3 minute read
Tauranga Must-Do's
Tauranga Rocks
A popular citywide game whereby hundreds of small painted pebbles have been hidden. If you find one, re-hide it for the next person.
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The Historic Village
A charming row of character buildings, fans of great coffee and bespoke artwork will love this street. The Zee Markets are also held here every first and third Sunday of the month from 10am to 2pm and every Friday from 4-8pm.
The Strand
A top spot for foodies, relax by the waterfront while dining on an array of global dishes. Feast on fresh fish and chips or sip on happy hour cocktails, it’s downtown Tauranga’s dining mecca.
Tauranga © Katie Cox
Tauranga Farmers’ Market
Walnuts from Ōpotiki, Italian cheese and moreish Pirongia Bacon... Saturday mornings at Tauranga Primary School.
Hairy Maclary Sculptures
On the Tauranga waterfront, these life-sized sculptures commemorate Dame Lynley Dodd’s much-loved Hairy Maclary characters with kids often found crawling all over them.
Tauranga Art Gallery
Tauranga Art Gallery © Bay of Plenty Tourism
Get to know Tauranga’s creative side with over 500 contemporary artworks by predominately local artists. Entry is free. You can also ask staff for a map detailing the town’s street art.
Street Art
Discover the stories behind the city’s artworks as you wander the streets with a self-guided tour on the ‘The City Art Walk’ app.
The Incubator
Located in the Historic Village, this eclectic art space is a hub of Tauranga creatives. Check out the talent and leave inspired.
Riverbugging
A river bug is a small, inflatable craft for solo white-water adventures. Check out riverbug.nz for excursions on the Bay of Plenty’s boisterous waters.
Urban Cycle Trails
Enjoy a myriad of recreational routes that make the most of Tauranga’s waterside setting. For maps visit https://bit.ly/3vPHQEz.
The Big Blue Backyard
There are dolphins and orca playing in Tauranga’s waters. Tick a memorable animal encounter off your bucket list with a boat trip led by Bay Explorers, Dolphin Seafaris or Orca Wild Adventures.
Waimarino Water and Adventure Park
The ultimate hangout for water lovers, catapult off giant inflatables, launch off monster swings and jump off floating trampolines on Wairoa River, 10 minutes from central Tauranga. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are for hire, too.
Forest Bathing
When you’re looking for solitude in nature, escape to Ōtanewainuku Forest for various walks amongst giant trees.
Dinner & Sunset Cruise
In partnership with Trinity Wharf hotel, enjoy a two-course meal at the restaurant, then board the Bay Explorer cruise for a sunset sailing with dessert. Summertime only.
Ōmokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway
This new cycleway is a 40km return bike ride linking the township of Ōmokoroa to Tauranga’s existing urban cycleway. Made up of 25 sections, all but three have been completed.
Adrenalin Forest
Test your agility – and your limit! An obstacle course high in the treetops, cross logs, barrels and wobbly ropes.
Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market
Straddling Tauranga's waterfront, both the food and the bustling vibe score top marks. Sit beside the harbour to eat your fresh serve of seafood.
Skydive Tauranga
Boasting one of the highest skydives available over the South Pacific Ocean, come and freefall from 15,000ft at 200km/h.
Te Puna Quarry Park
A wild garden rich in diverse inhabitants, ponds and native ferns nestle beside bonsai trees and cacti. Monarch butterflies fly free and giant dragon sculptures speckle the soil. Better still, it’s free
Evening Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
As sun sets, grab your paddle and follow your guide to Mangapapa Canyon on Lake Mclaren. Under a starlit sky, glowworms simultaneously twinkle.
McLaren Falls Park
Take your pick of activities found within the 190ha of parkland surrounding Lake McLaren, including many bush walks including a little beauty to a waterfall flanked by glowworms. Waterfall Track takes just 20 minutes and is largely wheelchair accessible.
Marshalls Animal Park
Discover a wealth of friendly farm animals to pat and feed. Kids love to cuddle the guinea pigs and for those with surplus energy, there's a flying fox too.
The Cider Factorie
A good 25-minute drive from Tauranga but well worth it, the cosy tasting area is limited to six people and the restaurant serves a hunger-busting lunch.
