Tauranga, a metropolitan hub surrounded by beautiful coastline. Go sailing, fishing or dolphin watching and soak up the stunning coastal environment.
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Central to Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton, and just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui.
Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, as well as a range of accommodation options. Across the road on the water’s edge, tidal stairs bring the harbour literally to your feet and children are easily entertained at the local playground. Imaginations run wild as they clamber over the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures – a story-book scene featuring the beloved characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.
Tauranga’s harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are easy to arrange, or check out one of the local beauty spots – McLaren Falls or the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
