3 minute read
Tauranga Must Do's
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.
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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 Farmers’ Market
Walnuts from Ōpotiki, Italian cheese and moreish Pirongia Bacon... Saturday mornings at Tauranga Primary School.
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.
Tauranga Art Gallery
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.
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 4pm to 8pm.
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.
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.
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.
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 two have been completed.
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.Adrenalin Forest Test your agility – and your limit! An obstacle course high in the treetops, cross logs, barrels and wobbly ropes.
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.
Dinner and 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.
Forest Bathing
Escape to Ōtanewainuku Forest for various walks amongst giant trees.
Pori Pori Water Holes
Perfect for a freshwater swim but check before you go to make sure it isn’t dam release day upstream, as there will be a significant and rapid rise in water levels.
MORE TAURANGA MUST DO’S:
> Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market
> Skydive Tauranga
> Te Puna Quarry Park
> Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour
> Marshalls Animal Park
> The Cider Factorie20
