Things to do in Tauranga
Tauranga is the Bay of Plenty’s biggest city, with a sunny harbour, waterfront dining, waterfalls and parks just minutes from the centre. It’s also the gateway to Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.
Here are our favourite things to do in Tauranga.
Find more ideas in our guides to Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and the wider Bay of Plenty.
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1Tauranga
The Strand waterfront
The Strand is Tauranga’s waterfront strip, lined with restaurants, bars and cafés looking over the harbour to Mauao. The waterfront has playgrounds, open green spaces and a walkway that’s busy on sunny weekends.
Local tip: Come for dinner at sunset, then walk the waterfront.
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2Tauranga
McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park is a large lakeside park a short drive from the city, with walking tracks, picnic spots, waterfalls and beautiful trees that glow with colour in autumn. It’s a favourite for family days out.
Local tip: Bring a picnic and allow a few hours to explore.
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3Welcome Bay
Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls is a set of waterfalls reached by a short bush walk near Welcome Bay. The track follows the stream past several falls and pools.
Local tip: Check local water quality advice before swimming.
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4Te Puna
Te Puna Quarry Park
Built in an old quarry, Te Puna Quarry Park is a community garden with themed gardens, sculptures and views over the harbour. Paths wind up through the old quarry walls.
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5Tauranga
Tauranga Art Gallery
Tauranga Art Gallery, Toi Tauranga, is the city’s public gallery, showing changing exhibitions of New Zealand and international art in the heart of the city.
Local tip: Pair it with lunch on The Strand.
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6Tauranga
The Elms Mission House
The Elms is one of the Bay of Plenty’s most important heritage sites, with a historic mission house, library and gardens overlooking the harbour.
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7Tauranga
Weekend farmers’ market
Tauranga has a popular Saturday morning farmers’ market, with local produce, coffee, baking and street food from Bay of Plenty growers and makers.
Local tip: Get there early for the best pick of produce.
Good to know
Is Tauranga worth visiting?
Yes. Tauranga combines a sunny harbour city with beaches, waterfalls and parks nearby, and Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are right next door.
What is there to do in Tauranga with kids?
McLaren Falls Park, the waterfront playgrounds on The Strand, and the beaches at Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are all great for families.
How far is Mount Maunganui from Tauranga?
Mount Maunganui is part of Tauranga, just across the harbour bridge from the city centre.
Where can I find jobs in Tauranga?
Browse jobs in Tauranga on our job board.
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