tauranga sits at the head of a large harbour that extends along the western Bay of Plenty, with Matakana Island sheltering the harbour from the ocean. The volcanic cone and town of Mount Maunganui stand at the entrance to the harbour, 5 km north of Tauranga. "The Mount", as it is known, is a suburb of Tauranga, although it is often regarded as a satellite town. It is one of the major resort cities in New Zealand, famous for its beautiful beaches and surfing. The name Tauranga comes from Maori and roughly translates to "sheltered anchorage". Due to its sheltered position to the east of the Kaimai Range, Tauranga enjoys a warm, dry climate, which has made it a popular place to retire to.
Bayhopper bus system is a reliable service that covers the Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa & surrounding areas. Bayhopper buses serve Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and surrounding areas. Within Tauranga, the adult fare is $3.10 with a Bee Card or $4.00 cash (as of 2026). A Tauranga Daysaver costs $8.90. Bee Card users should tag on and tag off. Tauranga Water Transport operates harbour scenic cruises and historic tours, daily service on the Matakana Ferry between Omokoroa and Opureora, ferry service between Salisbury Wharf in Mount Maunganui and The Strand in the CBD, and other charter services.
1 The Elms (Te Papa Tauranga), 15 Mission St. 11AM–3PM. House built in 1847 as a missionary station, with many original items of contents, set in a fine garden. Admission includes access to the grounds and a guided tour of the house and library. Adult $20; children up to 18 free when accompanied by a parent or caregiver.. (updated Jan 2025) 2 Katikati Bird Gardens, 263 Walker Rd East, Aongatete (25-min drive north of Tauranga off State Highway 2), ☏ +64 7 549-0912. 10:00-16:30. Lovely old established gardens on the edge of the inner Tauranga Harbour. Mostly formal with wetlands area and walk. Golf cart tours and hire. Great café. Native birds on display including the kea. Adult $10.
In summer, holiday-makers travel to "The Mount" to make the most of the beautiful beaches and the great surf. The waters off the coast of Tauranga are good fishing areas. Mauao or Mount Maunganui Summit Track. The volcanic peak at the mouth of the harbour is considered by many the peak to climb. Offers fantastic views of the beach-side suburb named after it (Mt Maunganui or The Mount), Tauranga, and the entire Tauranga harbour area and coastlines. Mauao (meaning “caught by dawn”) is an historic reserve owned by Maori and managed by Tauranga City Council. Tramp to the top or walk around the base track. There are several tracks to the summit.
People in Tauranga love to eat out. There is a large selection of restaurants to eat at, especially on 'The Strand', which is regarded as the restaurant central of Tauranga. CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga, Red Square, 1 Devonport Rd, ☏ +64 7 578 4700. Excellent weekend brunch, lunch and dinner spot in the centre of town. Great restaurant and cafe food. 1 Harbourside, Old Yacht Club Building 150 The Strand, ☏ +64 7-571 0520. Situated over the water in a historic converted yacht club. 2 Patrick's Pies Gold Star Bakery, Tenancy H1B, Bethlehem Town Centre, 19 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, ☏ +64 7-579 2328. 8AM–4:30PM. Six-time winner of the New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. (updated Aug 2018)
As with eating, people in Tauranga love cafes. You will also find numerous pubs around the area. A double spirit will cost $6-7. 'The Strand' is the main area for Tauranga's nightlife consisting of a strip of bars, clubs and restaurants. Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, Sulphur Point. (updated Nov 2017) Mount Ocean Sports Club, Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui. (updated Nov 2017)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €30 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Nov, Tauranga typically sees ~20°C daytime highs and 16 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-11-14. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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