IN OUR RENTAL CAR WE HAD DRIVEN NEARLY 200 KILOMETRES south from Whitianga on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, and now the traffic was surprisingly heavy on our approach to Tauranga.

Once in the town all we had to do was find Second Avenue, where our accommodation Tauranga on the Waterfront was situated at Number One. This proved to be harder than we expected (no satnav on this occasion), largely due to my propensity for turning in the wrong direction when faced with a right-or-left choice.

With some astute navigation from my wife we soon found the centrally located hotel, and what a delight it proved to be. True to its name it's located right on the waterfront and when the owner showed us to our spacious ground-floor room we saw immediately what an expansive view we had of the bay. 

Located on New Zealand's North Island, Tauranga is one of the country's fastest-growing cities. It's an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking warm weather, golden beaches, coastal walks, Māori history and a laid-back lifestyle.

Set within the Bay of Plenty, it serves as both a vibrant urban hub and a relaxed seaside escape, offering a blend of outdoor adventure, food culture and scenic exploration. Whether you're chasing surf, sunshine or natural wonders, Tauranga is an ideal base for exploring the region.

The city and its waterfront

Tauranga's city centre sits alongside a sheltered harbour where yachts, fishing vessels and charter boats glide across calm waters. The waterfront promenade, known simply as The Strand, is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars that spill onto outdoor terraces. It's a lively social hub, particularly during warm summer evenings when both locals and visitors stroll along the promenade and gather for waterfront dinners. 

For families, the Waterfront Playground offers imaginative playground structures, a popular tidal pool and picnic areas shaded by palm trees. Close by, the Tauranga Art Gallery showcases contemporary New Zealand artists, while boutique shops along Devonport Road offer everything from artisan gifts to high-end fashion.  

A hidden gem that doesn't seem to get much publicity is the Historic Village, a place bursting with creativity and old-world charm where the community comes together to connect, celebrate and inspire.  

The Historic Village is home to boutique stores, modern venues and organisations dedicated to supporting and uplifting others. The village is located at 159 Seventeenth Avenue and entry is free.

Mount Maunganui: Beaches, surf and the famous Mauao Walk

Just across the harbour bridge from central Tauranga lies its most interesting suburb: Mount Maunganui, or "The Mount." Originally an independent town, Mount Maunganui is built on a sandy peninsula and is surrounded by two stunning coastlines—Main Beach and Pilot Bay.

Main Beach is consistently ranked among New Zealand's best beaches thanks to its soft golden sand, rolling surf and lively atmosphere. It's a favourite for swimming and surfing, and surf schools offer lessons year-round, making it an accessible spot for beginners.

On the harbour side, Pilot Bay provides a gentler alternative with calm waters ideal for paddle-boarding and kayaking, and for families with younger children. The grassy waterfront reserve is a perfect place for fish-and-chip dinners at sunset. 

Towering above both beaches is Mauao, the extinct volcanic cone that gives Mount Maunganui its name. The walk to the summit is one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes, and for good reason. Multiple tracks wind up through native bush and open grassy slopes, eventually rewarding hikers with sweeping views across the Bay of Plenty, the harbour and offshore islands. The climb takes around 40 minutes to an hour depending on the route, while the base track — an easier loop circling the mountain — offers scenic coastline views and chances to spot seals or seabirds.

At the foot of Mauao, the Mount Hot Pools use naturally heated salt water and offer a soothing post-hike soak.

Outdoor adventures and natural attractions

Beyond its beaches, Tauranga is a gateway to diverse natural landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a range of activities:

• Kayaking on the Wairoa River or in the Tauranga Harbour, where guided tours may include glow-worm canyon outings at night.
• Dolphin-watching cruises in the Bay of Plenty, offering opportunities to spot common dolphins, orca, and sometimes seals or penguins.
• McLaren Falls Park, a short drive inland, features forest walks, a beautiful lake for kayaking and the impressive McLaren Falls, especially photogenic during high water.
• Kaiate Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls in a native bush reserve, accessed by a moderate walking track.

Cyclists can enjoy the Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway, a scenic pathway that threads along beaches, wetlands and quiet neighbourhoods.

Culture, history and Māori heritage

Tauranga holds deep significance in Māori history. The name Tauranga translates to "safe anchorage," reflecting its long use as a favourable harbour and settlement site. Visitors can learn about local iwi (tribes), including Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui, through guided cultural tours, art exhibits and community events.

One of the region's most important historical sites is The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, a well-preserved mission house and garden dating back to the 1830s. The property offers guided tours that discuss early settler history and Māori–Pākehā relations.

Throughout the year, Tauranga hosts festivals celebrating Māori culture, performing arts and music, giving travellers many opportunities to engage with the region's cultural identity.

Food, wine and local produce

The Bay of Plenty isn't named arbitrarily, it originates from its agricultural abundance. Tauranga's food scene is rich with fresh seafood, stone-fruit orchards, avocado groves and kiwifruit farms. Local cafés emphasise seasonal produce, while beachfront restaurants serve everything from gourmet burgers to fine dining with ocean views.

Mount Maunganui is especially known for its trendy brunch spots and craft breweries. Seafood lovers should try locally caught snapper or tarakihi, while dessert fans shouldn't miss gelato on Pilot Bay or artisan doughnuts from local bakeries.

Markets, such as the Tauranga Farmers Market held on Saturdays, are excellent places to sample local honey, handmade cheeses, organic vegetables and artisan-baked goods. 

Tauranga combines the best of coastal living with a lively urban atmosphere. With its year-round mild climate, great beaches, outdoor activities and welcoming community, it has become one of New Zealand's top holiday destinations and a cruise ship port.  

Day trips from Tauranga

The city's location on the upper North Island makes it a perfect launching point for exploring wider attractions including Rotorua (about 1 hour away) with its geothermal and mud pools, geysers and Māori cultural experiences; Waihi & Karangahake Gorge (45–60 minutes) with historic gold-mining walks, swing bridges, tunnels and river scenery; and Whakatāne (90 minutes), gateway to Moutohorā/Whale Island wildlife sanctuary and coastal adventures.

However, the day trip that we chose was to the Hobbiton Movie Set … but that's a story for another time.

More information:

Tauranga - Things to see and do - North Island | New Zealand

Cruise ship photos: Port of Tauranga

Other photos © Judy Barford