Tauranga is the fastest growing city in the whole country, and when you visit there, you'll see why. Famous for its mountain views and glorious beaches, Tauranga is a virtual paradise. People visit so that they can soak up the sun and lay on the beach. You can snorkel, kayak, dive in the crystal-clear ocean and go on thrilling hikes and outdoor adventures to experience the wild beauty of this incredible city.
People move there because they want to do the same things. They just want to be able to do them every day! We can't all live in Tauranga, but at least we can visit there. Come soak up some sun and feel the sand under your feet in Tauranga, New Zealand.
Getting in and around Tauranga
Tauranga Airport
As Tauranga grows, travelling there becomes easier and easier. The Tauranga Airport offers regular flights from Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland for a quick and easy trip to the area. You can also take a bus trip to Tauranga via InterCity buses. Many visitors also choose to drive to Tauranga as it's an easy distance from Auckland.
Tauranga Transport
There is a public bus system that offers transportation around the city.
Tauranga Car Hire
Many locals drive themselves, making traffic a serious challenge at times. Nevertheless, if you do wish to rent a car while in town, car hire is available. Major and minor car companies operate in Tauranga.
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Tauranga accommodation
Tauranga accommodation focuses mainly on budget and mid-range hotels. Luxury properties are sparse in the area. However, there are a few for those who have their heart set on a little elegance during their trip to Tauranga. Budget travellers will be well taken care of with numerous motels and backpackers resorts and those looking for a moderately priced hotel will be met with considerable quality.
Luxury
Quest Tauranga Central takes luxury to another level with studio rooms as well as apartments outfitted with luxury fixtures and furnishings.
Hotel on Devonport does modern glamour like no other in Tauranga, and for a price that will make your heart smile. Kingsview Resort and Towers takes luxury to another level with studio rooms as well as apartments outfitted with luxury fixtures and furnishings.
Mid-range
Trinity Wharf Tauranga is bound to exceed your expectations with glorious waterfront dining and incredible views of Tauranga Harbour.
City Suites has studios and apartments at very reasonable rates to suit your travel needs. Hotel on Davenport does modern glamour like no other in Tauranga and for a price that will make your heart smile.
The Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga is bound to exceed your expectations with glorious waterfront dining and incredible views of Tauranga Harbour.
Budget
Hugo and Carters Backpackers and Motel is a motel and a hostel, offering a variety of rooms based on your needs during your stay. You'll find affordable rates and quality accommodation.
Puriri Park Boutique Hotel has studios and apartments at very reasonable rates to suite your travel needs.
The Bell Lodge is a motel and a hostel, offering a variety of rooms based on your needs during your stay. You'll find affordable rates and quality accommodation.
Backpackers
Just the Ducks Nuts Backpackers. This hostel is located just outside of town in a converted country house for optimum comfort.
Mount Backpackers is just two minutes away from the beach and has a breezy, laid-back atmosphere. Just the Ducks Nuts Backpackers. This hostel is located just outside of town in a converted country house for optimum comfort.
Harbourside City Backpackers feels like a tropical paradise with sunny verandas and a breezy, laid-back atmosphere.
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Things to do in Tauranga
By the end of your trip in Tauranga, you'll have quite the sunburn if you don't lather on the sunscreen. Activities in Tauranga focus on outdoor adventures from beach lounging and snorkelling to fishing and boating. Tauranga's natural beauty is just too incredible to stay indoors.
Swim with the dolphins. Snorkelling and diving can be great experiences for many people. But swimming with the dolphins is sure to take the cake. Dolphin Seafaris offers dolphin watching and swimming tours.
The Elms Mission Station House, Te Papa Tauranga, is a great way to see Tauranga as it once was. This historic building has furnishings, outbuildings and gardens that date back to when the structure was built in 1847.
See Tauranga from the Air. A scenic flight to Mount Maunganui is a must-do for thrill seekers. Those with a really tough stomach could also enjoy a tandem sky diving trip.
Tauranga Watersports. Tauranga's proximity to the water makes it a popular spot for those who love water sports. Big game fishing and boating are popular pastimes in Tauranga. Jet-boating and skiing are also a blast.
Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculptures. If you're going to the waterfront in downtown Tauranga, visit the Hairy Maclary sculptures. Author Dame Lynley Dodd spent much of her life in Tauranga and her Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy books are well known throughout the world.
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Day trips in and around Tauranga
Mount Maunganui. Just outside of Tauranga, you'll find beautiful beaches and the incredible Mount Maunganui. You can spend an ideal day making the walk to the summit and taking in the view. You can also take a moment to relax in the Mount Hot Pools at the foot of the mountain.
Tauranga Cruises. With the beautiful ocean calling you from the shore, you're going to want to spend as much time as possible out at sea. You can take a relaxing overnight cruise or go sailing with local cruising charter companies.
The Historic Village is a recreation of historic Tauranga, complete with boutique shops, studios, galleries and artisans.
Matakana Island is a great place to spend the day if white sand beaches are your thing. Take the ferry over for a day of windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, fishing or surfing.
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