On the coast of the Bay of Plenty in the North Island, you’ll find Tauranga - a vibrant region filled with natural beauty, rich history, and charming townships. It’s small enough to mean you can get a carpark easily and not be stuck for hours in traffic, but large enough to have great shops, arts, culture and plenty of first-rate food and drink. Its beaches are a favourite for holidaymakers who flock in their droves in summer for a piece of that laid-back vibe. Made up of four smaller townships, it’s a place you need to explore, and soon. Come with us on a journey through the four fabulous areas of Tauranga.
The City Centre
Tauranga’s city centre is undergoing a major transformation right now. Exciting new things to do and see are popping up by the month - there are 30 major catalyst developments, set to transform the CBD and add to the already fast-growing arts, food and culture scene.
If you like good food and wine, you can choose anything from high-end experiences like Clarence Bistro, where Simon Wright - one of New Zealand’s top chefs - presides over the kitchen, to excellent dumplings and craft beer in a casual setting. There’s Italian, Mexican, Asian Fusion, excellent bakeries and first-rate cafes and cocktail bars. Try Nectar for eastern flavours from the wok-tossed flames of Vietnam, Macau - for flavour-bomb Asian sharing plates, Bobby’s Fresh Fish market (for what may be the best fish and chips in the country) or, at the other end of the health scale, something gluten free or vegan from The Nourished Eatery.
The Art Lounge
The Art Lounge
For shoppers, there is iconic boutique shopping at places like High Street Boutique, Bond & Co, Step Inn Shoes, Hammon Diamond Jeweller and Little Trooper (for kids), plus divine spa and beauty therapy offerings at Breathe Salon and Tranquillo. The art lover will enjoy the world-class street art, Tauranga Art Gallery, the Hairy Maclary sculptures on the waterfront, the heritage trail or any of the smaller galleries across the CBD. There’s even a pottery workshop to hone your skills.
KILT
KILT
Tauranga is a different experience for everyone, depending on their tastes, and www.downtowntauranga.co.nz have specially curated packages and experiences for everyone. Check out the website and select a packaged experience to suit you, or just see what’s new - it’s changing so quickly, it pays to be in the know about what’s happening in the city centre.
Hairy Maclary sculptures at the waterfront.
Hairy Maclary sculptures at the waterfront.
Beach Paradise - Mount Mainstreet
Next up is much loved Mount Maunganui, named after the local mountain, Mauao. Mount Maunganui has a relaxed beach vibe, with a reputation as one of New Zealand's favourite holiday destinations, especially in summer. There’s the harbour on one side, Mauao in the middle and the beautiful ocean beach on the other - leave the car at your accommodation because everything is walkable (or bikeable).
It doesn’t matter what your vibe is; you’ll find something to love - an early morning coffee from Mount Surf Shop Espresso, a climb up Mauao for panoramic views (it’s one of the most significant landmarks for tangata whenua), brunch at one of the many great eateries (Soul Boul and The General are local faves) or ice cream in creative flavours at Mount Made or Sea People (all plant-based and gluten-free).
Paper Plane
Paper Plane
Take a stroll down the mainstreet for a spot of shopping at one of the many local fashion brands that live here - Neon Collective, BLAKCHAOS, Mount Longboards, Sisters & Co are all top local fashion picks and Bohzali, Paper Plane and Flux Boutique are great for homewares. There are preloved treasures to be found at Nine Lives, Round & Round, Red Cross and the Salvation Army Store or visit the Mount Mainstreet Urban Market on every Sunday.
Of course it’s all about the beach here - soaking up the sun, swimming, surfing (you can hire a board if you don’t have one). Visit Pilot Bay for a calm and relaxing afternoon: swim and picnic, pick up takeaways and watch the sun go down (Mount Fish & Chips or Rita’s for their famous square pizza are always good). If you need some pampering, there’s Thai Touch for a massage, Majestic Nails, Forty Thieves Barber and others.
Master Kong
Master Kong
And if you want to drink or eat out, head to Saltwater Grill and Oyster bar for happy hour, Palace Tavern, home of the famous Palace Burger, Roxie’s Red Hot Cantina for a margarita, Brew Co for Craft Beer, Alpino for exceptional Italian fare, or Master Kong for fun Asian street food. Families will love mooching on the beach, trying out Mount Water Bikes and of course the famous Mount Hot Pools.
Mount Mainstreet Urban Market
Mount Mainstreet Urban Market
Pāpāmoa - something for everyone
With its 16 kilometres of pristine beaches, it’s not hard to see why this is a top destination for families. Being an up-and-coming suburb in the Bay of Plenty region means new things are sprouting up all the time - great news for visitors. But it's not just the beaches that make this suburb amazing; from shopping to dining to relaxing, Pāpāmoa has something for everyone.
Lantern
Lantern
Start your day at Gather Café, opposite the beach, where you can sip your coffee and enjoy the serene atmosphere; head to Papamoa Plaza and Fashion Island, which offer a variety of stores and brand outlets, and dine out at places such as Lantern, a hidden gem eatery, where you can enjoy authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in a lush garden setting - or Bluebiyou, the Bay of Plenty's only beachfront contemporary bistro restaurant and bar. Pearl Kitchen is where the locals love to go for brunch, and you will too.
For those who love the great outdoors, Pāpāmoa has many walking trails that offer stunning views of the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Whether it is the Te Ara O Wairakei Stormwater Trail, taking on the picturesque Papamoa Hills or exploring Summerhill Mountain Bike Park, there is an adventure for all levels. And, if you're a golfer, head to the Summerhill Estate Golf Course and Recreation Area - you can enjoy captivating sea views while playing on the 36 par 9 hole golf course.
Mountain biking at Summerhill Recreation Farm
Mountain biking at Summerhill Recreation Farm
If you visit during Matariki, make sure to check out the celebrations and magical light show on the Te Ara O Wairakei trail. Papamoa is also home to the official Santa parade of the city, making it the perfect place for families to enjoy Christmas. With its thriving community, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, lively events and top-notch dining and shopping, Papamoa is the perfect place to live, stay and play.
Matariki Lights at Te Ara O Wairakei trail
Matariki Lights at Te Ara O Wairakei trail
Greerton Village - a great day out for all
Greerton Village is one of the most unique and historic suburbs in the area. It’s of major significance to the story of the region - the 1864 Battle of Gate Pa / Pukehinahina was fought on the northern flanks of the village and the 1864 Battle of Te Ranga on the southern flanks. Ngai Tamarawaho Pa Tutarawanaga, on the banks of the Waimapu River, was one of the first schools in Tauranga (established over 500 years ago), and 130-year-old Greerton Village School is still around today too.
The heart of Greerton Village is the Village Square with its native trees that perfectly complement the cherry blossom trees planted along Chadwick Road. At the beginning of spring, these gorgeous trees come alive and Greerton Village celebrates the annual Cherry Blossom Festival - it’s a symphony of pink joy.
But while it’s steeped in history, there’s plenty of modern action too - a pool, golf club, extensive parks, playgrounds, great shopping, a monthly market, cafes, and restaurants. Visit the local library, have a coffee at Cafe Essence, let the kids burn off energy at the playground at Greerton Village School, and pamper yourself at Sims Beauty. There’s so much to enjoy in this boutique, historical village.
Greerton Village has an annual Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate spring.
Greerton Village has an annual Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate spring.
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