The Definitive List of the Top Things to Do in Tauranga, New Zealand

Share This Article

When you think of New Zealand’s North Island, the first thing that comes to mind is beautiful beaches, mountains and surf. Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty region, combines all of those elements into one beautiful destination – which is why it was one of my favorite places to live for three months.

For tourists, it offers a wide variety of unique attractions that celebrate Māori culture, showcase some of the country’s most incredible wildlife, and take visitors on scenic hikes with 360-degree panoramic views. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Tauranga has something for everyone to enjoy and I promise that it’s an unmissable (and underrated) place to include in your North Island itinerary.

We’ve rounded up the top things to do in Tauranga, from paid excursions to free activities, giving you (Bay of) Plenty of options for making the most of your trip – without any more bad puns.

Where to Stay in Tauranga

As in our 4 Best Day Trips from Auckland article, most travelers either stay in hostels or sleep in their rented/owned campervan. If you fall into the former category, then I strongly recommend staying at Wanderlust NZ. Not only is it situated in the heart of Tauranga’s nightlife scene, but the hostel itself has both dorms and private rooms, as well as a welcoming environment and great kitchen facilities.

If you’ve gone down the camper van route, then finding free camping spots is the best way to go. There are a few options in Tauranga, however, I recommend going outside of the city center and parking up at Huharua Park in Omahanui. It’s wonderfully peaceful, with a short five-minute walk providing you with stunning views across the entire bay and an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Before your road trip, you can download the Campermate app to find all the freedom camping spots in the region, as well as paid campsites and public facilities such as toilets and showers.

Things to Do in Tauranga

Hikes

All of the below hikes are within an hour from Tauranga city center, and are suitable for all levels of fitness. Additionally, none of these hikes require a full day of walking, meaning they can be easily slotted into your schedule whether you choose to spend just two days in the Bay of Plenty or a few weeks.

Mount Maunganui (Mauao)

If you’re struggling to prioritize on activities, put this one at the top of your list. Commonly referred to as ‘The Mount’, Mount Maunganui’s extinct volcanic cone is town’s highlight. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, you can choose the challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit, or opt for a circuit around the base.

The summit hike usually takes around an hour, with a lot of uphill, but many beautiful viewpoints to catch your breath. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated with picturesque views of Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty of the vast Pacific Ocean – on clear days, you may even get to watch paragliders jumping off the edge.

For a more relaxed stroll, the base offers a scenic coastal walk with numerous stops to swim in the crystal-clear water. This is also a common area for seal and sea-lion spotting so make sure to bring a camera!

Ōmanawa Falls

Just recently reopened to the public, Ōmanawa Falls is roughly 30 minutes away from Tauranga, and is full of rich heritage and culture. Arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand, this walk takes you through lush native bush and past the country’s first underground hydro-generating power station before leading you to a viewing platform where you can admire the impressive cascade.

There is an optional further viewing platform that takes another 40 minutes, but I personally would skip this one – mainly to save your legs, as there’s a very limited view of the waterfall itself. One important thing to note is that as tempting as the water looks, swimming is strictly prohibited as it is a sacred place.

Papamoa Hills Regional Park

Home to several ancient Māori pa (fortified village) sites, Papamoa Hills Regional Park is full of natural beauty, history and peaceful treks. This hike has a lot of gentle sloping uphill, which takes you across farmland, letting you make friends with many sheep along the way.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with views of Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and even Rotorua on a clear day. If you’re feeling up to it, this is also the perfect sunrise hike to watch The Mount slowly become illuminated by early morning rays in the distance.

Kaiate Falls

Around a 25-minute drive from Tauranga, the Kaiate Falls hike is a short but sweet adventure which takes you through the forest to see the multi-layered waterfalls. During the walk, you’ll reach different sections such as the lower falls where you can jump in for a quick swim, before moving onto the main waterfall.

This was one of my favorite hikes in the Bay of Plenty, especially on a sunny day when you can spend hours cooling off in the swimming holes and listening to the sounds of native New Zealand birds. As with all hikes, remember to take all your rubbish with you as part of the country’s Leave No Trace motto.

Excursions

Dolphin watching tours

One of the most popular activities in the area, Tauranga is perfect for dolphin spotting tours, which are well worth the money. Depending on the nature of the pod, many tours allow you to swim with these magical creatures and watch as they splash all around you.

I was extremely fortunate when I went on this tour, as we also managed to see multiple hammerhead sharks hidden in the water (scary, but very cool). You can find half-day tours on GetYourGuide, with expert crew who will teach you all you need to know about New Zealand’s marine life.

McLaren Falls kayaking trips

As well as visiting McLaren Falls Park for a gentle stroll around the lake, you can also go on a kayaking trip to experience thousands of glowworms in their natural habitat. In the evening, the lake completely transforms as its surrounding rocks are lit up by the tiny creatures. Through a relaxing, guided kayaking tour, this excursion is one of the most peaceful and enchanting things to do in Tauranga.

There are many options for popular evening tours, but if you’ve already seen glowworms, then I recommend opting for a daytime tour to experience the tranquillity of the lake and Mangapapa canyon.

Take a surfing lesson

Mount Maunganui is a quintessential surfing town, and the perfect place to learn if you’re a complete beginner or refine your skills if you’re more comfortable on a board. The main beach offers gentle, consistent waves, making it easy to work on your technique and build your confidence without the fear of bad wipe outs.

As surfing is so popular, there are several choices of surf schools all along the coastline who you can talk with in person to arrange a lesson, or just rent a board. If you have time, you can spend longer in the area to sharpen up your surf skills or go on a multi-day surf camp with Hibiscus Mount Maunganui to get more in-depth instruction.

Tauranga City Center

Stroll along The Strand

Known as the city hotspot, The Stand is a quaint strip along the waterfront with a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as fantastic views across the harbor. For hearty comfort food, CBK Bar and Kitchen is a great choice, serving up delicious burgers, slow-cooked meats, and craft beers in a cozy setting.

While the sun is setting, you can go for a stroll along the walkway lined with palm trees, public art, and seating areas, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the atmosphere.

Tauranga Farmers Market

On Saturday mornings, a trip to Tauranga Farmers Market is a great way to unwind while sampling some of the area’s freshest local produce and artisan food. This became a pretty regular spot for me after a morning park run, where I could reward myself with an oat milk latte and a selection of different cheeses.

The market can be found at Tauranga Primary School between 7:45am and 12:00pm, and while you’re there, be sure to check out the local seafood stalls—because New Zealand seafood is on a whole different level.

---

Read more of our best insights from around the world

• 
  A Flying Visit to Sin City: One Day in Las Vegas
• 
  10 Best Restaurants In Pattaya: Fine-dining, Views and Beachfront Locations
• 
  The Perfect 10 Day Itinerary for Türkiye: History, Culture and Sea
• 
  6 Best Restaurants in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin for 2025
• 
  7 Best Things To Do In Pattaya: 2-Hours From Bangkok!
• 
  Helsinki vs. Stockholm – Deciding Which Baltic Sea Capital to Visit