Things to do in  Tauranga

With one day to explore Tauranga, start with a hike to the top of Mount Maunganui, followed by some beach time. Perhaps take a surf class, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or visit nearby Kaiate Falls before heading into downtown Tauranga to visit Maori heritage site, The Elms.

Yes, Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities and the gateway to the Bay of Plenty’s beaches, coastal towns, and hiking trails. Tauranga is home to the much-photographed Mount Maunganui beach, which offers the rare opportunity to swim beneath a beachfront volcano.

Tauranga’s strategic location on the Bay of Plenty’s west coast offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures. With sandy beaches along both the bay and Tauranga Harbour, you can surf, kitesurf, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard, as well as hike at Mount Maunganui, Kaiate Falls, and Papamoa Hills Regional Park.

Tauranga’s showers often clear quickly, so don’t call off outdoor activities too soon. Alternatively, popular rainy-day activities include visiting the Mount Hot Pools, shopping at the Bayfair or Tauranga Crossing malls, and exploring cultural sites such as the Tauranga Art Gallery, The Elms, and the Classic Flyers Museum.

Tauranga’s most visited attraction is Mount Maunganui volcano. You can hike to the summit, visit the hot pools, or relax on the sandy Maunganui Beach at its base. Other popular attractions include The Strand waterfront precinct, McLaren Falls, and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.

You can explore downtown Tauranga and Mount Maunganui on a day trip, but the coastal city is also a great place to stay while exploring further. With a 3-day or week-long itinerary, you can raft along the Wairoa River, kayak in Tauranga Harbour, or island-hop along the Bay of Plenty.