Home to one of the most famous beaches in New Zealand, Tauranga is a staple holiday destination. But it has more to offer than Mount Maunganui's Main Beach (which is admittedly a beaut). The Bay of Plenty's biggest city is packed with historically significant places and natural gems. From chasing stunning waterfalls to visiting glow worm caves, there are countless exciting (and free!) things to do in Tauranga.
Whether you're in town for a day or two, you don't have to wonder what to do at Tauranga. We've compiled a list of 15 of our fave activities:
- Explore Waimarino Adventure Park
- Ride a canoe and look for glow worms at McLaren Lake
- Go on a Tauranga Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour
- Visit the Tauranga Art Gallery
- Chase sunsets at Mount Maunganui
- Relax at Mount Hot Pools
- Head to Kaiate Falls
- Visit Te Puna Quarry Park
- Take the plunge at Mount Maunganui Beach
- Trek to Moturiki Island
- Explore the city by bike
- Visit the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
- Travel back in time at the Historic Village
- Relax at Papamoa Hills Regional Park
- Visit The Elms
1. Explore Waimarino Adventure Park
Enjoy water sports with friends at the park! Credit: @katrink182 on @waimarinoadventurepark
Planning a holiday with friends or a special day with the fam? Waimarino Adventure Park is the place to be. You can take your pick from exciting activities like the country's biggest human catapult to exhilarating kayak slides. Don't forget to bring BBQ supplies for a fantastic day outdoors.
2. Ride a canoe and look for glow worms at McLaren Lake
Be amazed by glow worms illuminating the dark lake
See Tauranga in a new light on a 2-hour evening canoe ride. Set sail at McLaren Lake and paddle your way to a narrow canyon adorned with thousands of glow worms illuminating its walls. There are no age restrictions, so even young ones can join in. One of the most unique and essential things to do in Tauranga!
3. Go on a Tauranga Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Go on a magical kayak ride as you sail down Glow Worm Canyon. Credit: @waimarinokayaktours
For an extended experience, opt for a 3-hour kayak tour through the glow worm canyon. Starting from Waimarino at twilight, you'll embark on a memorable kayak ride to see glow worms around the cave walls looking like stars in the dark sky. You'll also learn all about the magical creatures from an expert guide.
4. Visit the Tauranga Art Gallery
See masterpieces up close at the gallery. Credit: @taurangaartgallery on Instagram
On a limited budget? No problem. NZ residents enjoy free entry at Tauranga Art Gallery, where you can see intricate artworks made by local artists. Inspired by Aotearoa's natural and cultural landscapes, the exhibitions make it one of the most thought-provoking and educational things to do in Tauranga.
5. Chase sunsets at Mount Maunganui
Get unobstructed views of the city skyline from the top of the mountain. Credit: @abbybarlowww on @mtmaunganui
No trip to Tauranga is complete without a visit to the magnificent Mount Maunganui. What better way to discover its charms than with a climb to its summit, where you can see the city in hues of yellow and orange during sunset. But make sure you wear comfy clothes and shoes because the 232-metre hike is not the easiest trek.
6. Relax at Mount Hot Pools
Soak in hot water and relax. Credit: @mountpools
Holidays can mean heart-pumping adventures for some people, but they can also involve calming experiences for others. If you fall in the latter group, a soak at Mount Hot Pools is just what the doctor ordered. The massage jets and the hot ocean water are perfect for soothing any aching muscles you may have.
7. Head to Kaiate Falls
Bask in the view of the waterfall’s stunning panorama. Credit: @frankhopfler
Enjoy a slice of paradise when you visit the enchanting Kaiate Falls. Located 30 minutes from Tauranga, it's one of the region's best natural treasures. You'll enjoy taking IG-worthy photos of the vibrant plants framing the falls and taking a dip in the refreshing water - one of the most fun things to do near Tauranga!
8. Visit Te Puna Quarry Park
Be impressed by flora and fauna at the park. Credit: @malorie_likes
Te Puna Quarry Park is one of the city's most Instagrammable places, thanks to its diverse collection of colourful flowers like magnolias and orchids. You can also befriend butterflies at the Butterfly Garden and admire sculptures placed around the park.
9. Take a plunge at Mount Maunganui Beach
Admire the golden sand beach and crystal clear water. Credit: @Lydi.a1535
One of the most essential things to do in Tauranga is a swim at Mount Maunganui Beach. Recognised by TripAdvisor as the best beach in the country seven years in a row, locals and foreigners love its white sand and blue waters that are prime for surfing.
10. Trek to Moturiki Island
Bask under the sun and enjoy the view of the island. Credit: @nic_jolly
Just a 10-minute walk away from Mount Maunganui's main beach, Moturiki or Leisure Island boasts fascinating rock pools as well as incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Bring your fishing gear because it has plenty of great spots where you can catch King Fish and Snappers.
11. Explore the city by bike
Go on a relaxing bike ride to discover the city’s hidden gems. Credit: @wendylelehenny
Don't forget to bring your bike when you're packing for your trip because Tauranga has heaps of cycleways that will make you admire the view along the way. Head over to the Johnson Reserve and cycle near streams or follow the track at Gordon Carmichael Reserve, where you can spot ducks and other birds during your ride.
12. Visit the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
Learn about the inner workings of aeroplanes at the museum. Credit: @classicflyers.nz
Retrace aviation history at the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum. Kids and adults will enjoy looking and learning all about classic aeroplanes and old-fashioned aircraft. You can also shop for souvenirs to take home a little piece of history with you.
13. Travel back in time at the Historic Village
Browse through artworks and antiques at the shops. Credit: @historicvillage
Beyond exquisite beaches, Tauranga also boasts a colourful history. You can get a glimpse of it at the Historic Village, where replicas of 19th-century buildings house boutique shops. Whether you want to see a movie or buy souvenirs, this is the place for you.
14. Relax at Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Get uninterrupted views of the sunrise from the park. Credit: @lfs.creative on @bayofplentynz
There's a reason why Tauranga means a place of rest in Maori. Its laid-back charm is best experienced at one of its natural gems like Papamoa Hills Regional Park. Here you can go on a leisurely walk and get rewarded with panoramic coastal views.
15. Visit The Elms
Discover one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage houses. Credit: @theelmstauranga
As one of the oldest heritage homes in the country, The Elms is one of the unmissable things to do in Tauranga. In a single visit, you'll learn all about the historical and cultural heritage that made Tauranga the great city it is today.
